Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

• 

  cheap car - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By The Mann - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Well, I bought this car because it was inexpensive. Right after I got it, it started getting all kind of leaks. The CV joints went bad though the boots were good. The motor, tranny, and power steering all had minor leaks. The AWD didnt work, the car got bad mileage, and the door handles ALL fell off. The radiator fan needed replacement, along with numerous sensors. The auto front belts were slow and noisy. Chaep car. Avoid these even if theyre inexpensive and look nice.

• 

  My 99 Taurus SE Comfort Sport Sedan - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By kevin sigillito - November 29 - 2:00 am

  My Taurus is a good handling all around performer. The 96-99 bodystyle has the latest revised sheet metal edition beaten hands down. I would recommend the 24 valve twin can engine over the standard vulcan engine..Both engines are of high quality, but the twin cam is by far the most fun to drive..Comfort is good in all seating postions of the five passenger SE. The bucket seats are very supportive and the power adjustable drive seat is a real joy...A 96-99 Taurus with low miles and in good physical condtion makes for an excellent and sporty used car value..

• 

  practical and reliable - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By jt94093 - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Solid vehicle. Have not had any major problems, but just had to replace multi-function switch at $230.

• 

  Love This Car! - 1995 Ford Probe
  By asdlkfjalsdf - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Big Probe Fan! Absolutley love my car!

• 

  Ten years old and still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By lifer - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this truck for ten years and have never had a major problem other than the usual upkeep items such as breaks, tires, belts, etc. I use the vehicle on a daily basis and it is still very reliable.

• 

  personal oppinion of 87 year old driver - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By nfdeminco - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 19000 miles on it I have driven it ever since with no nechanical problems. It does ride rather stiff but fuel economy is very good and reaction is very good though it only a four cylinder with dual ignition and overdrice. I do think undercarriage is more susceptible to road salts deterioration than usual. Should have better frame rust protection.

• 

  Our 2013 Ford C-Max Horror Story with Kelowna Ford Lincoln - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By texerta - November 28 - 6:26 am

  We purchased this car about a month ago and we purchased it because Kelowna Ford had huge banners in the windshield of the car claiming that is got 71 MPG in the city and 69 MPG on the highway and the best we have ever gotten out of it was 40.5 MPG while driving the car very easily and gently, a far cry from 71 MPG. Even in Ford Canadas brochure on the front page they claim that the car gets 71 in the city and 69 on the highway which is a bold face lie. How much more of this crap and outright lies and deceptions are we supposed to put up with from the Kelowna Fords and the Ford Canadas of this world before we say enough is en

• 

  Life is Great! - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Corky - November 28 - 3:13 am

  Sure is nice to know that it does not get any better than this car. Great power, great quality, and a very fair price.

• 

  Practical Transportation - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By bwstewart - November 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a mixed experience. Bought it 3 years old, 32k miles. Wifes friend blew the engine a year later, idled too long on a 100F day. new engine runs better than the old one. Rear outboard seatbelt doesnt work all the time. Third row seat is very clever, good for kids. Lots of cargo capacity and better handling than a minivan.

• 

  Runs Well at 78K Miles - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By WIN STAR - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned our Windstar for 5+ years now. I know that people have had problems with them. Our only major one was the tailgate lock failing and having to be replaced. Bought it with 29K miles from a local dealer. The faux leather interior, sound system, All-Trac and load level features continue to make this a pleasure to drive.