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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  Why Ill NEVER own another FORD - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Jennifer - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Transmition failed at 20,000 miles. ENGINE failed at 53,000 miles (yes, after the warrantee expired). A $4,500 repair. Evidently the engine block cracked and caused a rod to break. I am only keeping the car after this repair as a driving billboard against FORD. "Top-of-the-line" stereo replaced at 25,000 miles. Driver side seat pan failed at about 25,000 miles. Misc. interior trim replacements have been a yearly occurrence. FORD service department always keeps the car overnight even with an appointment.

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  I love my T-Bird - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Heartbeat flatliner - April 29 - 2:00 am

  I feel the T-Bird is one of the best cars manufactured. I suppose thats why it has been around for nearly half a century. The only real complaint I have, again, is the positioning of the cup holders. Luckily that has been enhanced on the newer models. At 110,000 miles my car has never left me stranded and has only been in the shop for one minor problem (shy of maintanence items). Ive driven this car HARD since it was new. As long as you change the oil it will last you. THE BEST NEVER REST.

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  Pretty but lacks attention to detail - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By topher - April 29 - 2:00 am

  A blast to drive, but it lacks the attention to detail and convenient group items of other two seaters that are in the same price range such as the SLK/Z3/S2000/MR2.

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  Good Vehicle - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By penrose - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Have had the vehicle for about 8 months, bought used with 27,000 miles. Now have 34,000 and I like it very much. Very comfortable, good power (5.4), looks nice. Lately it unfortunately has been at the shop. Had a fan belt pulley repaced, radio had short in it, power drivers window broke, and now it has been in shop for 3 days because of a bad smell coming from A/C area. Technicians are stumped. Other than that I like the vehicle.

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  dependable - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Hunt - April 29 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought our 96 contour with 45k and drove it to 98k in 2 years. The car was dependable but seemed to have a ghost, blinker blinked fast occasionally, interior lights sometimes worked, died if went in reverse and braked quickly sometimes, the front wheel popped when turning all the way a direction, rear made a rubbing noise over bumps, med/hi worked on blower if turned slowly. Shifter coming out of drive into park was rough. No major problems just routine things.

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  TimeWillTell - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By researchpays - April 28 - 8:21 am

  The only reason Im rating it low on comfort is the seats. Hard seats, even with leather. But all the cars I test drove had hard seats - Subarus, Toyotas, Hondas. C-Max Hybrid is a great little zipper. Overtakes other traffic easily. Ease of entry and exit - no banging head or knees. Good storage space (but no, this is not an SUV). I hope the C-Max will prove to be a great decision, as I spent the better part of 5 months reading articles, driving cars, comparing all aspects. My last car - Nissan Murano-2004 traded it in, before that Nissan Pathfinder 1996 and still running. My first ever Ford, so there is a lot at stake here - the Ford reputation. Ford, dont let me down now.

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  Dont Explore this Explorer! Throttle Body Fail! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By K&M - April 28 - 3:40 am

  My wife, 6 year old daughter, and dog almost stranded because of throttle body failure at just over 8,000 miles with no warning. This thing is not safe nor reliable and will most certainly cause death or injury, and Ford already knows its an issue but will not inform or warn you ahead of time. My wife was driving when the vehicle just shut down to an idle on the highway. Luckily it was early and traffic was minimal. The part is on backorder with no estimated time limit for repair. If you plan on traveling or exploring the great outdoors away from home, think again before purchasing the Ford Explorer. It is totally unacceptable for a brand new vehicle to be this unreliable and unpredictable to just shut down anywhere at any time without any warning. Very disappointed in choosing this vehicle I thought would be safe and reliable for my family. Now, even after it gets repaired, I cannot trust or take another chance with it and will be trading it in as soon as I can, even if it means going upside down.

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  I cant believe I own a FORD - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Beefer - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1996 Taurus Sedan. When I first got it, it had around 150K km. on it and it was running great. Its quite comfortable to drive and it feels roomy but doesnt appear too big on the outside. I have to say that the BRAKES are quite bad, it cost me quite a bit of money to have them all replaced because the car would shake so much (4 disc brakes). Now at 185 thousand kilometers I think the transmission is on its way out. It has trouble shifting when passing or going up hills.

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  Awesome - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By David Scott - April 27 - 5:06 pm

  I love my new Ford Mustang. I get many looks when driving it. It is great to drive!

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  awesome car! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By gio - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This car now has 70000 miles driven by a mad man and nothing has broken ant the car still runs perfect! this car is raced at the drag strip weekly and is still as fast as the day i bought it.