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:

• 

  This will make you a Ford Man - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By KLL - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been great to me. There has been very minor stuff gone wrong (ceter console button broke) but has been cheap to replace. I am 62 and there is room to spare. Very reliable. My truck has over 140k and is running great. Only thing I wish is it had a bit more power (mine is a four cylinder) and that first gear is a bit longer)

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Virgil P Walker - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned two of these vehicles. I would reccomend this truck to any and all. We were so pleased with our lease we bought the second one to have for a long time.

• 

  anxious - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By kool - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I havent driven this vehicle yet so i dont know much about it. Owner says it is in excellent condition.

• 

  Good for big guys - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By jakesmastr - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We tried all the makes of mini-vans but this was the only (affordable) one that I fit in. Power is good. Roomy enough for the basic family & pets to go on an extended trip. Lots of cargo space. All around a very practical and sensible vehicle.

• 

  Not much but very reliable - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By Dale L - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Wrecked my baby and bought this car to get me back and forth till I get my next. Ok a year later Im still driving it and it has become apart of me. This car just wont die!! Always started and never left me stranded. Cold natured but for $600 and 155,000 miles I cant complain. Eats alittle oil but worth the $1 a week for a quart. Not bad after 600 miles a week in driving. Seats are like boards though and it really isnt a interstate car. I should have found a 5 speed model instead of a 4 speed. Remember this car only weighs 1600 pounds. Still gets 38 mpg!!

• 

  Loving My Ford Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By truckgirl - July 13 - 5:20 am

  I traded in a 97 F150 regular cab to purchase the new one. It had been a great vehicle so the decision to replace it with another Ford was fairly easy. We did however, look at and test drive other vehicles. The Titan was no comparison. The Dodge was nice but overall the ride quality and interior comfort far out weighed the Dodge. There is much more room in the backseat for one thing. The ride is smoother, the new suspension system is great. I love my new Ford truck!

• 

  Great car, nice technology, but some cons - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Zakareah Sikdar - July 13 - 3:47 am

  Switched over from a Lincoln MKS due to horrible Lincoln service and stayed in the Ford family due to having the Ford employee discount, but I am regretting it - a bit. The car is great! I have the SE Tech and luxury package - comes with all the bells and whistles - premium audio, leather, heated seats, etc. Fuel economy is good (fills up for about $35 with average of $2.30/gallon). Acceleration is not bad for a V4. My problem arises with the steering and Ford customer service. When the vehicle only had 500 miles it was in the shop for a vibration in the steering wheel. Ford, who didnt provide me with a loaner car, stated this was a "normal characteristic" and they notified Ford Corporate. I was told to drive another 2,000 miles as my tires have flat spots. Drove another 2,000 miles and problem still persists. Took it back to the dealer and was told, "this feels normal to us". Fine, took it again and was told, "the tires were majorly out of balance". After receiving it back, the problem continues. How ridiculous that a brand new car with only 8,000 miles is having such a problematic situation with steering that the dealer cannot even figure out. Also, sent NUMEROUS emails to Ford Corporate - but I do not ever hear anything back. Overall, this car is good - but service with Ford is garbage. Will probably be going back to foreign cars - Lexus is the best.

• 

  windstar lx - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rdj - July 13 - 2:00 am

  drives like small auto, but rides like a luxury sedan...interior quad seating cozy...separate a/c nice comfort...ford has the best a/c on market, down right chilly... good travel vehicle, rear space and roof rack if you should need it. mirrored tinted windows a plus.24 mpg on the road.loaded w/ family running the a/c full blast. good buy wife loves it, so do the dogs....

• 

  its a piece of junk - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By ford sucks - July 13 - 2:00 am

  sinc i bought this car ,, its been a real pain.. transmission broke 3 times ,, and its still slippery speedometer is shaking again even though i fixed it last year,, mileage gage is also broken ,, it goes up by top 2 digits . plus check engine signs comes on every 5 minute. ignition works badly that car wont start on the first ignition. this is my second ford vehicle and there wont be any ford vehicles in my garage in the future

• 

  1999 ranger xlt 4dr - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Rah - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but problems with my ford inc, fire in electical, front suspension problems, engine pings, abs doesnt work all the time!