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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  Relentlessly Reliable - 1990 Ford Probe
  By gch - September 15 - 2:00 am

  225,000 and still going. One owner. Has its wear and tear, but the Mazda made engine is relentlessly rugged. The Ford body and interior and electrical had some issues. But this car has gone far beyond the call of duty. I may be donating it within a week or two....looking at the used mid to upper end market now....maybe something with a Mazda engine.

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  Looks can be deceiving! - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By jstar - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ford aspire a little over a year ago with the intention of it lasting a few years. boy was I wrong!!! The car looked great appearance wise, but after two weeks of driving it everything started to go wrong!!! It stalls when I stop at a stop light, it stalls trying to go up hills at too slow a speed... its a nightmare to drive!! on the upside... when i moved into my apartment i fit almost all of by boxes into it!!!

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  im disapointed - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Chris Clattenburg - September 15 - 2:00 am

  i bought this vehicle from my friend who was moving but had bought his truck 6 months earlier.It has bad fuel mileage and I already had to get a new power steering pump and I had to get a newfan belt.It just isnt performing the way a 1998 truck should .I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone that doesnt like sitting on the side of the highway waiting for road side assistance.I just sold the truck and I will never buy another one in my life.

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  Love It! :) - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Cathy - September 14 - 8:00 am

  Oh my gosh! I cant put into words how this Mustang has lived up to my expectations - Ive been a Mustang lover for many years and finally now own a new one (owned a 65 in the mid 80s). Oh my gosh! Its amazing - solid, GORGEOUS, FAST! Everything the legend is known for plus the creature comforts of our modern age. Kudos to Ford - I think they designed this car just for me! :) Oh my gosh! AMAZING! I just brought it home today and keep going out into the garage about every 5- 10 minutes...its that good!

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  Great SUV, High priced - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Patrick - September 14 - 5:55 am

  Easy to get in and out of, lots of room, no maintenace problems, Value drops off the lot, resale terrible pricing

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  Good, solid truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By DrMagee - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I knew the previous owner. It has always been reliable for him. It also hasnt let me down either. Decent ride, decent mileage. Just a good solid truck overall.

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  Best sports car EVER - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Kuja210 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I used to own a mazda, but when i bought my Mustang it totally blew the mazda out of the water. I never would have expected such performance out of a V6 but I was wrong. Great handling, excellent reliability. This car is so much faster than my old mazda i will always buy Mustangs from now on!!

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  2002 TAURUS LX SEDAN - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By happy buyer - September 13 - 2:30 pm

  A GREAT CAR TO BUY. NO SUPRISES HERE, JUST SOLID VALUE.AND WITH THE REBATES YOU CAN GET ONE AT THOUSANDS BELOW DEALER COST. YOU CANT LOSE ON THIS ONE. JUST AVOID FIRESTONE TIRES.TRULY A SOLID PURCHASE.

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  Poor - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Moses - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it mom and dad got it for me they bought it saterday night at 9 pm i drove it for 2 hours the next morring i washed it and drove it down the street and the clutch went out on my they will not alow us to get a nother on it only had 144 miles and we had it less then 12 hours and had to get it tow and they are fixxing it for free but this is the only one this happen to and the first one they are fixing should i be worred email hellfire3929@msn.com

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  Right size & Fun to Drive - 2005 Ford Escape
  By arateus - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2005 Escape Limited 4WD for 3 months now and absolutely love it. It is a lease, but Im already planning to buy it when the lease comes up. It is the perfect size for communting and still has plenty of room to haul people or goods. The power to weight ratio makes it a blast to drive, and it is especially nimble off-road. The vehicle feels rugged and solid and I feel like it is a very good value for the money. Ill cover the main likes/dislikes in the next 2 sections, but the bottom line is I would buy this vehicle again in a heartbeat.