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:

• 

  Transit in Service - 2011 Ford Transit Connect
  By dailybit - August 4 - 10:35 am

  We are a Commercial Bakery, servicing 3 close linked towns and their "eateries". Our Transit has performed flawlessly 6 days a week for two and a half years ( West Coast Canada). We replaced a 3/4 Ton full size V8 with this Transit Connect. We carry approx. 750-900 lbs. per trip, three trips a day. Terrain is varied but all pavement. The monthly savings in fuel pays half the truck payment. Maintenance has been minimal, biggest concern a leaking door seal replaced under warranty. As an owner I have 4 decades of fleet experience in the movement of goods across Canada; Agricultural and Mining heavy hauling fleets. As a small business owner this vehicle is a gem with a tiny carbon footprint.

• 

  POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By STEVE - August 4 - 8:53 am

  HORRIBLE ROAD NOISE. GETTING LESS THAN 10 MILES PER GALLON FUEL ECONOMY. OVERALL A VERY POOR VEHICLE TO OWN. I BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE USING THE NEW BODY STYLE TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE IS FIXED, BUT IN ALL ACTUALITY THE VEHICLE IS MORE POORLY MADE NOW THAN IT WAS BACK WITH THE 2000 BODY STYLE.

• 

  Last Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Gersey Jim - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased USED,had 25000 on odometer. Enemic engine to say the least. Screams on the interstate, with a moderate load Im being passed by 18 wheelers, with my foot mashed to the firewall. I always thought Ford made the Ranger but Im now convinced Mazda makes it. One can not compare it to the Chevie S-10, Ive owned three S-10 and this is my First and Last Ranger. The Chevie V-6 is twice the engine the Ranger has... As for creature comforts, Ford should borrow an S-10 and maybe copy half their interior design, starting with ease of getting into the back of the extended cab.Do yourself a favor, Drive an S-10 then the Ranger, you wont go Ford, I promise you.

• 

  Good little truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By truck - August 4 - 2:00 am

  No problems with this truck at all

• 

  Happy as can be expected - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By lukeg - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I was real impressed with this car the first time I drove it. It is much more comfortable than a camaro, in interior design and ride. The design is much more inviting and the seats, which may not slide back for enough offers a very relaxing feel. The car lacks in horsepower, but still has enough power to make me smile when I nail it. Gas mileage is unimpressive, but on the highway on long trips, it is much better than expeceted, in the mid 20s. The noise level is very low. Overall, I think it was a good buy, especially due to all the heads it still turns, even at 6 years old with 90k.

• 

  best car i ever owned - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By oltraviolince - August 4 - 2:00 am

  i love this car if you dont have one get one i absolutely adore it!

• 

  Crappy Transmission as always.... - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By k1124 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I worked for a company that gave me a free company car every year (20 in all). In 2001 I was laid off and needed a car quickly so I purchsed my company car at 26M. Now at 45M the transmission shutters from 3-4th gear. Every Winstar I ever had (6 in total) had a shuttering transmission. I thought by now they would have fixed it. Other than that its been reliable.

• 

  my piece of junk - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By kill me now - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This van is a piece of junk,gasket problems,brakes,3 sets no less,speedometer busted,tires trashed way to much,transmission is a concern now.Run dont walk from this van. The really sad thing is that we still owe money on this piece of crap.

• 

  Great First Car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By SimbaTLion - August 4 - 2:00 am

  The Escort runs great at 109,000 miles on it. It is a bit sluggish accelerating, and it takes about 4 seconds to get to 40 mph on the highway. The car needs bigger cup holders, because they only fit soda cans. The Hazard flasher button is stupidly placed behind the steering column, but otherwise the controls are fine. I get about 370 miles on one tank of gas, and this is stop and go traffic to work. Overall it is a great car for a new driver, and very economical.

• 

  Worst Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By LAV - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Definitely a Monday or Friday car. Ford and the UAW should be ashamed of themselves for manufacturing my particular bucket of bolts. Terrible transmission was replaced at 5,000 mi. and is still clunky. Exterior plastic trim has faded. Lots of little things go wrong constantly like rear wiper motor, radio, compass, mirrors. Lotys of things have gone lose with screws, trim, fan motors etc. Very sqeeky ride. Its an overpriced pickup truck with extra seats. Would be perfect vehicle if it add an extra 6 inches behind 3rd rear seat and was built like a Toyota. In summary, American made hunk of junk