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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  A Step Backward - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By katz_n_jamer - June 12 - 7:33 pm

  Having owned a 2004 Explorer, the 2006 changes proved to be a step backward. Changes to the interior door handles are not intuitive, the dash is busy, Ive counted as many as 20 separate plastic pieces. The change in the tailgate from the split tailgate to the liftglass makes it much more difficult to load anything without opening the entire tailgate. The movement of the shift lever from the column to the floor eliminated a lot of storage space. The gas mileage on my 4.0L 2004 consistently ran 20 - 21 mpg in highway driving. So far the 2006 is giving me 17 - 17.5. I hope this improves with added mileage. All in all a disappointment.

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  It really is okay... - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Husoni - June 12 - 2:00 am

  At first I had some issues with look of the vehicle as well as my experience with the dealership, but over the years I trully can not complain. I have backed into poles, other cars, spun out on the free way and still I have not had any injuries or had any repairs required. "it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin..." really. Gas is great as well. Its like my own private bumper car.

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  my bronco - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By jacck - June 12 - 2:00 am

  it has been a good vehicle. it has never let me down. 133k+ miles and still usses no oil at ALL!

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  Good handling but under-powered sedan - 1998 Ford Contour
  By grtgrfx - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought used as an end-of-lease car from dealer, and it had high mileage. This car was the GL but with the Sport package (tach, leather wheel, 15" aluminum wheels, sunroof, fog lights, better suspension, etc.). I put 17" wheels and performance tires on, and handling increased dramatically. Its always been comfortable inside but lacks the power that the V6 engine provides. If I did it again, Id go for the SE or SVT models. The sunroof had a $10 plastic gear break, resulting in a $2,500 repair bill (warrantee, thank God). Warning lights do come on intermittently and theyre hard to diagnose (check engine and air bag on mine).

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  Great Car....but not for tall people - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By MustangShelbie - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a Mustang Family (2 1970 Fastbacks/ 1 1989 Hatchback), when I was purchasing my first car I had to go with the Mustang! I love the looks and it still has speed, even though the smaller engine. I would recommend this car to most. The only problem is that at 6 feet tall, my knees are at the dash when I drive. I lower the seat, but I cant see over the front of the hood. The older Mustangs had more leg room...maybe Ford needs to work on that. However, its a great car!

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  2003 Ford Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By F. Hamlett - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Drives well, comfortable interior. Would have liked leather but not available. Reliability has not been great. It sported an out-of-round rear axle from the factory and I thought it may have been just a fluke, but a few months later a front axle bearing went out. These kinds of reliability problems could have been avoided with more care at the manufacturing level. No more problems to report at this time. I feel a little better about the truck now that these problems have been addressed and I have driven it for approx. 10,000 miles since the incident with the front bearing with no other problems to report.

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  Third Ranger is a charm - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Hitman & Speedy - June 10 - 2:00 am

  My third Ranger and by far the best to date. My mileage is 16.5mpg and I dont baby her either. Love her and plan on keeping this 4x4. Previous Rangers are as follows: 97 (2wd 2.3) had butt loads of rear axle problems and no umph. I gladly traded it in for an 02 (2wd 3.0) and really enjoyed it until the Nebraska winter needed a 4x4.

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  It just keeps on going - 1998 Ford Escort
  By mruconn - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1998 LX after my 1993 Ecort GT started to give me problems and it was the most affordable car for me at taht time. I bought it new with 18 miles on it and as of today, 6/10/04, I now have 209,670 miles. No major problems, just things are wearing out but that is to be expected, plus I ma still getting 35+ mpg. It just keeps running and running, maybe thats why Ford discontinued it, it was too good.

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  2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4WD - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jake D. - June 9 - 6:43 pm

  It will be going on 8 years since we have bought our truck used from a ford dealer. It was a year or two old. Since then it has been a pretty great companion. The only Problems are fuel economy, Braking System and Steering. The brakes have to be replaced or fixed often, the fuel economy is 14mpg, and the steering can get shaky meaning that you have to replace the control arms. Other then that its been a companion. Only a few years ago i found out that t was loaded with options. All i dont have is the moonroof and leather i think. Came with towing package, all exterior option, 6 disc changer, automatic tranny. Good truck. Repairs have never exceed 500 dollars when u DIY

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  Dream car Disapoints - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Terry Burke - June 9 - 2:17 pm

  Just bought the 2016 v6 Convertable Mustang drove it home went to park the car in my garage and I heard a "clunk" noise in the rear of the car. Wow you can hear it every time you stop the car even at 1 mile per hour. It takes the luster off your new car purchase. Im headed back to the dealer tomorrow morning, I hope to get it fixed or get a replacement. It is very fustrating went are so excited about your purchase and it disappoints you!!