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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  WINDSTAR SE - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By BILL - March 14 - 10:58 pm

  TRADED 1999 CHEVY ASTRO FOR 2000 WINDSTAR SE. MUCH BETTER RIDE AND COMFORT.

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  Mustang Sally - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Yolanda Cato - March 14 - 10:46 pm

  On my first long trip from Yukon, Oklahoma to Albuquerque, New Mexico I was pleasantly surprised at the great gas mileage I got from my Mustang. The seats were very comfortable on this long ride.

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  T-birds Rock!!! - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Opt|c - March 14 - 10:13 pm

  I love this car. As long as it has the 4.6 V8, these cars are great fun. The power is incredible. I can beat quite a few vehicles out there with ease.

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  Good vehicle - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By monkeyman - March 14 - 8:42 pm

  This was my first vehicle (I bought it in grad school) Its been very dependable!

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  Good overall vehicle. - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By klkrause - March 14 - 6:49 pm

  I have been a bit disappointed in the interior fit-and-finsh, but overall am pretty happy with this vehicle. Now that I see the 03s coming out, though, I wonder if we should have waited ...

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  leaking in Swansboro - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By mitch - March 14 - 5:47 pm

  both door panels came unglued and fell off, convertible top leaks from the side curtains on outside of rear glass with no repair solution.

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  2000 Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Will - March 14 - 1:26 pm

  Our 2000 limited replaces a 1986 Suburban. We tend to keep our cars a long time. The Suburban was a reliable and hard working truck. Our Excursion is essentially the same size as our old Chevy, gets better gas mileage, and tows our trailer with ease. Mileage solo is a constant 15mpg on the highway, we do not use it as a town car. It is comfortable, quiet, and thus far reliable. The Excursion easily fits in our garage. We feel that our new truck is very appropriate for our life style.

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  Mustang Power - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By john/rambo - March 14 - 1:13 pm

  The mustang is the best american sport car.

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  Foxy Totally Black Grammy Mobile - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Ron Eggers - March 14 - 5:49 am

  I have got more comments on our new Escape than I have on my previous 4 Escapes. This is my Favorite by far!

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  No problems - 1996 Ford Contour
  By StillLikeMyCar - March 13 - 11:32 pm

  I bought my Ford Contour GL (4 door) brand new at the end of 1995. It is a 1996 model. Today I have over 87,000 miles on it and have been very pleased with the performance and overall quality of the car. It handles well, has plenty of get up and go, and I have had relatively few problems with it. The worst thing Ive had fixed were worn rotors and a gas tank cover that continues to have difficulty opening. Other than that, I have been very pleased and would recommend it to someone who is looking to by a used car. We are now looking for a new car simply because my husband wrecked his, but we will be keeping the Contour in the family for several more years Im sure.