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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  after 11 years - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Red - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Rides like a hay wagon, sits rattle, no pick-up, parts are made very cheapt

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  Hope I get it back! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Doxdad - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car. Inexpensive and reliable...a real Model T. I put 90K on it before I gave it to my daughter. MPG is very good. Few things have gone wrong with it. Great in the snow. Simple to work on. Its not the most comfortable car on long trips, but a roomy little hauler great for getting to work or school. Regular oil changes have helped it to last. Rust has to be looked after now and then. K&N air filter really improved performance! I hope I get it back when my daughter is done with it! Too bad they dont still make them.

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  Fun car to drive - 1993 Ford Probe
  By IMLeyes - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I am the original owner of this vehicle. I have had it for 9 years. The car has been fun to drive. It hugs corners well. The car got me a lot of attention when there werent too many of them around so you know it has style. The majority of the repairs came within the warranty period: the first to go was the head gaskets. Then the transmission. After the warranty: it was the radiator. Then the liftback hydraulics. The most recent has been the brake master cylinder. I have chosen to not fix this and now the car is for sale. The tires are not cheap but with some shopping around, you can get each tire for about $110.

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  getting hp out of the 3.0 - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By DangerRanger184 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  i have had the truck for about a year now, and i must say, stock the truck is peppy but after a few modification the truck has potential. i have a 93 Ford ranger splash with the 3.0 v6, i just put 1300 into it, new clutch, slave cylinder,timing chain, water pump,fan clutch, and rear transmission seals. Great truck though, its Ford Tough

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  OK - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 4drtruck - July 21 - 7:56 am

  For the most part a good SUV. Have had trouble with the interior. The arm rest broke off and the driver side seat is sagging from getting in and out. The 4 wheel drive will go through anything, the best ive seen. Been a couple recalls with the recent having to disconnect the cruise control due to fire hazard. Frustrating trying to fit stuff in small vehicle but it is a 2 door sport

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  Watch out - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By NCYankee - July 21 - 2:00 am

  As with many of these 3.8L models, my headgasket went out at about 78k, causing the connecting rod on #4 cylinder to break. Dealer wanted 4K to install rebuilt motor, so I fixed the original one for about $500 in parts and many hours of my labor. Running good again, but Im holding my breath. ABS light is comming on all the time now, but brakes seem to work fine.

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  could have been better - 2005 Ford F-150
  By trucker - July 20 - 5:10 am

  9000 miles and front brakes chatter, dealer says thats just the way it is. He seems to think I abuse it as Im 60 years old. Never pulled a trailer with it and drive like a normal person. Doors sound like they are full of nuts and bolts driving over a rough road, again thats just the way it is. Salesman says i should have driven it over a rough road before I bought it, however he was good enough to offer to take it on trade for a 05 model. Something funny going on with the gas gauge as it took 30 minutes for it to register full after the last fill up. Gets 16 mpg around town and 17 on road.

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  I love my Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Escort Lover - July 20 - 2:00 am

  What an outstanding vehicle! This is the second Escort we have owned and this one has been even better than the last one. Currently showing 115K on the clock. Maintenance schedule has been: change the brakes, oil, sparkplugs and air filter -- nothing else. Only non-predicted failure has been alternator and battery at 110K -- $200. Timing belt went at 90K should have been changed at 60K anyway. Total repair bill $240. The car needs no oil between changes still returns 32-36 mpg. Basically, the car has been a dream. The only visit to the dealership in 7- years was for the timing belt. What more can one ask for in a vehicle?

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  Our 3rd Edge - 2017 Ford Edge
  By DaveK - July 19 - 8:27 pm

  This is our 3rd Edge and our first AWD vehicle. We bought the 3.5 L Titanium package and it seems to have all the bells and whistles. My biggest complaint over the 10 years we have owned Fords is dealer support. I have had unhappy episodes with 2 of 3 dealerships I have dealt with. In defense of the dealers, I am a picky owner and they have a lot of customers to deal with. The vehicle performs well and is very nicely appointed inside. Seats are comfortable and controls are mostly convenient (I am still getting use to things). The 3.5 liter 6 cylinder seems to be not as peppy as our 2010 but it could just be that the vehicle is quieter. Our mileage seems to be about the same as the FWD 2010 but given this one is AWD Im OK with it. 24-25 MPG on the highway and over 20 MPG for the first 1600 miles so far. Fit and finish is very good (In my opinion). We got the 20" wheels and they look great. Ride is a bit stiffer than I expected but handling is better than our two previous Edges. Overall opinion is good. I am an American car buyer and this vehicle is a better fit for me than anything GM of Chrysler has. Dont think you will be disappointed if you decide to buy one.

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  THE BLACK BIRD - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By JOHN D. - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AT THE END OF THE YEAR AFTER SELLING A TROUBLESOME 96 PONTIAC.I HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AT ABOUT 75K MILES, AND THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE TOO SMALL AND WARP EASILY.OTHER THAN THAT THE CAR HAS NOT NEEDED ANY MAJOR REPAIRS AFTER 148000 MILES.