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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  good for me good for you - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By fred lober - April 17 - 2:00 am

  no problems everything still working good ,never had to pay for any repairs other than maintenance

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  400,000 MILE ASTROVAN XLT STILL GOING - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By JOHN D - April 17 - 2:00 am

  We had this van since day on it has 403000 miles on it and still going strong took on trip to fla to alanta last week did not burn a drop of oil we repale the battery & Brakes only so far. it amazing this car it will not go away !!!!!!

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  fun and inexpensive - 1995 Ford Probe
  By New 2GT - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The probe GT is a fun true sports car . I do not understand why the wholesale value is so low , but in other ways I am glade because they are affordable true sports car . Ive owned two and constantly get attention from the ladies and the police...why did they stop making them? Sure beats me.

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  My Truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By NJCuomo - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my vehicle about 6 months ago. I love my truck, its fun to drive. I believe everyone should own a Ford.

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  Original Owner - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Batsava - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The roomest SUV for cargo. Find that at 85,000 + miles and counting, it has served me well. Like any vehicle, you need to take care of it with regular maintenance

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  Love that Ford Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Ford Lover - April 16 - 3:40 pm

  Really a nice truck. I love the Castano leather interior and the King Ranch appointments. Very quiet and smooth ride. Has good power. Really, this truck is quieter riding than many luxury cars!

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  Poor gas mileage - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Greg - April 16 - 11:01 am

  Came nowhere near advertised MPG. Gets about 17 city, 24 highway.

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  LOVE IT - 2006 Ford Escape
  By BUFFYS45CAL - April 16 - 10:20 am

  I love my Escape. It was a great alternative to the gas hog Explorer. It does great in extreme conditions and I get about 280 miles per tank of gas. An all round great buy for your money.

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  electrical nightmare from hell - 2000 Ford Contour
  By rjsindy - April 16 - 2:00 am

  this car has been in the shop at least once a month for the last year with engine electrical problems. When I have asked the service writers if this is normal, their response is "thats why they stopped making them"

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  93 Ford Escort - 1993 Ford Escort
  By kmcculloh - April 16 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car for me. Currently the car has 120000 miles on it, with only regular maintainance all done by myself. I purchased the car in 1998 with 70000 miles on it, all records were with the car and nothing besides normal maitainance had been done. I drive it to work 40 miles per day. I would recommend this car to anyone.