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:

• 

  Ford Taurus SE 2001 - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By geneman - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Just got a CPV (certified pre-owned Vehicle) with 15000 miles on it. Love the car, price, and extended warrenty. Brake need improvement for new taurus because of a bit of fading. Otherwise great car, quite, smooth, and great price (13K).

• 

  I love my four door "sports" car! - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Rex Davis - July 5 - 4:29 am

  This car has been wonderful to own. The SE options package is worth it. I like the trunk much better then the hatch back. This car can get over 500 miles per tank with four adults and some luggage. The tires could be a little wider but I have no real problems cornering or stopping. Acceleration is great and if you do not like full auto you put it in semi manual mode to punch it up hills or past cars on the freeway. The sync system has been error free and even connects to a tracphone flip phone blue tooth despite saying in the manual it is not compatible. It will not play "unprotected" mp3s via usb thumb drives but has no problem with mp3s on a CD. Have rotated the tires every 5k -10k and they are getting near the wear indication mark on the stock tires at 32000 miles. I do not expect more then 45k miles out of stock tires anyway....I love my 2016 Ford Fiesta!

• 

  First, last & only Ford I will ever buy - 1996 Ford Contour
  By CouldaBeenBetter - July 5 - 2:00 am

  1996 V6 LX. Bought mine with the Ford 100,000 mile warranty and I am sure glad that I did. I estimate that I had about 12 to $15,000 worth of repairs under that warranty. Hood, roof & trunk painted twice. 4 Catalytic Converters. A/C, Power Seats & Right Power Window all failed. Just about every sensor in engine has been replaced at least once. Constant thump from rear suspension that was never fixed. Persistent stalling problem. Finally at 110,000, I dumped $2500 into it to try to fix the stalling problem to no avail. Traded it in for $1500 and bought a Camry.

• 

  My little Mustang - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By ugadawgfan - July 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my 4 cylinder Mustang. Never thought I would say it. After years of payments and outrageous gas mileage from my trucks, I sold my Silverado and bought my cousins 93 Mustang. Has been a great car. Very economical and reliable. Even fun to drive. Just wish the ride wasnt so rough....even after replacing the shocks and struts.

• 

  Big Blue - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By richy07 - July 4 - 6:45 am

  I purchased mine with 20K miles, big blue now has 110K. Ive replaced the battery, frt brakes, rear brakes twice, rear rotors and tires. I previously drove a 2 dr buick regal that I LOVED for 14yrs. I never liked 4dr vehicles but the regal & monte carlo were out of circulation, I was forced into one. It was hard to get used to it, (didnt go like the regal!), hydroplaning but the new tires stopped that. Its been 6 yrs and this has been an extremely comfortable, dependable, efficient vehicle I have grown to appreciate. I wouldnt say its "fun to drive". The only maintenance I do is oil change/tire rotation every 5000-6000 miles, waste of money before 5k. I get 25-27 mpg.

• 

  98 Stang is fountain of youth - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By VJM - July 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have enjoyed playing arround in our "new" sports car. My mom says I act and even look ten years younger. The performance of this car can not compare to that of the 60s and 70s, but it sure handles better.

• 

  Job #1 vs. Job#2 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By splintar - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Be careful when purhasing an explorer now. There was a change in standard equipment on 1/28/02. The radio was upgraded, fog lights were added, the mirror has auto dim, seats are low back, the steering wheel comes leather wrapped. The delivery price difference is about $500 more than the job #1 price. Unfortuneately, the sales staff wont make it completely clear that one car should be cheaper than the other. For them its a 2002 explorer XLT. As a buyer, you must be aware of this and protect yourself on the bid. Dont use the edmunds invoice price for these vehicles, as their current price reflects invoice for only the job #2 product. Pay attention

• 

  the best car - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By turing_computable - July 4 - 2:00 am

  An absolute pleasure to drive. I have had the car for about two years and I am still 100% satisfied with its performance and comfort. Average 11 mpg City, 16 mpg at 70 mph highway!! With its 10 cyl. and 6.8 L engine the ride is smooth. Missing headrest on 3rd row and somewhat weak A/C gives this beast a 9 instead of 10 on the comfort scale. However, Fords quality dwarfs that of GM in every aspect - exterior and interior

• 

  Ranger XLT 4 door - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Mike L - July 4 - 2:00 am

  attractive truck...4.0 engine in 1999 is disappointing compared to the SOHC offeredin 2002. well styled, comfortable, reliable in all weather, very comfortable for a truck

• 

  Very satisfied - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Velani - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had very ggod luck with Windstar LX vans. I have been using them for the past 4 years.