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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  Ford lost it in the details - 1997 Ford Contour
  By jedame - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive car with great interior & dash layout. Tiny backseat-parents stay away. Rattles and squeaks multiply readily.

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  Disappointed - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Tazana - May 29 - 2:00 am

  After saving for 3 years for the car of my dreams I fell in love with a black beauty. The handling and styling was perfect, but then things started happening. I noticed after I had the car about 3 years, the paint started to peel off of the rocker pannels and now it is pealing off of the doors. I can not take it to a high pressure car wash, it leaks around the windows. When I told ford dealership about this they said oh it is a ford defect we know about it and have done nothing to fix the problem.

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  Mustangs Are Worth the $ - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Steeda98GT - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1998 GT in May of 2001 with only 21,000 miles. I have done alot of mods to my jet black pony and I love blowing the doors off the camaros and slow imports that race their lawn mower engines at me. The car is built excellent, and it can defintely take a beating. I havent had any problems with my car and i love the looks and the thumbs up that I get every time i drive it. I would definetely recommend a Mustang GT or Cobra (like my brother has) over a Camaro or ANY import.

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  1995 Taurus Sho - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By sackerman - May 29 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car it really suprised me at how fast it was! It is the ultimate touring sedan. I reguarly drive long trips at highway speeds with passengers...this car is the best. When you begin to pass a slower moving vehicle the passing gear will really suprise you, it will rev well up over 6000 rpm or more before shifting into overdrive if you stay on the gas.

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  Not what I expected - 1995 Ford Escort
  By danguy - May 29 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car needing something to haul stuff in. While the car has been okay it has not lived up to my expectations. The paint on the rear bumper is badly oxidized and both rear seat belts stopped retracting after 3 years of owning it. Ford was no help in trying to get them fixed. The sprayers on the front windshield wipers wont stay in place. Worst experience has been dealing with Ford dealer and Ford help line. Id think twice before buying a Ford again.

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  Decent Car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By BigGuy100 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, now has over 100,000 miles on it. Needed new transmission and ignition at 53,000 miles. Have replaced 2 tie rods. Overall good fuel economy even at 100,000 +. Very reliable for price. VERY spacious with seats folded down. Hauled everything from a washer to furniture!

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  tran.sensors - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Mugs - May 29 - 2:00 am

  factory tires lasted 28000 miles. Check engine light at 32K miles, had to replace transmission sensor pack ($350) although testing indicated nothing wrong with transmission. Check engine light again at 37K .... test indicates "smoke tube" needs replacing.

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  H B - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Howard bragg - May 29 - 12:16 am

  This is the best to me out the bunch. It should be a extended version like the flex.

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  Great Redesign - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Steven - May 28 - 10:00 pm

  Ford finally got the Mustang right this time. Excellent car to drive and a lot more comfortable than my old 2000 GT.

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  They keep getting better - 2016 Ford Edge
  By K Dara - May 28 - 10:38 am

  This is my forth Edge so I guess I like them. There is one thing on my new 2016 Edge that I could do with out and I find it DANGEROUS. The model I have has the new kick under the rear bumper to open the tail gate. If you step in to far to get something and your foot hits the sensor it comes down on your head. This has happened many times. I was taking fishing rods out of the back and stepped in for a better grip and the tailgate came down. I had to move fast so they did not get broken. I asked the dealer to disconnect it and was told you cant. After owning 4 Edges I was hoping they would put some rear bumper protection on top of the rear bumper to protect it from taking things in and out.