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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  95 Mustang GT...MODIFIED - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Nihilation - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 95 GT Coupe with 107,000 miles on it for $4800. It was in dire need of a detail job which I did myself in a day. This is my third Mustang, I previously owned a 85 and a 91, both with the 5.0L v8. Im into performance and for the money a 302 based Mustang can not be beat. Aftermarket is huge, the car will EASILY go 300,000 miles with regular maintanence and a bit of care. Both of my other stangs had over 200,000 miles on the odometer when I sold them. I will never buy another american car other than a 87-95 Mustang!

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  My 1993 Ford Ranger - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Frank Valdez - October 1 - 2:00 am

  My 1993 Ford Ranger is red and has an extended cab. It has good tiers. Have recently put a new fan clutch as well as a new fan. Recently I installed a front grill. The paint is good. It also has a good V6 engine. The transmission needs work but it is usesable. It could go for another 10,000 miles if not more depending on the treatment.

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  FAULTY THROTTLE BODY - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Christine - September 30 - 7:19 am

  I got my 2016 Ford Explorer in mid August of last year. Today (Saturday) as I was driving home from errands on a busy street, the Explorer started to shimmy, engine light came on and I was basically without power. I "limped" home, called a tow truck and had it brought in to the dealership. It has 8,200 miles on it and I havent had it for a year yet and the thing crapped out on me!! Thank God this didnt happen to me as I was driving on a busy Los Angeles Freeway like I do during the week!!! I could have been seriously injured or killed due to the vehicle dying on me and someone slamming in to me. The service guy at the dealership told me that hes had a boatload of 2016 Explorers come in with the same problem and that a recall should be coming soon. That tells me right there that Ford is liable. I mean really Ford, youve known about this throttle body problem for a while now. Someone is going to be killed or seriously hurt because of this defect. Is that what youre waiting for?!

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Cathy - September 30 - 3:16 am

  My 99 Chrysler 300M was totaled in April and I was looking for a SAFE, reliable and comfortable replacement car. We looked at the 300s, Acura TL (nice$$) Toyota Avalon (nice$$) Lincoln Zephyr (nice$$). I am not used to car payments and really didnt want to pay the $$$ that these cars would have cost me. There are few frills, but plenty of room, pep and great fuel economy. Small car handling, large car room...great performance on daily expressway driving. The price was great and I am very happy with this car!

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  Bad Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By SVTsnakedrvr - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 3 months and this thing will smole porsches for less than half th price. Without a doubt it is th ebest bang for the buck.

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  Hard to say goodbye - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Nort - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I think it says a lot for this vehicle that other than the fact we have abused the exterior over the years, there is no common sense reason to let her go.

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  Used but not abused - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Gunny - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Expedition when it was nearly 4 years old and had 60K miles on it. I tow an 8,000lb trailer thats really a little too much for the truck, but I take it easy and the truck does fine. I got the hitch replaced as part of a recall and have regular maintenance done. The truck is a gem and Ill be disapointed to part with it when I finally do trade it in.

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  Look again - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By farealjace - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The numerous dual tier layers of storage in the doors. The stnd. fold and flip third row seat with the tailgating feature. Storage tub in the rear, it helps avoid groceries from rolling all over the vehicle when suddenly braking. ABS and 4 wheel disc brakes are a standard feature. Its also very easy to enter the third row seat from the second row unlike the Caravan. And the seats fold forward easily without using cheap tethers. And as far as performance this is the first one Ive seen with a 4.2 liter engine. It rides like a dream.

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  taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By roc - September 30 - 2:00 am

  since we purchased our taurus my wife and i really enjoy getting out and driving. the gas mileage could be better but the comfort of the ride makes up for the mileage

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  Mixed Review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pjl275 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Nice riding SUV, very roomy compared to others in class. Handles very well and love the independent rear suspension. V-8 has good power, with lots of V-8 noise on acceleration. Transmission tends to bang when slowing to a stop when going downhill (tries to upshift). Too many rattles, the doors and entire cargo area seem to rattle. Will take to dealer soon, perhaps hatch is rattling. If it did not rattle so much, I would recommend. Runs on reg gas.