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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  Dont even think about it - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By ARGGGGGGG - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This van is TERRIBLE. Consumer Reports warns to avoid this van. Weve had to replace head gaskets, ac, transmission, computer chip that tells car when to shift (1,200), the hood flew off, etc.

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  College Graduate Student - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By John Allen Doe - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good reliable car for the car mileage it gets and interior design. A good car to drive.

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  Its just OK - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By George - May 13 - 10:33 pm

  It looks pretty good, thatÂ’s why I bought it, I am disappointed with the performance. I will trade it in for the upcoming Cobra, or just a Z06 Corvette that could blow this thing out of the water.

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  LOOK AT THIS FORD! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Charles Masters - May 13 - 1:50 pm

  Although Ive had this car for only a short time, first impressions are very good. Like the zip, size, 6-speed transmission. Surprised mileage isnt better having a 6-speed transmission. Taking a cross-country trip in May and will be able to assess highway mileage better. Overall, a solid, peppy, good looking 4-door. All the electronic features are hard to figure out.

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  Best Darn Car Period - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By crownviclover - May 13 - 9:06 am

  The Crown Vic runs great. It has a lot of passing power on the mountains and easily passes any foreign competition. It gets good gas mileage and has given me no problems despite being driven up and down mountains daily. The car is always ready to pass when needed and offers great comfort for my 6 foot 2" frame. The car is the most reliable car I have ever had. I hope Ford will continue this basic car for many more years. I tried the new 300c and it cost more and has less visibility and not much more get up and go even with the Hemi. For the money, the Ford Crown Vic is the best car money can buy.

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  Goodbye to my Taurus - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Sheri - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I personally drove my 1996 Ford Taurus for 6 years. Its got more than 100,000 miles and its still in good shape. I did have some problems at the beginning and I did get the full value from my extended warranty. Currently all the electrical stuff still works, the seats are still in good shape, paint has lasted a long time, and the engine still runs well. Oh yeah, and the A/C still works. Its been a pretty dependable car. Am I buying another one? No way. Upgrading to a BMW!

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  What a piece of junk - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Paul the Ranger Hate - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck has got to be in the running for the worst vehicle I have ever owned! The 2.3 L 4 cylinder doesnt provide enough power to get this thing out of its own way. The transmission routinely grinds going into 2nd and thats with a new clutch. The thing is reasonably reliable, but its miserable to drive due to the lack of power. I have lost track of how many times the rotors have been cut and yet theyre warped again within a couple of months. I have other Fords and am quite satisfied with them, but this Ranger is a dog. Avoid it if you have a chance.

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  Fusion Warranty Failure! - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Will never buy another Ford - May 12 - 6:52 pm

  I bought my 2014 Fusion used with almost 40,0000 miles. I now have 74,0000 and the transmission has slipped sick Ive had it and it finally seized. The manufacturer warranty is only 64,000 miles so I now have to pay $4,000 and it has been in the shop for more than 2 weeks. Lots of other 2014 Fusions have a transmission recall but mine did not so its my responsibility. The delearship that sold me the car sold me an extended warranty with everything BUT power train coverage in my contract BUT the pamphlet they provided the sales associate circled transmission rebuild coverage so neither Ford or the delearship will take responsibility.

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  love my tbird - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By bobby jones - May 12 - 2:00 am

  i have owned my tbird since 1995 and have only had to put new tires and brakes on it. no problems with head gaskets or exhaust

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  J.R. & Ramonas Toy - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Jack & Ramonas Toy - May 12 - 12:46 am

  Weve owned our GT Premium Coupe now for about six weeks and have accumulated only about 500 miles so far as the roads here in Germany have been pretty slick due to the winter weather that is typical this time of the year. My wife and I have had plenty of fun on the weekends driving our "toy" around on the German Autobahn where speed limits are fairly uncommon and wide open throttle is "common". Well I can say that so far our 06 "Stang" has NOT let us down yet. Besides having to replace the fuel tank since the fuel nozzle cut off every milli-second at the 1/2 tank mark, we have had absolutely no problems so far. This car is truly a "best buy"; we highly recommend!