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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  96 Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Familyman - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Windstar new and found the minivan to be a real workhorse. The 3.8 eng is strong and peppy and fun to drive. Plows right thru snow while other Front Wheel drive cars are stuck. Its been extremely reliable, have had only the computer and a timing drive (which caused the computer to fail) replaced. Its got 123,000 and still going strong.

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  96 Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By familyMan - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Windstar new and found the minivan to be a real workhorse. The 3.8 eng is strong and peppy and fun to drive. Plows right thru snow while other Front Wheel drive cars are stuck. Its been extremely reliable, have had only the computer and a timing drive (which caused the computer to fail) replaced. Its got 123,000 and still going strong.

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  Piece of Junk!!! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By dissatisfied - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Transmission rehauled twice (43K and 93K). Head gasket bad at 42K. Air conditioning problems (twice). Engine mounts went bad 93K. Struts bad at 80K.

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  Piece of Junk!!! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Dissatisfied - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Transmission rehauled twice (43K and 93K). Head gasket bad at 42K. Air conditioning problems (twice). Engine mounts went bad 93K. Struts bad at 80K.

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  Noisey Serpentine Belt - 1999 Ford F-150
  By captainb - October 4 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. Great ride, decent mileage, good looking, and am satisfied. My only complaint is a noisey serpentine belt. It started making this horrible noise one day, that sounded like lifter noise. My mechanic smeared some silicon goo on the belt and it istantly stopped making the noise. Now I have my own tube of silicon goo (A grease I think)and every couple weeks I pop the hood and smear a little goo on the belt and ride in the quiet Im used to. Anybody have a real fix for this problem ? Do you suppose an aftermarket belt would solve the problem ? Or would a OEM replacement work ? Or would I have the same old problem ?

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  WOW - New King Ranch 4WD Supercrew - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Doug - October 3 - 2:35 pm

  Ill start by saying I rarely write reviews for anything, but this truck is really exceptional. I have researched all the competitors for months, and have owned many trucks in the past (Avalanche, Silverados, just came out of a 2014 Expedition). Let me say Ford really nailed it with this truck! It is beyond comfortable, easy to drive, the technology is just amazing, and it looks fantastic. The Ecoboost engine is unbelievably quick (Edmunds did not have a selection for a King Ranch Ecoboost for the review). Just towed my 24ft camper with it easily. My only wish is although I love the full sunroof I would have preferred an option for a smaller one to be able to put in an overhead DVD player, but thats very minor. The rear seats fold up with one touch and the fold flat floor is great. The massaging seats really sold my wife on it. Showed it off to family and they were simply amazed. Would like to see Ford incorporate the coil springs like the Ram but the ride is really decent, not at all as jittery as many reviews make it sound. The Avalanche had a great ride and this is very comparable. Dont hesitate to buy this truck, no other comes close.

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  F-150 FX4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By JLA - October 3 - 9:16 am

  This is a do all type truck. It has the looks of a luxury SUV on the inside and the rugged go anywhere 4WD look on the outside. It serves as a pseudo "mom-mobile" but dad still looks cool towing a boat. And if you need to haul a load of anything it does the job as long as it is not too big.

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  A Great Car!!!!! - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jason Yetley - October 3 - 2:00 am

  152,000 miles and no major problems....only regular maintance needed. The car has power, style and is very economical to drive. I love it.

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  True Blue The Roaming Ranger - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By cakinsey - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck has deleverd pizzas, pulled crew-cab longe bed duellies out of sand and moved me around the great state of texas for more that three years. Just now rolling over 166,000 miles I am starting to have trouble with the second clutch. I must say that this little truck is one of the best investments I have ever made. I have collided head on with a wood post metal rail guardrail at 45 mph and just broke the supports to the guardrail. I have taken the motor over 5500 rpm countless times while spanking small import cars with flashy bodywork. Only small repairs, such as a waterpump at 145,000, and the normal tune up and brake jobs needed.

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  The worst car Ive ever had - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By pikepaul22 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used and had nothing but issues. Issues like 3 transmissions in three months. This car was absolutely pathetic, and I will never buy another Ford after this horrible experience.