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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  Do your research.......... - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Re-Think the Ford - March 13 - 11:09 pm

  I bought my car five years ago, used, and since then I have had several mechanical problems with it. I have already replaced the transmission once, and it now needs another one. At $1000 a pop, I cant afford to keep this car. Not to mention, had to replace the alternator, heating system, struts, brakes....need I go on? Id definately rethink purchasing one of these cars, unless youre rich and can afford to fix it every 3 months!!!

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  Dads pickup - 1990 Ford F-150
  By farner - March 13 - 9:58 pm

  good farm pickup. Had light use, mostly on oiled roads.

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  96 Ford Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By kmcculloh - March 13 - 2:44 pm

  I bought this van new in 1996 at a very good price. It has been a good vehicle overall, with just a few minor problems at this point, 60K miles. I plan on keeping it for at least another 60K miles, even if I have to pit some money into it for repairs it will still be cheaper than buying a new one.

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  Ford - 1990 Ford F-150
  By Cale Osborn - March 13 - 12:32 pm

  It has been a good truck.

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  First Car - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Soup - March 13 - 2:08 am

  My 1990 Ford Probe GT Turbo I bought from a friend for $2750. Id say it was about a fair deal. I was really impressed by the number of little things that make the car fun to drive. I would recommend buying this car if you have $3000 or so to buy a car. Just be sure it has an Owners Manual with it because mine doesnt and i cant figure out some little things on my dash. It has a lot of giddy-up of the line if you can drive a standard. It runs a quarter in 14-16 seconds.

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  1993 Taurus LX 3.8 - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Letsrock - March 13 - 1:20 am

  Ive had problems with the starter wires falling off their connections. Easy fix once it was found I had the ignition lock cylinder detach itself from the switch ( Engine wont shut off with key )NOT an easy fix, and no doubt the dealer would charge a hefty price to fix, if your mechanically inclined you could fix it, if not good luck preventing yourself from scrappin it. These are the only probs Ive had.

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  EXPENSIVE - 1999 Ford Contour
  By dawgut - March 13 - 12:49 am

  Great spunk but has fallen apart. I had a faulty hood latch, it flew off on the express way at 70 MPH needed new hood, windshield and roof. $3000.00! Recently, replaced Ball Jonts $300. This week a new transmission, flywheel, starter, horn, another ball joint and bearings replaced. $3800.00. And all this is a result of someone that takes great pride in the upkeep and maintenance of there vehicle. Could you imagine if I didnt!

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  I have a few complaints - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Christy - March 12 - 10:50 pm

  COMPLAINTS: 1)My brakes (the discs) have been 2) my brakes have been replaced 3 times due to warping. 2)I dont expect much for a large SUV, but 10mpg is unacceptable. 3)Maneuving into parking spaces is extremely difficult and parking spaces are too small. 4)It is VERY difficult to push the 2nd seat forward to get to the 3rd seat. 5)This vehicle has an extreme amount of roll when cornering.

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  Platinum 3.5 twin turbo Supercrew 5.5 4x4 - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Rambo - March 12 - 7:46 pm

  Amazing truck, went from Silverado LTZ to this truck. Just an absolute dream to drive. Engine is so powerful so far 188 miles on it, and its a beautiful piece of technology. The Platinum is the most superior of the packages, the limited is for those that use the truck as a luxury sedan, the platinum with the FX4 package is the ultimate luxury 4x4 truck. Its a pleasure to get in it, and drive it. Thanks Ford, for the great deal, and trade in, and one my best vehicle buying experiences in 25 yrs !! UPDATE: 11/2016 3,400 miles now, still an outstanding truck!! (Kenny Ross Ford South, Hint!)

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  Dont buy this car! - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Archer - March 12 - 3:50 pm

  I have a 2015 Ford Focus. After 3,000 miles the transmission issue started, I thought it needed an oil change, but after another 3,000 miles I took the car in to be looked at and was told there was no fix! All they can do is change the clutch assembly and I would probably be back every 3,000 miles to fix the issue again! After the warranty runs out I have to pay for the issue. I looked it up and the 2011-2015 Ford Focus and fiesta all have this same problem.