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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  Satisfied - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By dmr - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Have had vehicle for 4 years with little or no problems with the exception of a front door clip breaking loose on the door. Power for body size is very good. Mileage combined city/hwy. about 22-24 mpg. No major mechanical problems. All parts or original. I would reccommend this vehicle for a family member/close friend based on my experience with the vehicle.

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  TRANSMISSION - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By agappraiser - August 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car new, off the lot, and have had normal use and maintenance on the vehicle. No off roading, or extreme towing. Yet there have had 2 bouts of transmission service. The first at just over 90,000 miles on the odometer and the second job within 2 years and 20,000 added miles. The "Ford tuff truck" is the image of the older truck chaise Explorer that could be used both for tough utility purposes as well as a passanger vehicle. Yet the power train did not last with basic to & from work city style driving.

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  Edges out the competition - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Phyllis Gates - July 31 - 4:04 pm

  Look at the various packages before you buy. Combining them the right way can give you substantial savings.

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  Great car! Very practical and fun to drive. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By John McIlnay - July 31 - 8:38 am

  Early Ford Focus wagons (2002-2004) are hidden gems. There are well-made, fun to drive, get good gas mileage, and have a huge caring capacity, especially when the backseats are folded down. Ive owned mine for seven years and over 100,000 miles. I record every fill up and over that time Ive averaged 27 miles per gallon. That includes mostly city driving and also Illinois winter conditions. On road trips Ive gotten 30 MPG. Ive had almost 20 cars and the Focus wagon, all things considered, has been the best.

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  Awesome - 2007 Ford Edge
  By sthames - July 31 - 6:56 am

  We have been shopping for a midsize SUV and have driven the Murano & Mazda CX-7. Both were nice but the Edge was far ahead on quality, ride, appearance and performance. The Edge is a solid ride with 18inch tires that smooths out bumps and noise. It really moves with the 265hp 3.5 ltr engine and it is an exciting vehicle to drive. This is a head turner with plenty of usable features. The Panoramic Vista Roof is awesome. We are looking forward to our first road trip.

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  Dans Review - 1995 Ford Contour
  By dannation - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The Vehicle has been very reliable. Its great to drive and looks nice. Ive had very few problems with the car, and yes, I know it IS a Ford.

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  Thunderbird Myth - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Minninger - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The best $20,000 car Ive ever owned. Been a Ford person my entire life, but Ford missed it on this one. No engine power, transmission shifts when it wants (can not manually shift), engine hesitates terribly on downshifts, seats are made for someone twice as wide (no lateral support), suspension compromises wont make anyone happy. Clearcoat layer of paint was incomplete (looks like an amatuer did it). Door and trunk fit falls short of even Ford Focus standards. My 1994 Thunderbird, with more than 125,000 miles is twice the car at less than half the original price. How do you rate Reliability on a car with less than 4000 miles?

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  Air conditioning condenser POOR - 1999 Ford F-150
  By jusjoseph - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle drives well, hauls well, tows well. In fact the only problem is the air conditoning condenser is going on it after only 3 years. It is over the warranty so one is stuck for $1000.00 job every couple of years if you live down south. It will last longer up north. Ford hasnt returned any of my calls on this matter.

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  Great Little Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By irmen - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I am just finishing up my 2nd lease of a Ranger and would recommend it to anyone. They are great little trucks - they are not off-roaders, but thats not what I was looking for. It sits great, feels great, and has had no problems at all. Granted, I have not put it through the ringer, but for getting around town, long road trips, and moving several times, it has been wonderful!

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  Buy with Caution - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Phoenix30 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This is not a vehicle to buy if you have no other mode of transportation. It handles beautifully in ideal conditions (i.e. dry roads) but is truly awful in all others. If you tend to punch the gas on take off, as I do, the tires will just spin if the road is anything but perfectly dry. Even with an extra 280lbs. in the trunk, it handled like a bobsled in the rain or snow.