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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  junk ford - 1999 Ford F-150
  By raybone - July 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a terrible truck....the brakes suck i have pistion slap the interior rattles...windshield wipers turn on spiratically....bottom of doors are rusted....and this truck only has 50,000 and its a 1999....very dissapointed espically considering truck was 31000 new. you cant get engine wet otherwise it studders like its running off of 6 cylinders.......maybe its just my truck but i think its junk

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  The van that sucked. - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By The Money Pit - July 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the absolute worst vehicle I have ever owned. Check engine light is on constantly. We have had to replace oxygen sensors multiple times. The transmission completely overhauled at 78,000 miles. The last draw was when the tranmission failed again at 88,000 miles. Shame on Ford for manufacturing such a piece of crap.

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  2014 Shelby GT500 review from the average owner - 2014 Ford Shelby GT500
  By forrest48 - July 2 - 10:58 pm

  The 2014 reviews I have read always compare the Shelby GT500 to cars of different catagories. The comparisons to me are skewed and biased. The Shelby GT500 is just what the late Carroll Shelby wanted-The fastest and most powerful pony car on the planet. It should not be compared to all the high end sports cars that are double or triple the price. Paid reviews or biased opinions cant diminish the fact the Shelby GT500 has the most hp of any American production model vehicle ever and it is a blast to drive.

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  Our T_Bird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By H.W.Spencer - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Our auto is responsive and dependable. The only thing inside is the location of the cup holders that bothers us. We replaced the spark plugs and wires at 97000 miles.

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  2002 THUNDERBIRD - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By JIMNEAT - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Most fun car I have ever owned. Previous cars have been Mustangs, Pontiac GTO and Camaro. The new Thunder Bird provides the fun/looks of the old 2 seat birds with modern technology and reliability. I love it.

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  very happy customer - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By bill roof - July 2 - 2:00 am

  a wonderful suv to own. My wifes favorite vehicle.

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  My Ford Contour - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Lady Firecracker - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I have a 95 Ford Contour with 201,000 miles on it. Just discontinued driving it because it was trying to run hot with the AC on and I decided not to put any more money into it. Never had any major problems with it, just lots of minor ones. Sometimes the car was a royal pain, let me standing by the side of the road more than one time but once everything short of the engine & transmission was replaced, it seemed to get better. Lots of recalls on this car. Even though I got all the goody out of this one, I wouldnt buy another one.

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  Good overall - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Russell Darnell - July 2 - 2:00 am

  The explorer is a fun little suv. i love this thing. bought it from my sister, and its in good shape. gets 29 mpg. Just a fluke i suppose. only bad thing is the motor problems with it. recenty head gasket blew, but that was common on these explorers. and sometime mines will overheat. but other than that, GOOD JOB FORD!

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  Ford 500 - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By John - July 1 - 1:10 pm

  A great car on the highway and easy to manuever in town. The high seating is a pleasure for getting and out. The engine is more than sufficient when teamed with the CVT. Good mileage.

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  Now its time to move on - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By R.Craig - July 1 - 6:23 am

  This has been a great suv for us, I drove over a long distance and also pulled in the same. Over the time that Ive had it I spent very little on repair.