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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  dependable - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By tlpru - May 11 - 2:00 am

  i have had the car since it was new.....regular oil changes....NEVER A PROBLEM...SUPER CAR......i guess ford got this one right......

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  Loiseau - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By jab - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Love to drive it. Handles excellent on country road. Visibility with top (hard or soft) is very limited.

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  Never Again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By FormerFordFan - May 11 - 2:00 am

  It has been 20 years since I bought a car other than a Ford. My 95 Windstar, despite excellent maintenance and conservative driving has been a reliability nightmare: timining cover gasket, $700 Mass air sensor, twice electrical problems, continual now the transmission. Ford ignored my request for relief, now I am ignoring Ford products.

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  1995 Ford Probe Review - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Chris W - May 11 - 2:00 am

  My 1995 Ford Probe runs like a dream... She is great on gas.. but I must admit when I turn the wheal every now and then she sounds like a 3rd grade teather ball game.

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  Been a good truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Mike R - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the truck for 9 yrs - bought it used in 93. Have 150K miles. Ive replaced RABS valve, fuel reg, P/S pump, water pump. A/C has leaked down, probably compressor seal. Overall, I like the truck. The engine is strong, and the truck does well off-road, although I did replace the auto-locking hubs with Warn manual hubs.

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  Moose Insurance - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By flin1 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought this SUV when we were stationed in Fairbanks in 95 and got rid of a Previa that we liked a lot. There were 3 factors in our decision. Our sponsors informed us that collisions with moose were a real concern and one had a much better chance in an SUV than in a Previa. With snow and ice 6 months a year the 4WD seemed like a necessity and we had a $1000 credit on our Ford Credit card. Remember them? It was a very good vehicle for the five of us though a little crowded when we were all together. It never let us down and with studded tires it handled the snow great.

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  Would be the most ultimate compact on earth if... - 2014 Ford Focus
  By tatepc@gmail.com - May 11 - 12:36 am

  Had 180 HP and a regular transmission like the 2010 focus. Great car, except for the trans that skips in between 1st and 2nd driving in city. Awesome on the highway though. In all fairness some have found a transmission fix has resolved the issue.

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  Freestyle? - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By wmuguy - May 10 - 5:00 pm

  Bought the car after driving 14 different models from cars to minivans. This was one of only 2 cars that that my head didnt hit the ceiling in. Im 6 4". Impressed with the build quality and utility of the vehicle. Performance lacks a little but more than a trade off for the mpgs (currently 24 mpgs overall). Got an incredible deal from the Ford dealer. Over $5,000.00 off of sticker. Definitely the right choice since I drive over 45,000 miles a year for work.

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  good performer - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By williams - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Mostly brake problems through the years and exhaust as well as no air conditioning. The car was in a right off accident in 1994 but had it fixed. It was only body work.

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  The first, but not the last - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By billell - May 10 - 2:00 am

  No major problems in the three years that Ive owned this vehicle. Placed an order for a 2003 today and hopefully, will be driving that one by the end of this month