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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  Dont Do It !!! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By bulldogskippy - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I own the 4X4 Regular Cab SWB 4.6L V- 8, do not buy this truck unless you want to ride in the most uncomfortable, punishing seats ever installed in a vehicle. Overall build quality looks like it was made by high- school shop class students. Huge waste of money, buy anything but a Ford. Customer Care Center is a joke, they treat you like trash.

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  Its getting better - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By FrankTheCabOwner - July 11 - 10:00 am

  i own 2 1998 windstars and was not to happy with them. they each needed multiple transmissions. They also needed front-end work about every 50,000 miles they are each approaching 500,000 miles now. (They are Taxis) I am very happy with the 2003 i just bought. They tell me the transmission problem has been fixed so that i should get 200-250k miles per trans, instead of the 100k the old ones lasted.

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  OWNER - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By HAMMER - July 11 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED AND I PLAN ON KEEPING IT FOREVER.

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  i like it... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By nubian - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Im had my car for about 2 months...so far I love it. The car cash mileage is great. I also took out an extend warrenty. I had a good experience with my car so far. Its kinda fun. Its a good long distance driving car.

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  Buy this car. Seriously, buy it now. - 2014 Ford Fusion Energi
  By deebles - July 10 - 5:08 am

  Im a car guy. Ive owned convertibles, sports cars, 4x4s commuter cars - you name it, Ive probably owned it. This car is ridiculous. Its so advanced, so comfortable and so well designed it blows me away. I could gush for hours about how completely enamored I am with it. Ford knocked this one out of the park! We just got back from a three-day trip in the California gold country and without being able to charge up for the entire trip, we still averaged 48 MPG with, shall we say, rather spirited driving through the foothills. The incentives and rebates take a huge bite out of the cost and we havent visited a gas station in a month and counting. Seriously, buy it.

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  Mid Life Crisis Ride - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Robert E Ohara - July 9 - 5:16 am

  Ive had it for a month and its lots of fun. Every man turning 50 ought to get one. My kids like it too. Its fast. At least, so I am told; I gave up on leaving rubber about 20 years ago. Its surely a pretty car, and, with the top down, its mighty fun to drive. I like it in all respects and cant think of a thing Id change.

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  Transmission Issues - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By karent4 - July 8 - 6:31 pm

  2006 Ford 500 transmission bushing shot $1,200; that hurts!

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  03 Explorer Sport - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By mark - July 8 - 7:46 am

  Good trip car with lots of room for 2 and all the junk you can take with you. Will tow a 20 ft boat or car with ease. I usually leave the back seat down for hockey gear supplys bags camping gear. Gets about 22 miles per on the road with a heavy foot. iIs pretty spunky with over 200 hp will turn on a dime and give 8 cent change. Desperately needed better handling tires, useing duellers HP only true hr rated tires for the truck, stays flatter in turns and stops in the rain. Only downfall is little wind noise at hiway speeds and takes two hands to lower the back seats. Older ones could do it with one hand and thats the only complaints with the vehicle had a 91 eddie bauer 2dr before and it was great

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  Very Impressed - 2007 Ford Edge
  By cld - July 8 - 1:20 am

  Ford did a great job with this vehicle. I am always getting compliments on the sleek look. The ride is comfortable and quiet even on the highway. The panoramic roof is awesome and one button fold down rear seats are a very convenient feature. I love everything about my Edge!

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  100,000 a I still dont want to say goodbye! - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By Ann - July 7 - 11:40 pm

  I bought the car used at 25,000 miles and have had no major repairs. Its great for the two of us to go on trips. 3 of us took it on a 1000 mile trip and we did ok. Just needed to pack light. Our original plans were to upgrade at 90,000 miles-but I just cant part with it.