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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  Be Warned!!! - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By chadlincoln - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car because it looked awesome, the price was low, and it had low mileage (54,000 when I got it in 2001). Ford had a customer care on the head gaskets for the 3.8L. Mine blew with 80,000 miles. Ford wouldnt do anything to help me out with it, even though it was well under the 100,000 mile extended warranty. Mechanic at dealership told me that a majority of those that blow head gaskets that hes fixed end up locking up about a month later because of the damage already done from the head gaskets. Not going to buy anything Ford ever again. Terrible gas mileage too. I had to fill up about 1.5 times a week. Expensive when gas shoots up.

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  Works Fine - 1995 Ford F-150
  By dgkevbo - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a 4.9L I-6 that is reliable albeit with low power. Vehicle still looks good, runs well and has had no major problems.

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  My F150 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Dan Stearns - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Ordered truck from fleet manager and took delivery two months later. Had a few paint flaws which were taken care of. In the four years Ive owned the vehicle the only mechanical problem was an air conditioning valve.

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  Best new vehicle Ive ever purchased - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Lariat54 - April 16 - 2:00 am

  There have been no major mechanical problems with this truck, only regularly scheduled maintenance required. So far it shows no signs of the door crack problems associated with these early models of the redesigned Ford F-150. Also no signs of the piston slap problems associated with these trucks.

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  Bought Brand New no problems except for recall - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Rob - April 15 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this car in 2012 brand new. SE Sports & Winter Package. Great, reliable car. Only problem has been the transmission recall that my local dealership took care of (even though it took 3 visits). Has never stalled on me and starts great every time.

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  A Young Mans Dream Realized By An Old Man - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Thomas Lavin - April 15 - 7:22 pm

  Great auto hugely appreciated! Rides beautifully, problem free (none since its purchase in 2008), source of many inquiries such as to "when are you going to sell it," and remains the source of numerous complimentary comments.

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  Big leap from 01 Drango! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By George - April 15 - 8:06 am

  Beautiful to look at and beautiful to drive. Pewter AWD SEL-plus heavily loaded is everything I hoped for. Smooth power, smooth handling. Well see how it stands up to my heavy foot, but initial indicators are all good. Except for sunroof, which rattles in the open position.

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  2005 Ford Mustang GT = FUN - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By audioman - April 15 - 8:03 am

  More fun to drive than just about anything for us over 50 crowd. Makes me feel like I am back in high school with a very cool car this time! Quick, agile and it fits like a glove. Lots of comments where ever I go. Looking forward to a few mods in the future. Only complaint is no backlighting for the controls in the Shaker 1000 stereo but it has best sound I have ever heard in a stock car stereo and audio is my profession! Almost bought a Magnum RT but the GT is way more fun to drive. Best bang for your buck available today.

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  Finally got another Pony - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Rick - April 15 - 7:13 am

  Its taken 12+ years, but I finally got another Mustang. I enjoy everything about this car, the feel of driving it, shifting, everything! Ford did an amazing job at building this car, but there are some drawbacks, but those were to keep the cost down.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By MFreedman - April 15 - 7:06 am

  Pros:This is a wonderful vehicle. I came from a Ford Explorer and have more room than a vehicle that looks bigger. Great features like audible beep when backing up (the radio actually reduces volume) and a very smooth ride. I am completely satisfied with the pick-up and performance of the CVT transmission. Con: The automatic climate does not seem that responsive. When I lower the temp it still blows hot for a period of time. I need to bring it in. The CD player acts a bit crazy at times. Occasionally skips to next track befor song finishes and speeds up as if it senses a skip that isnt there.