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:

• 

  Nice Truck, but needs improvements - 2001 Ford F-150
  By DataDude - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Over all, it has been a dependable vehicle that lives up to the Ford name and image. The interior is super comfortable for the driver and all passengers, front and back. The four doors is a nice advantage over king cabs and standard pickups. The four doors are easier to load passengers then the king cab, and you have storage from the eliments for packages in the back seat, that are not left outside the cab to be stolen or rained on.

• 

  Overall Satisfied - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Ken in CT - February 10 - 2:00 am

  After 10 years of my first Ford, I can say it has been fairly reliable - had some Mass Air Flow Sensor and O2 Sensor issues at about 50,000. Also, it has had 2 out of the 3 faults that I am told it is infamous for - broken motor mounts and now the tranny is shot. Never had problems with the third one - head gaskets, but it was probably coming. An excellent handling car in the snow, providing you have good tires on it. I would consider buying another one, but I would research a bit to make sure the tranny and head gasket problems have been ironed out.

• 

  Very good car, horrible seats - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By GBW - February 10 - 1:03 am

  Ford did a great job. Love the ride an handling. With 18" wheels, it holds curves like a sport sedan. Put about 2500 miles in the first month, w/ 27 mpg for my commute. Sony stereo is fantastic. Lots of space. Like the Synch system for hands free phone. The front seats are horrible. Cant find a comfortable position, even with 8-way power adjustment. I like the headrest, which most people dont. But my lower back hurts all the time. The cushions are hard and the back is too narrow. Im 63", 190. Tall but not large. The seats are bad enough that I am considering replacing the car after just one month. Too bad, otherwise its an excellent car.

• 

  Not too bad - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mollic - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Escape because it was the first SUV I drove that was fun to drive. But, theres little things I would change. The V6 isnt as powerful as I would have hoped. My 1993 GMC Jimmy had MUCH more power in its engine. The fuel economy doesnt seem to be as good in practice as on paper, and Im anxiously waiting the Hybrid. Interior design could use a spruce up, too.

• 

  gr8 - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By trashman - February 8 - 2:00 am

  only had vehicle a couple of years but have put 60000 miles on it with a total of 311000 miles great service wish they still made them as im looking 4 around a (99) model now and looking at the windstars reviews im scared of them.

• 

  o.k. - 2001 Ford F-150
  By jconwater - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall good vehicle. Have problems when it is cold. Power windows, emergency brake, and blinkers do not work when temperture is below freezing.

• 

  Great balance of size, function and fun! - 1994 Ford Probe
  By sppooo - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Put nearly 100,000 miles on my Probe and am having a TOUGH time finding a replacement that offers as good a combination of fun driving, great styling and the ability to haul a LOT of stuff. (People comment that they cant BELIEVE how much I pull out of its trunk.) It HAS been problematic and expensive at times, and Probe parts can be expensive. Put about $1100 into it last year, a new clutch, some sort of sensor costing hundreds of bucks (they all do), and some issue with the starter. Still runs fine, is still fun, could use a little tuning perhaps and...my seats are starting to rot, Ive GOT to get another car! But WHAT KIND????

• 

  comfortable ride - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By n2games - February 8 - 2:00 am

  As the driver of this car, I find it more comfortable than any of the other cars I drive for work. I drive about 50,000 miles a year total. I rent cars about 1/2 the time. The windstar has plenty of power and room in the driver seat to get comfortable.

• 

  I Recommend this Truck - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By C-Can - February 7 - 2:00 am

  GOOD LOOKING AND EASY TO HANDLE. WIFE LOVED IT. THE HEIGHT FROM THE GROUND GIVES GOOD CLEAREACE IS JUST RIGHT FOR NY POT HOLES. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIPERS WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP THE WIPERS WOULD START AND WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN OFF. I HAVE BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS AND IT IS STILL A PROBLEM.

• 

  Good Old Boy with 178,000 miles! - 1994 Ford F-150
  By ronco - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle from a dealer that marked it "salvage only" on the bill of sale. Clutch was rough but overall this was a runner. I put a new clutch in it a few months after purchase (easy job!), rebuilt the brakes, and added new tires. This old 5 liter V8 runs great, uses a little oil but leaks considerably from front and rear mains. If it didnt run so darned good Id have it rebuilt. Never see a used lower mileage 5 liter for sale.