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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  oil leak - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By judy - January 1 - 8:18 pm

  i have had my truck into the shop 3 times for a leak first they told me there was none then they said it was the rear seal then they told me the oil filter was not tight enough ... for 2 years i dont think so i think it is the oil pan which i will fix myself besides the bad experience with the machanic i like my truck , not sure i would buy from that dealership again

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  oil leak - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By judy - January 1 - 8:18 pm

  i have had my truck into the shop 3 times for a leak first they told me there was none then they said it was the rear seal then they told me the oil filter was not tight enough ... for 2 years i dont think so i think it is the oil pan which i will fix myself besides the bad experience with the machanic i like my truck , not sure i would buy from that dealership again

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  Great Value - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Greg Huckabee - January 1 - 4:56 pm

  I drove a 2005 mustang for 12 years and was very satisfied with that car. However the 2016 mustang is light years ahead of the 2005 version.

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  Shes been a good girl - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By M.J. Snyder - January 1 - 3:31 pm

  I bought my green 95 at the dealership I worked at in college. We went back and forth from Penn State a lot and she has always been good. I have 16" wheels from a 2002, and clear headlights from an LX, big improvement she looks great, minimal problems (starter, radiator, little trim pieces). I lease a 2004 Sable but wont give up the 95, she handles great, decent power, and looks new as can be it is one of the best looking 95s youll see running around. Bought it with 45,000 miles from my uncle, now has about 85,000. I just put in good Pioneer Speakers and Sony Headunit, the stereo sounds better than my Sable. I LOVE HER!

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  Most Reliable Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By AQ - December 31 - 4:41 pm

  I bought this car when I was in college. It was a Salvaged Title with only 3K miles on it. I drove it till a couple of years ago and donated it with 245K miles. NEVER HAD ANY DRIVETRAIN ISSUES! Barely changed oil every 15K miles, only problem I ever had was the alternator went bad, which I changed myself/ NO OTHER PROBLEMS. What a great car. Now Im looking to buy another because of its reliability (for commute).

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  A Good SUV/Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Chris500 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This has been one of the most comfortable vehicles Ive ever owned. It seems to fit like a glove. He has performed flawlessly and has never had to return to the dealer for anything. It doesnt get quite the mileage I was hoping for, but it is very reliable and stable on the road. Most everyone Ive met has liked it and they comment on how smoothly it rides.

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  American Made means something again... - 2004 Ford F-150
  By ProjectMagnus - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Im less than 12 hours with my new Ford F150 Lariat SuperCab 5.4 Trinitron. Im very impressed. The ride is smooth and almost car-like. The interior design is simple, yet perfectly designed. This truck has almost too many features to mention. This is perhaps, the greatest vehicle Ive owned. Ford has really, truly outdone themselves. Lets hope I have the same great things to say after the odometer turns 100k.

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  Very fun to drive - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By kirra - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Im starting to modify it. Cant wait to see what will come of it.

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  Good Bull 03 - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Tom Batz - December 30 - 5:09 pm

  The 03 model I have has been very dependable and very comfortable. Good family car with good performance on highway and local roads.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ando21133 - December 30 - 1:39 pm

  The SVT Focus is a blast to drive. It does two things exceptionally well - going fast and cornering. If thats what youre looking for in a car, buy one. This car will turn corners at speeds you never though possible, and is very stable at speeds that will get you arrested rather than just a speeding ticket (if caught). For basic transportation, there are better choices, though. The car is not very roomy, the ride is a bit firm, the engine is loud, and its a Ford. Also, for its size, the gas mileage is terrible, and it requires minimum 91 octane fuel. My SVT five-door is my daily driver, and Im very happy with the purchase.