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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  3rd time could be a charm - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Gregg Garland - March 10 - 12:31 am

  This is my third explorer. This car is so comfortable and smooth its incredible. I recently rented a Lincoln MKz and it was so quiet and smooth, I rate this Explorer about the same about of smooth quiet. The only issue I have is the push off. The immediate exceleration is awful, once you ramp up the car moves and you have to watch yourself. Its so smooth I forget how fast Im actually moving. Seats are comfy, the whole family loves them. The entertainment right at your finger tips is a joy. Being able to listen to text messages and voice mail was an added plus. I will not text or read text or even talk on the phone and drive. This makes this a bit safer and easier to deal with.

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  head gaskets... - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By mynameisjim - March 9 - 11:58 pm

  i first purchased this vehicle expecting a sporty reliable car with 54k miles. at 56k miles, the exhaust was shot including the cats, at 58k miles the head gaskets blew, which was a costly and time consuming repair. turned out the gaskets were installed incorrectly, and ford knew. owner notification was initiated a few months later, with an apology, and an offer for reimbursment, good, but not as good as my moms toyota with 140,000 miles and no engine trouble.

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  Good all around car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Ben Toms-Lucy - March 9 - 11:44 pm

  I have had 2 no major problems.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By James Mock I - March 9 - 5:36 pm

  This is my third and favorite TBIRD to date... Compared to my 91 LX and 94 SC, this is an all-around improvement. I like everything about this model. Performance with the 4.6L V8 is great, fuel economy is at 23+ MPG, handling is great, OOOHMYGOSH comfort. No major problems mechanically. Very forgiving on the maintainence, not to say dont do it, but if you dont change the oil exactly at 3000-3500 miles there is no decrease in performance.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Gary Hickerson - March 9 - 5:13 pm

  I recently took this car on its first trip across country. I went from Nashville TN to Columbus Ohio and back. The car only had 1,000 miles on it when I started out and upon my return to Nashville I had 2,500+ miles on it. During the trip I averaged 26.8 MPG. Not bad considering it had very low mileage. The ride was even better than I thought it would be. I am a big guy at 300+ lbs and I had plenty of room and seats were comfortable. Ride was smooth and the CVT transmission worked great. I especially loved how how smooth it was going up and down hills. In a normal automatic you have that sudden gear change with high RPMS. Not with this car. So smooth!

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  1995 Ford Taurus - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By car-reviewer - March 9 - 4:08 pm

  I bought a 95 Ford Taurus LX Wagon with leather seats, sunroof, climate control, cruise control,keyless entry system, ABS, and opted for the 3.5 liter V6. After I put on 20,000 miles on this car, it had to be repaired at least 15 times. On numerous occasions I could not even start the car. The engine overheated twice. I held on to it until it had 85,000 miles on it and was about ready to die.

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  1999 Mustang - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By macko9er - March 9 - 1:39 pm

  Who cares if its not a cobra or a GT. I took the money I saved from not buying a 2000 GT and now Im pushing 411hp.

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  2004 F150 FX4 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By iceman - March 9 - 10:43 am

  Stepped up from my 98 Dodge Dakota 5.2l 4x4. This F150 is smooth and quiet. Tows great, lots of low rpm grunt. Where the Dodge was screaming rpms to get up hill the F150 pulls at 2000 rpm like a dozer. It also gets great gas mileage compared to the 5.2 liter Dakota. To date with 10k miles truck has been trouble free.

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  TOW KING of the tlong trips - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Demonic - March 9 - 2:50 am

  It is not the quickest or most nimble vehicle I have driven. However, it is extremely confortable for family travel. V10 is awesome. I get about 11 with this engine, still bad but not much of a penalty from my last SUV, and I fill up less. The front suspension leaves a bit to be desired. GOD FORBID you go over a speed bump in a parking lot. NOT GOOD! I would only recommed this veicle to people who tow and need cargo room, not just people who need cargo room. For my needs... I love it.

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  Supercrew F150 review - 2005 Ford F-150
  By L Morrison - March 9 - 12:10 am

  Great ride, and solid rattle free construction. Has met all expectations.