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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  Keeps Runnin! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By WillRun4Food - September 23 - 2:00 am

  As I get ready to trade in my Ranger, I have to leave feedback. What a great truck...I drive quite a bit, and have had nothing but good luck with this Ranger...my 2nd. I have needed no repairs, other than oil changes and a tire recall...dealership even told me I had over 50% of my brakes left! Would recommend this truck to anyone!

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  It goes and goes - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Paul Kleemeier - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car from my company where it was used as a fleet car. It has been through two teenage drivers and one front end accident. It had about 65,000 miles on it when I got it and I had no repairs on until the started failed around 95,000 miles. I had it tuned up about that time- first one. I spent around $1100 on transmission repairs at about 120000 miles. Still runs nice.

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  97 explorer sport - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By VooDooU7 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the job I had. I traded a jeep wrangler for this explorer. The explorer is not as much fun as the jeep it is a lot more functional. it is more comfortable and reliable as well. the only complaint I have is with the dealership. I no longer live in that area so that is no longer a problem for me.

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  Quality Ford SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By brian olney - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My back window blew out, defroster shorted out, but ford was great, gave me a taurus with 38 miles on it and had my car fixed in one day.

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  Great Car But... - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By taxdoc - September 21 - 9:06 am

  Love the car. Sync has a lot of issues with smartphones. Doesnt do all that it is suppose to. The seats have very little support and I am seriously considering replacing them with Recaro seats.

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  Auto Owners Put The Pedal To The Floor!! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Mystang - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I have the 2002 Prem.GT Coupe Mech460 that is so loud it shakes my neibor house.Red lazor tint paint is the head turner when Im at a light.I have an auto trans. and any of you that think this car is laking power,drive about 20 mph and put the pedal fast all the way to the floor WOW!! unbelievable.Watch the rpm, the car hits 6.5 and 7.5.Driving regular the car shifts at 2 to 2.5.Put the pedal to the floor baby!

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  White Buffalo EB 4wd & 5.4L - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Mack - September 21 - 2:00 am

  60,000 miles,very few problems. Bought it new. Brakes went at 40K, front differential seal at 50K. The Goodyear Wrangler RTS worn out at 55K. 17" Bridgestone Revo tires made a vast improvemnt in handling & ride. 4wd works like a dream rode through 60 miles of TX South Padre Island beach sand like it was a throughway. As prevously stated,the air suspension componets (pump & frt shocks) wear out quickly and are expensive, but help to reduce excessive ride height. We hope to keep this one for 8-10 years. At 60 mph we can nurse 16mpg, but my wives heavy digital driving style, around town we see just 11 MPG. Paint & leather is holding up well.

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  97 expedition Great white. - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Ikeman - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We traded my beautifull black z71 pickup in for this Great big white Ex. At first we didnt know if we did the right thing, but soon realized that we couldnt have made a better choice.(I am a die hard ford man now.) It pulls anything and every thing you need to pull with no effort down the road. Sure the gas mileage could be better, but you have got to sacrafice a little for the power. The four wheel drive has never failed me. and I have never had to do anything besides the regular schudled tune ups. (125000 miles)

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  1992 Taurus wagon - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Edgar Latrek - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have two of these SW from 1992. Both have leaking steering. One has a dead air conditioner. One has a failing transmission. The inadequate air conditioning will freeze you on a cool morning and leave you sweating by 11:00 am. The rear defroster connection wires on both cars failed. Both have barely adequate cooling systems. AC fogs windows exactly where you need to look to see the side mirrors.

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  Taurus Review - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By hfbfive - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I Purhcased this vehicle with about 14 k on it. I just turned 186,000. I am just starting to have a problem that may be timing related, but I just passed RI emissions with great results, and still get 27 MPG on the highway. This car has been awesome, and impresses folks at the dealership. Besides the scheduled maint. religiously, I have installed a batt, brakes, tires, and a tension pully for the serp. belt. Everything else is original!