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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  The 1992 F150 truck - great investment - 1992 Ford F-150
  By gwevans - June 17 - 2:00 am

  The F150 experienced several problems (transmission shifting poorly, 4WD wont engage, fuel tank indicator and shift indicator broken) that occurred with the first three years and were all fixed via warranty. The truck has been very reliable. Since the warranty expired, Ive only replaced the alternator & battery. 4WD works great. Brakes are my only complaint - theyve always felt mushy, no matter what Ive done.

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  love/hate relationship - 2001 Ford Focus
  By silentzero - June 17 - 2:00 am

  ive had my zx3 for 2 year this month. its the hottest little car for what i paid for it. im a big guy (6-2) and i have plenty of room in this car. fuel economy is OK, considering i drive about 400 miles a week. its rather quite (with new tires), but roomy!...the only gripes is that my focus was in the shop after 5k and 6 times after that, now its got 28k

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  Great Car - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Victor Fonseca - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Great Car. Very upset Ford didnt stopped making the model after 97 and started with the new model in 2000 Car has great handling and speed, great ride comfort. All the controls are there and easy. There really isnt a word to descibe it but awesome. Last Car Ill but Id rather restore it as it ages then buy a different car

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  Be Wary - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By BoDerek - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Repeatedly in dealership for "Check Engine" light. Meticulously well maintained car blew head gasket at 88K miles. Ford resonse: "Sorry, 1995 3.8L Windstars are covered for head gasket problem..." However Ford maintains they "corrected it in 96 and later models..." so too bad if you are having trouble. Local mechanic says 3.8L head gasket woes are a Ford trait, not unique to Windstar, but all 3.8- powered Fords with 60-90K miles. Also clunky transmission makes me very nervous about its future. Lots of interior room though. Soft, quiet ride. Rear seat too heavy--needs two people to remove.

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  Nothin beats an 03 Cobra! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By typhoon5000 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  It is the fastest Mustang ever built, first production car stock with Iniglo gauges, has the loudest optional stereo system ever(Mach 1000) and It lookes totally awesome! What else could you want for only 38k. Which is nothing compared a $55,000 Z06 Corvette. And I only have 3000 miles on it cause I had to store it for the winter :-(

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  ford - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By venkat - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good, safe, and comfortable car. Road handling is bit poor.

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  Two good Foci - 2005 Ford Focus
  By gregstr - June 16 - 9:50 pm

  Great car for the money so far. Fully loaded car like this is a bargain. Also, my 2001 Focus has been a very good car so far (70,000 miles).

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  Dont buy, unreliable, MPG misrepresented, Sync does not work as represented - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By info8 - June 16 - 6:41 pm

  The Fusion looks great, but it is not reliable. The Dec 2013 Consumer Reports gives Ford (especially the Fusion Hybrid) very low reliability scores.The Fusion Hybrid is one of the few cars CR expressly puts in its "Not Recommended" category.Its low profile tires rupture easily and it does not have a spare tire which requires a tow (its inflation device might only work on punctures). Ford Sync system does not always work. The warning system and bright light dimmer work sporadically. Ford is slow in suppling repair parts. Distracting warning lights erratically appear and disappear on instrument panel. Actual MPG is 35-7, not Fords bogus 47. Dont make the same mistake that I did.

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  Love My Ford Explorer Sport Trac - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Judy M. - June 16 - 5:10 pm

  My experience has been great. Love the style and the way it handles. I am pleased with the fuel mileage, and the ride is comfortable. Thanks Ford for making this one outstanding. Superb indeed!! :o)

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  Amazing - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By DJ Eki - June 16 - 6:53 am

  I just love the new Mustang. It is amazing ride , fun, powerful, and beefy. Love the design with the ghost look of older classic Mustangs. Recommend it to everyone.