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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  2000 Explorer Sport - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By DMan9070 - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in September of 2003, and for the most part, I have enjoyed driving it. The only major problem I have had has been the transmission, which needed about $2000 worth of work (only part of which was covered by my so-called Used Car warranty). Tip: Dont take it to a Ford dealer for service. A reputable place in your area is probably just as good, if not better and smarter. Lesson learned: Read the fine print of your warranty. Mine would not pay for "genuine Ford parts (gags)," only after-market parts, which the dealer would not do.

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  Best $2300 ever spent - 1993 Ford Escort
  By The Great Bison - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Used to drive my moms 96 LX around with the weak 88 hp engine, my GT makes 40 more hp and the difference is unbelievable! I drive this car around 100 miles per day for both work and school and at 100,000 miles, it still refuses to leak a drop of anything. The only repairs have been the replacement of maintainance parts such as brake linings, and rotors. The mazda engine, 5 speed, and sport tuned suspension makes this car a blast to drive.

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  rain and snow.... - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By sillEeitaK - January 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in January 2001 and for the most part its been a great car. Been through several accidents, and still in one piece, never an injury! ) Had to have the brakes replaced and the engine serviced once, but thats really it. Runs well, accelerates really nicely, a fun car to drive (especially in electric green!) I just wanted to reply to someone saying that it ran well in rain and snow- it DOESNT run in rain or snow! very very touchy. spins out a LOT. Im trading it in this year for something with AWD. For what I used it for though, it was a great car.

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  Brawn with style - 2016 Ford F-150
  By RI Scott - January 22 - 9:55 pm

  Very happy with my 2016 XLT supercrew. The 302a option package is great. Other than a lack of NAV (dont we all have a phone these days anyway??) the tech is great. Rides nice. Very quiet for a truck. Twin turbo V-6 will make you forget about the V-8. Dash and interior are good but I think the steering wheel quality is poor to the touch and eye. The appearance of the fast and highly functional Sync 3 screen is hideous. Most people set it to nigth mode full time to lose the blue on blue format. Ford....update this asap please! My wifi is waiting. Baby the heck out of it and maybe come close to advertised mileage. Im getting 20.1 mixed but havent seen 23 highway. Sport mode is the top choice around time. Good feel, no loss of mpg if you drive normally. Shifting in regular mode can be clunky and lug a bit until you pedal it. Overall Im happy. A-

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  Dons Review - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By duffs62 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  The car is expensive to maintain, but then again, the 95s are now 9 years old. With well over 100,000 miles, the only major problems Ive had are the starters going out. Im on my third one. Ill be looking to replace the show in a year or two, and will be sad to see it go. Ill most likely be moving towards the up and coming imports that are looking good these days. Thank goodness they still put stick shifts in their mid-size cars. I love the styling. Its 9 years old and stands out from the newer cars that have similar performance.

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  1999 expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By bill the ford guy - January 22 - 2:00 am

  1999 Ford Expedition, Eddie Bauer. Had the car since new. Bought it off lease after 3 years. Been happy with it except when I pull up to the pump.

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  Drive One... Youll see! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By JustZx2 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a sweet car! This is my 2nd one I had a 99 ZX2 but hit a deer and traded it in for my 01 ZX2..The 99 was strip model however this is power everything and manual.. IF ya can drive stick GET IT! Its black fav. color and really good against a LANCER, Poor guy thought he could take a ZX2...he was wrong! lol! Its NOT a ESCORT <-- those suck, This has a 130 hp engine that can move it along, However escorts have 110hp and suck! So yea THIS is called a ZX2 so dont be ashamed when telling your friends you own a ZX2 (Showem the back bumper "says" "ZX2") LOL! Enjoy it if ya OWN ONE! Cuz I AM!

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  Terrific Fast Convertible - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By GTMustangBob - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much fun! The car goes faster than alot of cars Ive had before it...1970 & 1981 Vettes, 1971 & 1973 Challenger R/Ts, to mention a few. The power is instant yet contained. It sounds great all the way thru the gears. The stick is way more fun to drive than an auto version. Worth owning for a fun convertible that turns heads.

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  fits my needs - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By mark136 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  interior lights have a mind of thier own. totally unreliable. door ajar light is always on. the buzzer reminding me of it intermittantly sounds off. after a year of ownership new brakes and calipurs.I have also experienced vapor lock a few times. . otherwise great and fun and reliable. Id get another.purchased may 2002 with 46k on the clock.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Chris Jeffries - January 20 - 2:13 pm

  I got the car new and now have over 50,000 miles on it. It has been better than I expected based on reviews of the Freestyle. The engine is very powerful. My wife has an 08 Merc Mariner and I hate road trips in it b/c I miss the power of the X. Another surprise was that I have taken it off- road in CO and never gotten stuck. I dont recommend it, since the ground clearance is like a sedan, but the power and the AWD didnt let me down. Drives great on snow and ice. I love the way the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats fold flat. I have heated leather seats and they have been great. I also love the rear proximity warning when youre about to hit something in reverse. Not one maintenance issue yet!