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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  Never buy a Ford Five Hundred! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By smac315 - April 21 - 3:40 am

  I bought this car with just under 35k miles on it. The car just hit 68k miles and I had to replace the transmission already. Ive heard from the transmission repair shop the the Ford five hundreds are having this problem. I contacted Ford and they said they wouldnt do anything about it and to simply take it to my "local Ford dealership repair shop" and they could fix it for me. Yeah they could fix it, at the tune of $1700.00. Its funny how we support an American company that wont even back up there product when there is clearly a wide spread problem with the transmission on this car. I am now looking to buy a Toyota or Honda!

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  Nice Work Truck - 1991 Ford F-250
  By Maverix - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the basic All-American truck. It works hard, never quits, and truly is a utilitarian vehicle for those looking for something to drive, load or tow.

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  100,000 Miles and still going strong! - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Prairie Pastor - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have a 95 Ford Explorer XLT that recently passed the 100,000 mile mark. Im happy to say that its still in great shape and still going strong. I did have to replace the power steering system recently, but other than that, its been a great SUV. This is one Ford that lives up to its motto...its built Ford Tough!

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  be careful - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By lemon - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Head Gaskets! we are on 3rd motor.

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  AAAAAAwesome CUV - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Koen Shoencheck - April 20 - 2:16 pm

  I dont know how much I like my Edge. A good look, spacious interior especially after 2nd-row. I dont need a 3rd-row seat, but need a big cargo space which Edge is exactly having. Driving is also very nimble and responsive. I like the 6 speed auto GM co-worked together. I became a celebrity in my sub since I brought my Edge and parked it on my driveway.

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  great van - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By pbt - April 20 - 2:00 am

  340,000 km and no major repairs only tires and mufflers. Unfortunately the b ody is falling apart.

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  Shes a Great Little Truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By susiecreamcheese - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, frequent oil changes, no repairs until 103,000 miles when I replaced the brakes. Now, at 135,000 I put in a new clutch, replaced the timing belt and water pump, and were set to go. Engine compression is still perfect. This 4-cylinder truck has done a lot of long-distance traveling and still averages 22 mpg.

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  Sound Car - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Wally - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle used with 106,000 miles, paid $1,000 and have gotten over 40,000 miles out of the car since. Ive done only minor repairs myself. I have never gotten less than 25 miles per gallon, even driving in the city. One of the most reliable cars I have ever driven.

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  2017 Ford Raptor - 2017 Ford F-150
  By Raptor love - April 19 - 9:39 am

  So I purchased a 2017 Ford Raptor... that I special ordered and waited for about 8 months to receive. Upon receiving it I Loved the truck! However after putting 13,000 miles of dirt/ commuting miles on it i started hearing a loud noise when it was downshifting and climbing small hills for some reason it would only do it occasionally well eventually it started making the noise all the time.... I started talking it to the dealership to try to find out What the noise was I am now four times in and a total of 25 days in the shop and they can not figure it OUT!!! Im totally DEVASTATED!!! I will continue to go back to the dealership until they can resolve this issue however I would not recommend buying one!!

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  Perfect city car - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By ifedulov - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The gas milage just amazing. Im getting about 300 miles on 8 gallons of gas in city/highway driving. That is almost 38MPG! Amazing car. My expenses so far are: $150 new exhaust, $140 rear brakes and 3x$20 oil changes. Oh and not to mention street parking. That is just simply the second best feature of this car. It can fit in any spot!