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 NOT BUY - 2001 Ford Focus
  By eddy - July 24 - 10:00 am

  VERY ugly, slow and American (unreliable). poor design and looks

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  what a gigantic error... - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By dino - July 12 - 2:00 am

  gas guzzling nerd mobile -electric door lock failed 2x - center armrest broke off - cant sell or trade in if my life depended on it

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  Dont Buy This ! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By PeterK - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a lightly used 1999 Explorer Sport in January, 2000. Last month, during the 60,000 service, I was told that I needed $1,000 worth of repairs just to pass state inspection. This is my 2nd (and LAST) Ford Product. The car is poorly designed, difficult to drive, and now ... unreliable. Consider the Explorer a "high maintenance" automobile and avoid it at all costs!!! I do not drive this vehicle off road and have always changed the oil, rotated the tires and performed all of the scheduled maintenance. Im headed back to the Hondas .. at least I know Ill get 100,000 miles out of them with little to no repairs.

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  Never EVER Again - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Unsatisfied Owner - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Never again will I buy a probe. In just a year of owning this car, Ive had to replace both CV joints (one more than once), replace the whole radiator, replace the distribitor, replaced the front brake pads a few times, the rotors once, repair on the head gaskets, and replace the timing belt. Right now, the transmission is almost completely gone and I have a blown water hose. When it rains, it pours with this vehicle. Price for repair is outrageous. Thank goodness they dont make this cars anymore!!

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  Ford Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By FordGuy9 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is built very poor

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  Dont Buy - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By John - May 9 - 1:36 am

  This car is a waste of my money. Its design both inside and out looked good at the beginning of the year but now looks like it is from 2000. Breaks down often. Please dont dont make the same mistake I did.

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  SUCKS!!!!!!! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Cara - May 5 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the Ford Escort ZX2 has been horrible from the start. First, 3 months after I purchased it the entire transmission was shot. (Under warranty they replaced it). 1 year later the power steering went out. The break are horrible and even though I change them often the dealership says that these types of cars have that "Squicky" problem.

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  Worst Truck Ever - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By FORD - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Worst truck ever. Two trannys within 1 year. I will never buy a Ford again. FOund On Road Dead!!!!!!!!!

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  [non-permissible content removed] ford - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Randy - May 2 - 3:57 pm

  Bought 2014 fushion se used with 20000 on it. Now 40000 miles and trans went out totally gone no warning nothing just started it and no drive.the sync system sucks. Its always doing its own thing. The air comes on when you want heat. Electronical nightmare. If i could go back in time i would not have bought this car and will never go to kunes ford in wisconsin ever again so rude people they promise you everthing until u sign then its all lies no one cares. They even said to me oh well you bought it its your problem now. Nice huh. Never again ford.

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  Buy a Honda - 2000 Ford Contour
  By nicke - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Save a few more dollars and buy a Honda, or Toyota instead. This is one cheaply built and unrealiable car.