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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  Finally... - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Kevin - May 3 - 4:33 pm

  After trying a Nissan Pathfinder, a Ford Expedition, and a Chrysler Pacifica for my calibration business, I finally found THE right vehicle. No desire for a mini/full size van. I spend over 40 weeks on the road annually. I call this my money bus, or my toaster (mine is RED). No problems at 15,000 miles. Love the Bluetooth. I fabricated a full-length shelf about 15" below the roofline. Would rather have purchased the same custom made. I also installed a side-mounted shelf unit custom from Adrian Steel. Stereo upgrade a must. Traction Control is impressive. 25-28 mpg highway. Power is adequate, handling/maneuverability is a dream. Id love to pimp this one out! Rear seats a snap to remove.

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  New 2.7L Lariat - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Garrett - May 3 - 12:20 pm

  My father recently purchased a 2015 King Ranch with the V8, and shortly after a buddy of mine bought a 15 lariat with the 3.5V6. I went in to a Ford dealer one night here in Denver just to check it out, and ended up leaving with a 2016 lariat 2.7 with the Ecoboost. Could not pass up on zero percent financing with some other pricing options! I love the truck so far. I have just over 3000 miles on it and am averaging 19.3 mpg. I have had one pretty major problem however. The engine was making a very annoying whining sound. I took it in and they actually replaced the entire front differential. They explained that they used a cheap metal at one of the plants? This was obviously very annoying to go through with a brand new truck. However, it sounds amazing after they fixed it and I have had no problems since. The truck is much quicker than you would expect, and the interior is extremely luxurious. I would say this f150 is second to none and well worth your money.

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  Great car! - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By racinron - May 3 - 2:00 am

  This has been one of the best cars Ive ever own, and Ive been driving 40 years. I put a K&N air filter on it and a Hooker Header Cat Back system on it a few years back. These 2 items really increased the horsepower. I also put on set of Boyds wheels to dress it up. I just turned 59,000 miles today and everything is original, brakes, clutch, etc. There have been no mechanical problems and just regular maintenance. I change the oil myself every 2,500 to 3,000 miles and use Valvoline All Climate 5-30 oil. This car has been one of the best Ive ever owned!

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  Poor me - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Cary Loren - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I just started to drive this car in March. Since then it has left me on the side of the road four times. We just dont know what seems to be the problem. Everything in the car is new so it should not give me any problem but it does. I dont recommend this car to any one, unless you enjoy walking home or taking the bus once in a while. It is alway leaking fluids.

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  thunderbird faults - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By ralph - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I am always reading of how great these cars are, well I see differently than everyone else. To begin the ford defects that they never admit to, such as the clear coat,transmission, interior trim,brakes , and the modules in the steering column that go bad every other year. After dealing with this car since it was new I will never purchase a domestic again.

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  Lemon - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By UnHappy Ford Owner - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Since we drove it off the lot, it has been a bad experience and Ford has been difficult to deal with. While it was under warrenty, we had everything electrial and the air fixed. As soon as it was out of warrenty, the transmission went out. We asked Ford for assistance and they refused to help us. Now it has 75,000 miles and we have the head gasket problem. s. I been talking with three dealerships about the TSB Ford has out to replace head gaskets if the car is less than 7 years old and 100,000 miles. Non of the dealers are aware of this TSB. I will never buy another Ford. .

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  Dont waste your money!!! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By anderson brown - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Transmission promblems always present!!

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  No more Fords for me - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Penger5 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  when I picked my car up today my mechanic thanked me for buying a Taurus. He said that he would plan on seeing me again REAL soon! Now that Ive found this site, I know I should count on the head-gasket going any minute so I guess my mechanic might be right: "Tauruses are money pits" Its leaving my posession shortly and, as I dont want to curse anyone else with its disastrous heritage, I guess Ill sell it for scrap!

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  Roomy but unreliable. Mechanics dream. - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By My mechanic loves me - May 3 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car when I was pregnant and hoped for a nice, reliable family vehicle. Its transmission seems to fall apart about once a year. Our mechanic (even though were in a big city, he knows my voice on the phone) has just let us know that (for the third time) the transmission is going. We couldve bought a new car with all the money weve put into payments and car repairs. We love the size of this car, but hate not daring to drive it anywhere. Now we still owe payments on a car we cant drive safely.

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  5.4L has serious issues! - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Sean - May 2 - 6:09 pm

  Just look up the slew of problems with the 5.4L in this 2006. Apparently it has a lot of issues that Ford decided to hide from the public and failed to fix. There is a class action lawsuit on the spark plugs. Apparently, there are lots of other issues, including cam phase sensors. Mine started idling rough, wife drove it a couple of miles home, 2 hours later it was at the shop. The shop is about 1 mile away. Got the call today. It needs a new engine!!! Edit: We are now just waiting until the end of the year so we can donate it to charity. Its not even worth selling. Maybe I will get a small tax benefit out of it?