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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  Owner - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Hdebos - February 27 - 10:46 pm

  The above vehicle is a very roomy, comfortable, and reliable vehicle.

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  fixer uper - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By christopher shelton - February 27 - 6:01 pm

  I have a festiva and I am going to fix it up and sell it so if any one knows were I can get a driver door white and a cluth plate and a white hood please e mail me. for a car that is a 88 it gets great gas mileage and it can be fun in the snow thanks.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Mhawk4851 - February 27 - 3:31 pm

  It is a confortable ride and very good handling. It is very good on snow.

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  A very good car for 2 people and 1 child - 1997 Ford Contour
  By marco - February 27 - 2:27 pm

  Hope to keep using it

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  Good little car - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By msi - February 27 - 12:00 pm

  Only trouble was brakes,front wheel bearings and exhaust

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  Awesome Stang - 2011 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Steve E - February 27 - 10:00 am

  This is truly one great car, the build quality is as good as any car made to date. The interior is so cool, the lighting and gauge coloring is simply fantastic. You can sit in this car for hours in the garage and monkey around with it and have so much fun just doing that. The power is amazing. As soon as the car was broken in and the ECU let the car build boost, I hit the gas doing about 40 mph and I couldnt believe it, the car kicked out side ways but the traction control kicked in and saved my silly butt. I truly love this car. Best purchase I made in a long time.

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  Never a Problem - 2006 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By max on the road - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive bought about a dozen Ford vans since 1976 and have never had a serious mechanical problem with any of them. I usually run them out to 160,000 mile before trading. My 1998 van had incredible wind noise so I traded earlier than usual. My 2002 conversion lost a wheel once but I replace the rear end with used part for under $500.

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  disagree with edmonds review.please rere - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By tony - February 27 - 9:59 am

  i first looked up reviews.but i disagree with what was stated.i havent heard all the sounds(roars).also the 3.8 engine is strong and dependable.i dont know who drives and rates these vehicles but i believe they must have been having a bad day or they just dislike ford.i love my van.it handles great looks great.i suggest they hire some new reviewers,then re review this vehicle.

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  A pigs breakfast of a car - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Clive T. - February 27 - 12:41 am

  My cars transmission croaked at 68k, A/C gave up the ghost at 70K, and the engine was scrap at 105k due to the chronic head gasket failure problem on Fords 3.8 engines of this era. Along the way, numerous other problems-a bad motor mount,power window failures, & fragile plastic interior bits added richness to my Ford ownership experience. Only good thing I can say is that the heap was so bland & inconspicuous that I never got a speeding ticket. It ws like being invisible out there.

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  One to keep!! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By cgull - February 26 - 9:09 pm

  I bought this car brand new after a LOT of research on different cars. I have put 143,000 HARD miles on it, and it hasnt had a single major problem. I was thinking about getting a new car, but I just couldnt let the tbird go. When I do get another car, Ill keep the tbird for a daily driver (to work etc.). I dont know what others have to say, but I am very happy with this car! On a daily basis I punish it, and it keeps coming back for more!!