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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  Dream Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Dave - May 11 - 12:16 am

  I bought my first mustang when I was 16 years old. Now 3 years later I still love this car. Its pretty fast for a V6 after the cold air intake and exhaust, and not that bad on gas. I get commented on my car all the time. Also the mach 460 stereo system, Everyone loves how it sounds. Its the best think I could of ever bought.

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  Great camp truck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By RSR - May 10 - 11:39 am

  Im an assistant ranger at a Boy Scout camp. We do a lot of work and rely on good trucks. This Ranger is the best truck weve ever had, great little workhorse. Does everything that our F-150 and Silverado can do, and is better off-road, especially on hiking trails in the woods. Ive hauled trash, lumber, dirt, gravel, stone, concrete, tools, trailers, boats, even another truck. In 3 years its gotten pretty beat up at camp, but Im confident it will last for many more years, then well buy another one. Starts up every time, 4wd is great on dirt roads, engine gives just enough power, and it just drives and works like a bigger truck. Love this Ranger!

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  Escape Diebrid not Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By scoobykk - May 10 - 9:45 am

  This vehicle has the potential to die on you while driving or parked. There are problems with the parts below that you should be aware of before purchasing. Repair is very expensive. FORD nor your dealership will inform you of known potential problems. For FORD 05-07 owners, these parts are known to fail so get them checked out before the BtoB warranty expires. 1. MOTOR cooling system water pump pn# (5m6z8c419a) TSB (Technical Service Bulletin ) # 07-25-12. 2. The Blend air door actuator applications pn# (8L8Z19E616E), will also probably need to be replaced.

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  2003 Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dcd - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the smooth, quiet power of the V8. All the EB features are very nice and worth it IMO. At least try one before getting an XLT. So far, gas mileage has been about 16 mpg city and 19 hwy. Only problem (if you call it that) is a slight rattle in the tailgate when going over large bumps.

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  LONG TIME FORD BUYER - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Jim Bustin - May 10 - 2:00 am

  SOME PROBLEMS W/ FORD TRUCKS. HAVE BEEN BUYING FORD TRUCKS SINCE 1974. THE AC TENDS TO HAVE PROBLEMS EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE TRUCK.hAS HAPPENED ON THE LAST 4 TRUCKS. ALSO PROBLEMS W/ THE TRANSMISSION ON THE LAST 2 TRUCKS.

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  Back to the imports - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By pat McLaughlin - May 9 - 8:07 pm

  Bought this van with ~ 70,000 miles in 2005. Did well until summer of 08 with 100,00 miles, leaving the Smokie Mts.. Torque Converter gasket blew spewing trany fluid on the poor guy behind me. Must say though that I am still running on same trany, just adding fluid every couple months. But at 85,000 brake sensor lights keep coming on for no apparent reason, the control for switching A.C. to Heat is not working, and oh when my Ford van found out that I was attempting to trade it in today, it decided to start spewing coolant.

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  Engine failed at only 1300 miles - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Shahnaz ali - May 9 - 7:35 pm

  2016 Ford Mustang brand new 3 months old only 1300 miles engine failed. They replace the engine but my car value is going down. After purchasing a car I stop 2 more times to dealership for coolant leak also. Engine failure is not related to the coolant leak that is the manufacturer issue.now ford not help me out for extra warranty.

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  New Ford purchase - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By PFP - May 9 - 2:53 pm

  This is this first US auto purchase in over several years. Tranisisition from a Japanese SUV , has been an extremly pleasant experience to date (approx 8K mileage)on the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. The ride quality and reliability has been most favorable and would only improve the current MPS, which aligns with other SUVs in its class (avr. 16 MPG)

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  Go Ahead and Look, U know U want to!! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Robert Bonilla - May 9 - 1:20 pm

  I just purchased my first mustang, she has 78k, and I gotta tell you, the engine matinence fantastic.... I have the Limited Edition, cloth interior, white stripes, modified exhaust (loud),pull down seats....etc....she handles great, shes fast and beautiful, and a 5sp at that. I previously owned a 5sp ZX...and the Mustang LE....just knocks it out of the Park...See one...get one...Im happy I did....zooom ZoOOOM

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  08 Focus SES - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Vic Epps - May 9 - 11:11 am

  Purchased this car for my son in college. Wanted something new, safe with good gas mileage. The vehicle handles well. The build quality ( Exterior panel alignment) is a little off. At 17k the car began making a loud noise from the drive train when accellerating on a freeway. Took it in for service. There is a TSB which addresses the problem. A foam insert on the air intake tube becomes loose. The problem was repaired by ford. They also reprogramed the ECM due to air defroster issues. ( Another TSB )