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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  Good Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Sean - July 31 - 4:32 am

  We had a 98 V-6 Mustang and this new GT blows it out of the water! Massive improvement on power compared to our old car. Too many people want to race us now! Ride comfort is good and it has a good sound system.

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  Not Bad - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Sean - July 31 - 4:23 am

  Not a bad car. Fun to drive but surely lacking on the power. We upgraded to a GT after about a year. Had nice comfortable seats.

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  I loved this truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By luke - July 30 - 11:00 pm

  My 98 Ford F-150 2WD regular cab manual V6 has been a true champ. I have almost 150,000 miles on it and it is still running strong. This was the first truck that I bought new and was worth every penny. Unfortunately with two little ones, I have to let ole blue go. Im going with another Ford though (06 Crew Cab). This was one tough and special truck!

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  Really more than I expected. - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Bill - July 30 - 3:10 pm

  We purchased this vehicle used with 22,000 miles on it and we now have 70,000 miles on it 20 months later. The only thing we have done to it so far is to consistently service it, and put a new set of tires on it. The Fusion seems to do a pretty good job of combining decent performance, handling, gas mileage, and comfort. Although it has leather, it is not very good quality and the headrests seem to be bricks covered with a little foam pading and a little more leather. Everything seems to be very easily reached and other than the steering mounted temperature adjusting button has worked without flaw. Overall, this vehicle has served us in a way that we would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Worst vehicle we have had -reliability - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Renee Hart - July 30 - 12:23 pm

  My husband and I shopped all the SUVs and chose the Ford Expedition as it best fit our family needs. We absoblutely love the SUV with the exception of the reliability. On the third year, this year, we have replaced an altinator and it is currently in the shop for a new transmission. However, the problems began immediately with one thing or another. Unfortunately, the small things happened when it was under warranty. We are very, very disappointed in the reliability of this vehicle. We would not purchase another one based on this.

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  Bought used, but still great. - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Kevin - July 30 - 10:17 am

  Bought used with 116K miles. Vehicle is now seven years old now and looks and drives great. The interior is still in perfect condition. Leather seats are barely worn. Went up from sedan to this due to having a child. Great room and car seats are a breeze now.

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  Good and Bad Features - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Sandy - July 30 - 7:17 am

  Mechanically, I have had no problems with the Windstar. I have 88,000 miles on it and it still runs like new. I just changed the battery for the first time. I am going to trade it on a smaller car. If I had known that Ford was going to come out with a van with collapsable seats instead of the removable ones, I would have waited and bought the Freestar. Removing and replacing the back seats has been the biggest pain since I got the car. Also, like most other reviews here, my interior lights occasionally flicker and no one can fine what is wrong. Same with the ABS light that comes on but dealer cant find any problem when I bring it in. Gas mileage has been about 20. Used to be better.

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  Pretty good car - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By steve - July 29 - 3:44 pm

  I bought my Mustang GT back in May of 01 and had the car till Feb of 08. This car was very well taken care of and I drove the car pretty crazy. The only reason I kept it running so well is because my uncle is a mechanic so most of the problem were fixed by him. I pumped regular gas in it but always used 10-30 oil. When it got to 75,000 miles I started using 10-30 high mileage mobil oil fully synthetic. That was the best oil I used. My car never leaked any oil because I always replaced any gaskets or seals that needed replacing. Changed all the normal wear & tear stuff. Always kept the car original except for the flowmasters. When I ran a smog check it had better results than a brand new Mustang

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  Expect to have your entire dash pulled out - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By TSmith - July 28 - 7:34 pm

  This is a fine automobile with one major exception. The air conditioner evaporator coil fails on these very early on, requiring the complete removal of the dash for the replacement. Mine failed at 3,100 miles. My 2012 Mustang had the same failure at 19,000 miles. Many owners have had repeated failures of this same component requiring multiple complete dash tear outs. Parts and repairs can require a long wait time. Also, if the part fails outside of the 36 month warranty period like my 2012 did, you are looking at a $1,500 repair bill.

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  For fun - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By mustangfreak - July 28 - 4:15 pm

  Ive had my Mustang for a few years now. Its one of the most reliable vechiles I own. The performance is incredible. If you plan on getting a Mustang a 5.0 or a 4.6 or even the old 3.8 just plan on having money for a few things (tires and clutches.) I only put about 7,000 miles since I bought it and Im due for a second set of rubbers and a new clutch.