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:

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  92 Bronco Good, but - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By RonS - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Have had vehicle 10+ years, and 86000 miles, and have been very happy with it. Its best feature is that with only one exception, it has been very reliable, held up well, and been fun to drive. The unusual reliability feature is that the fuel pumps go every 25-30,000 miles. Am on the 3rd one now. The cost has gone up each time, the latest being about $600 to replace, due to its being in-tank taking much labor, plus its an expensive part. Too bad they dont make it anymore, as its a vey easy to maneuver vehicle,

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  Biggest Bang for the Buck - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Dawey - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my EGT in early 2001 and loved every moment I owned it (up untill a TAXI wrote it off, you bastard). The car is a BLAST to drive (if you drive it normally your happy, if you like to have a bit of FUN with your car then youll be laughing, Trust me). The car accelerates VERY good for a compact (thanks to the Mazda engine) and it handles very well (thanks to 4 wheel independent suspension). Braking is phenomenal (thanks to 4 wheel disc brakes). All in all, if your gonna buy one, look to see if it was taken care of (oil changes, regular maintenance, and stuff like that). Take care of it if your get one and you wont be disappointed. Trust me.

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  Hard to let Go - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By N Smith - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I am passing on my 1994 V8 Tbird to my daughters fiancee and hate to let it go. Purchased new in 1994, it has been the very best vehicle I ever owned. I changed the oil every 3,000 miles and other than brakes and tires maintenance has been minimal. My only complaint was the lack of cup holders. Hope my new vehicle performs as well as the TBird. Ford sure made a good one.

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  great car!!!!! - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By eds94tbirdsc - November 18 - 2:00 am

  This was a car that I always wanted to own . I was considering a lot of different vehicles until I seen this one in an add . I also found out it was 1 0f only 722 made in 94 . Love my car.

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  none - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Gregg Galvez - November 18 - 1:49 am

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  Negotiate! - 2017 Ford F-150
  By elizabeth mccormack - November 17 - 12:44 pm

  F-150 SuperCab XLT 4WD 5.0L 8cyl, Tow Package and 302 option package included. MSRP was $45,910.00 and paid $34,250.00 out the door (price included tax, title and Processing Fees)

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  96 T-Bird LX V8 - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By mpn69 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I have always loved the looks of the BMW 6 series coupes. When Ford 1st came out with this body style of the bird I immediatly saw a less expensive alternitive with most of the styling cues of the BMW. I love the power of the 4.6 Lt. V8 and the decent fuel milage for a car this big. My bird has had its share of mecanical problems starting after I bought it used. So far: Altinator, warped brake rotors, leaky power steering pump, rough shifting transmission, failed odometer and a general poor build quility

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  Great Value - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Stangs4Me - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Mustang as my first car. It is a great value for your money and a stylish car at that. It isnt bad for fuel economy with its large 3.8L engine. I recommend.

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  Diesel option well worth it. - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By jogiba - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The diesel option on the Excursion is well worth it since it helps it get the highest fuel mileage of any full size SUV.

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  Premium sedan feel for an affordable price - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Andrew - November 16 - 11:18 am

  Overall I enjoy driving this car. I drive this about 70 miles per day with my commute and have driven on long trips also. Its a very good driving car. Visibility is good and acceleration is ample for merging and passing, etc. The AWD works perfect in snowy conditions along with proper snow tires. I always get compliments on the look of the exterior and interior. My biggest complaint is the functionality of the headlights. Even with the Titanium trim, halogen lights are standard and do not believe HID is an option. Headlights are not bright and do not project well, at all. I always have the fog lamps on to supplement the lack of light. After purchase I did replace the OEM lamps with Sylvania Silverstars to help. Test drive this car at night to be sure you can deal with this problem.