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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  Its a good little car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By tboner - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I really like this little car. It handles the tough winters up here in the Northeast. Starts everyday, handles the snow & ice good. Peppy little 4 cylinder, although I wish I had the standard. I am a 5 speed fanatic. I dont find the car uncomfortable at all. A lot of other smaller car will make my bum go to sleep after an hour or two, but not so with this one. My previous car was a 1997 Hyundai Accent, which was a great little car, but the escort has the upper hand over the accent.

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  escape with a ford - 2016 Ford Escape
  By freddie - July 19 - 4:24 pm

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  True mileage - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Darrell Berning - July 19 - 3:22 pm

  Check maintenance records. Have replaced every seal and gasket on vehicle. I am the original owner of vehicle and pickup was very will maintained.

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  Redfire Stang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Roger Rocket - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the nicest looking small coupes on the market. Enough power with the V6 to satisfy most drivers. Suspensions a bit rough but was to be expected. Gotta go with leather seating surfaces to increase comfort. Great gas mileage. Sound system wont get cranked up beyond level 4, unless you want to lose your hearing. Like the speed/volume adjustment. Limited storage space, but the fold-down rear seats give you more versatility. Cup holders are exactly where you need them and no fancy opening or fold-out functions that complicate matters. Handles real well and small enough to park just about anywhere.

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  Solid and Comfortable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill in MD - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Delivered in perfect condition and only been in for service once in 32K miles. Much better handling and ride than my 91 Explorer. Only complaints are funky climate control (sometimes runs AC in winter on defogger with cold air) and occasional rough auto tranny shift at low speed. Otherwise we are very happy with quality. Extremely comfortable on a long drive. Handling is very good even at high speeds;

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  Love it!!! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mr.C - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 1998 Ford Explorer Sport used in 2001. Within a week, the stereo acted up, but the dealer replaced it with an excellent sounding stereo. Much better than the factory installed unit. Summer of 02, the thermostat needed replacing. Other than that, its dependable, and never a problem. Built very tough.Great gas mileage too, city 20MPH, highway 27MPH..6 cyl.

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  electrical contractor - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By frank keel - July 19 - 2:00 am

  starts ever day gives great gas milage plenty of room in it to use as an service truck roof rack is sturdy great looks . This is the best vehicle i have owned as a suv.

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  Has been a great car! - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Zvan - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Parts are very expensive if you go to Ford. Buy parts from your local parts store or go to a local repair shop. Automatic transmission is likely to fail around 100,000 miles sometimes more sometimes less. In my 3 yrs of ownership, I have replaced oxygen sensors, 2 CV boots, and 1 brake caliper. Other than that it runs like a swiss clock.

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  offrhodes review - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By offrhodes - July 19 - 2:00 am

  so far I love this little car, great gas mileage

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  3rd Bird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By LX Sport V8 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd T-Bird (80,88&97). Love the cars. Since I am 64", I need a lot of room. This car has it! Head, leg and arm room! Plenty of power. The leather option is extrememly comfortable. And since there isnt many of them on the road, I dont feel like Im driving a car which everyone has-like a Grand Am. Independent Rear suspension is awesome too - offers a great ride. Plenty of room in the trunk as well. Only one problem with the car - a defective intake. This caused my coolant to leak everywhere. This was a TSB put out by Ford and was covered by a special warranty (7 year, 100000 miles). Oh yeah, did I mention I get 22- 23 mpg too?