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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  Nice vehicle - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By WisconsinGal - August 24 - 7:16 am

  Purchased the SEL in March of 2006. Have yet to see 29 miles to the gallon. 24 at best. Vehicle has some type of wheel problem. theyve replaced links and flushed steering column (no idea why). However, the problem with the wheel - persistent steering wheel shakes and the noise is so loud I have to turn my radio up just to hear it. Not the car I bought back in March. Computer odometer seems to be off will have them look at that as well.

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  id like a new car but i cant afford on - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By cagirlcal - August 24 - 2:00 am

  my car ran great for the first 8 or 9 months that ive had it and I try to keep it service on a regular basis, but now its started shaking in the front end and pulls hard to the left.

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  Terrible transmission & warranty - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Kyle - August 23 - 5:16 pm

  I bought a 2014 Ford fusion, with 33,000 miles on it. Less then a week owning it & the transmission started slipping while accelerating & slamming into reverse. Took it to a Ford dealer & I was told it needed a new transmission. Instead of replacing it though, they replaced parts in it for 2 months.. Which never solved the problem. Ford kept calling & saying it was fixed, but when we would test drive it, the SAME PROBLEMS existed. Ford direct was of no help. After 2 months of Ford having my car, they finally replaced the transmission, but the slipping between gears STILL exists. The warranty on these cars is a joke.. Ford had replaced numerous parts to no avail, had engineering involved to no avail, and finally had a regional technician drive the car & order a new transmission. Dont buy a Ford. The time, the hassle, the inconvenience was NOT worth it. No one at Ford took responsibility for the delay and even said "weve never seen it take this long for repairs before.." but STILL took even longer. Completely incompetent company. The Ford regional service lady even got involved after 2 weeks, and promised to speed things along & keep me informed but again- she had no information, no solutions & the problem was still prolonged.

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  Awesome ,afordable, fun - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Bigpapa - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 1992 5.0L mustang for 5 years know and I have yet to have any mechanical problem except for a blown fuse. My parents Mercedes adn toyota 4- runner had more problems then my stang. Besides the lack of putting extra money in this vechile is a blast to drive and anybody who has owned a Mustang know anybody else who owns one will give you props or a head nod when you drive around them. (Mustang Love) Anyway I just wanted to say I love my Mustang and you will Love your too!!!

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  1996 ford ranger xlt - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By john mcvey - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased vehicle from original owner with approximately 33000 miles on it. Majority of my driving was local with some trips of 100 miles each way. Ride and handling are very comfortable. Dependability is very good. Unfortunately with the small v-6 the gas mileage is horrible. The best it can get on the highway at cruise is 16 MPG, around town it drops to about 13- 14 MPG

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  eddie bauer expedition - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By keith ingram - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Expedition is an awesome travelling vessel. It is spacious, distinctive and comes from the factory looking great with chrome wheels, leather, above average factory sound system. The third seat snaps up a lot easier than the newer models (I found in the newer models the third seat goes down easy, but is difficult to get back up). The color selections available make it hard to choose "the right color" because all colors look great. We Love our Expedition.

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  excellent truck! - 1998 Ford F-150
  By nascar98 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1998 NASCAR edition new, after 3 1/2 years all I have replaced is the temp control knob. This is the best built truck I have ever owned

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1997 Ford Probe
  By WXYZ - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Seriously. This is the best car Ive owned out of the 8 I have. I bought it new and Ive yet to have a mechanical problem with it!!!! I take very good care of it and it takes care of me. The styling is great. The car handles like no other and the Manual Transaxle shifts like a dream! I would highly recommend one if you can find one that wasnt abused!

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  Winnie Rocks !!! - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By evines - August 23 - 2:00 am

  "Winnie" has been the family workhorse for five-plus years without a problem. Strict preventative maintenance has proven to be sucessful during the past 50K+ miles. Hope same will avoid head gasket and transmission issues during the next 50K miles... Did buy an extended warranty in case problems arise to the 100K mark... Wife hauls kids, plants, small trees, even a tent trailer with ease. Plenty of guts when power is needed.

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  my t-bird - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By Deven Olsen - August 23 - 2:00 am

  this car has alot of work done to it. it had a new starter, alternator, battery, transmission, rear axle, and some more. it is in the shop for a mew tire now. i hade baught the car at 25,000 kms (19,250mi.) and now it has 45,000 kms (34,615mi.) i have did the rocker panels when i baught it. it is a really nice car!!