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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  Wish I Could Buy a New One - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By BRuff - October 3 - 2:00 am

  115K and only unscheduled repairs have been tie rod ends and an A/C compressor. Tuned up at 85K when gas mileage dropped a bit. This is only Aerostar Ive seen with a manual transmission and this probably helps with fuel consumption which is a steady 19-20 around town and 24 on the road (I record every fillup). Fun to drive? - absolutely not. Comfortable? - reasonably so. Practical? - very much so. Would I buy another one? - Oh if I only could. If Ford still built th Aerostar, I would be in shopping for a new one today.

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  "THE EXCURSION EXPERIENCE" - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By jerry brittain - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Ford has really out done themseleves with this vehicle. I remeber when it first came out. everyone including myself said it was way too big of a vehicle. Since actually purchasing one couldnt be happier. It fulfills all of our family needs. We espicailly like the way the vehicle can comfortably seat all of our children and their friends on ocassion. We also really enjoy driving the vehicle. for as large as it is it is extremely easy to drive.

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  Dont buy it - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ryan - October 2 - 5:00 pm

  Lets see. At 15,000 miles i had to get new brakes and throttle body. At 45,000 miles I already replaced the oxygen sensor twice. I had to replace the shocks twice. The air conditioner broke, the heat sometimes worked, the wipers sometimes worked. At 73,000 I had to replace the transmission. At 74,000 my brakes failed. (They wouldnt work at all).

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  Worse transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Joe - October 2 - 11:39 am

  Transmission on it is so poor if you rely on a car as much as I do you would probably stay away from this one . I was lucky I was not far from home . I was driving down the road and the transmission started slipping . I got home and had no reverse gear at all . That car left me completely stranded . Who ever`s idea of the Power Shift 6- speed transmission was , was not much of a contributor to strategic Air Power like General Curtis E. Lemay . As soon as the space weather confirms its okay launch , call in an SLBM strike from a Ballistic Missile Submarine on a Ford Focus Power Shift 6 speed transmission facility from SSBN734 . I would never want to drink the same water as [non-permissible content removed] over at the Ford Motor Company drinks . When I got my 2014 Ford Focus back , I noticed a splash guard missing from under the front of the car .

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  Love The Sport Trac - 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JRSactown - October 2 - 9:20 am

  Purchased brand new white 09 Sport Trac XLT 4x2, sync/sunroof, over labor day 2009. Truck is perfect for those who want a smoother ride and do not need a huge cargo bed. Plenty of room for 5. Have put 3,000 miles and no issues, rides very nice and getting decent gas mileage, about 18 MPG overall city/hwy. Paid $21,000+ Tax/License

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  I love this car. - 1992 Ford Festiva
  By Scott in Alaska - October 2 - 2:00 am

  My first car I bought all by myself. It has been very reliable here in Alaska, I use studs in the winter and the car can go just about any where in the city. Hill, ice no real problems.... if the snow is more than a foot on the ground it does not do that good.... I use it in the summer most of the time, for when friends come up to visit.

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  Would do it again... - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Lover - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new in 94 and have had it serviced according to the Manual. Now have 201K on same engine. Brakes done twice, new clutch, second timing belt, second set of shocks/struts. Great truck!

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  Old Faithful - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By LoveMyTaurus - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I learned to drive on my parents 1995 Ford Taurus GL and I loved the thing. It would take the abuse and ask for more. I bought my own 1994 LX this past February and Im thrilled with it. I have a car with leather, sunroof, power everything, chrome wheels for a cheap price. I drive my taurus everyday and back and forth between NY and PA. Ive driven it to SC and back loaded with luggage and passengers in 100 degree weather, no troubles. The only thing repaired on this vehicle was a transmission sensor.

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  great car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By cecil - October 2 - 2:00 am

  very nice car to drive one of the best cars ford ever came out with

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  Wish I had my TAHOE Z71 back - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Sandra Kemp - October 1 - 8:13 pm

  I purchased the hybrid solely because of the price of gas; approaching $5/gal. I was driving a Tahoe Z71 that had a 25 gal. tank that I had to fillup every 5-6 days. I came from a Cadillac to a geo. When I accelerate up a hill it sounds like a cheap sewing machine; unbearable. The interior carpet and leatherette seats are cheaply made. I had to brake quickly the other evening and slid sideways. No traction.