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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  The Peoples Wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Funits - February 6 - 2:33 pm

  Like the VW Bug (the peoples car), the Freestyle is a wagon for the people. I can carry up to 7 and I can flip and fold the seats to hold all kinds of stuff. The deep well behind the 3rd row of seats is perfect to hold groceries and the grill propane tank without flopping around. The interior is spacious and bright with the seats being comfortable in the front and 2nd row. And surprise, at 511" I am able to easily get in and sit in the 3rd row seats without any discomfort. I have found the power of my Freestyle never to lack; it pulls from stops very well and can cruises at any highway speed I choose, and the brakes stop the car well at any speed.

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  Great used car - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Kindreth - February 6 - 2:00 am

  After reading others experiences I went ahead and bought my 90 with 147K on it, and have added another 9K. Replaced plugs, wires, dist cap/rotor, front brakes (cheap!). Timing belt blew, but I should have changed it no valve damage. Amazingly reliable and inexpensive previous owner and I both use Mobil 1 oil. Best car buy Iceever made.

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  2330 ford ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By kd - February 5 - 10:00 am

  so far so good more truck for less money compared to the toyota tocoma.

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  Great compact car!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Mark Nelson - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2001 Focus 4 door for a little over two years now. I have the Zetec engine and the only problem Ive had was a faulty O2 sensor that was fixed under warranty. There is plenty of headroom for frontseat passangers, although this also does equate to a high level of body roll for such a small car. Handling is still confident, if not sporty, even with that "midsize" body roll. Gas mileage is solid as well. Fit and finish have impressed me seeing this is the first "compact" car Ive purchased in 20 years.

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  Straightforward Design - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By ssw118 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Theres a reason why Edmunds ranks this car as a best bet. Its very smooth and comfortable and has plenty of power from the 4.6L V-8. Fords been making Crown Victorias for a long time so they should be pretty good. The only problem Ive had so far is with the front ball joints. The front end squeaks and creaks. My mechanic said that is a commone problem with these cars. Its been great other than that.

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  94 Aerostar EXT - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By Tomasina - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Its been a great family vehicle--lots of room for people and stuff truck chassis 4.0 delivers good power and 20mpg (more on trips)Repairs have been modest--should have never stopped making them! I would buy another in a minute--in fact I am getting a 97 in better shape and with less miles as we speak!

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  Supprisingly Powerfull - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By softwareguy - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 4000 miles and now it has 8000. So I havent had it long but I have been suprisingly happy. It seems to have a very good power kick and rides rather smooth. Very roomy, especially the trunk. Handles well for a mid-priced sedan. The Taurus has much more room, features and power for the money. The items I dont like are the front end design (which has been around forever) and the Tachometer is an ancient style that is hard to read at night. And probably worst of all is that annoying seat belt warning indicator that wont stop ringing unless you have your belt on at all times when the car is moving.

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  Fixed Or Repaired Daily - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By sg - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Fuel system shut-off in its own. Door clip loose. Fuel gauge still shows inaccurately. There was a recall on this, but even the one the dealer replaced with shows the same way. Fuel guage shows inaccurately until the end. From a quarter tank it would suddenly go to empty tank. Service Engine light comes all the time. Head lights are dull. Driver side door is loose.

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  1994 Ford T-Bird LX - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Scottie43 - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I like my t-bird so far. One thing that I dont like is the cup holders ar i the wrong place. You hit it with your elbow. They are located in the center console towards the back. Other than that I have been pleased with t.

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  99 Ranger Review - Transmission Problems - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Kloman - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, but have major transmissions problems at 50000 miles. If this were a Chrysler I could understand it. I have had Fords all my life. Unless Ford extends their warranty on the powertrain, Ill be buying a Toyota next time.