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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  Good Truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By megamorgan - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Good light work truck... good towing and hauling. Solid on long trips. Minor repairs neccessary on ignition and some seals... all covered by warranty. A/C could be better.

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  Lesson Learned - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Toolbox - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been a Ford owner for over 45 years and have been totally turned off by this lemon. I replaced the trans. at 89000 miles. The factory rebuilt lasted just over 30000 and is not repairable. The car has had an overheating problem for most of its life,The timing belt has been replaced twice and the timing belt idler pulley exploded causing another replacement. I am now the proud owner of a car worth just over $3,000 needing over $3,000 worth of transmission work. Will I repair it "NO" will I buy another Ford "NO". Ford should apologize and make restitution to owners of these lemons. By the way I now own a Saturn and I love it!

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  The Fun Ends - 1995 Ford Contour
  By mpb - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. Unfortunately, starting at about 85,000 miles, the problems begin. Everything from the usual Ford repairs (wheel bearings, recalls, etc) to more expensive engine repairs, which surprised me given Fords lauding of the V6 engine. Two years ago a Ford service manager told me the Countour was not mechanically sound. Now I know what he was talking about.

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  Overpriced - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Chris Edwards - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great looking convetible, but way too much money! My Sebring was just as much fun at half the price. I used to be impressed by the Jaguars too, but then again, it was pointed out to me that for $50,000 even Yugo can build a good looking car.

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  Granny Tranny - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By madashell - August 26 - 8:56 pm

  Every piece of plastic has hit the floor or gone out the door on this thing. Thats not the clincher. With less than 30k on this animal, I am replacing the transmission. The dealer wouldnt budge on the $3500 repair. This is the last in a series of repairs. Im trading it in for a Chevy Express.

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  Fords Best Kept Secret - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Dennis - August 26 - 5:50 am

  We just made a 2100 mile trip with sun, rain, and wind on steep winding roads. The handling was great with the AWD. Easy and comfortable to drive in town and on the interstate.

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  it broke my heart - 1990 Ford Escort
  By dontbuyanoldFord - August 26 - 2:00 am

  It was my first car. There was a little bit more than 100,000 miles on it when I bought it and it was 12 years old. The engine began to rattle after about three months. Then the ignition module broke down. The starter was changed as well. About four months after the purchase the "check engine" light came on. It just could not pick up any speed. The mechanic said it burns oil and is not worth further investment. I was heart- broken. I also found out that I bought it from an unofficial dealer. He must have known the engine was worn out. It was a waste of money and a lot of time at the mechanics.

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  Ford Escort 1995 2 Dr HatchBack - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Khan - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Its a very nice car, a powerful baby u can depend upon. Got a good road grip, nice steeting, powerful roaring engine & with manual shifting its way too coooool.

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  Rockin Ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By mrs. hall - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun truck! Only been in the shop twice in its 60K miles (defective thermostat). With good care I expect at least 140K out of this truck. Interior design is very functional, controls easy to reach, seating very comfy. Definately has typical truck- like suspension ( you feel every bump! ) but its a small price to pay for a great truck!

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  Good - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Jay Santasiero - August 25 - 8:48 pm