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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  great car - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By tempo/topaz - June 4 - 2:00 am

  an awesome car, check them out on tempotopaz.com

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  I got a good one! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By gblanas - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Windstar new, now have slightly over 150,000 mi. on it. The vehicle has been very reliable, have only replaced battery, alternator & serpentine belt at 100,000 mi. All other major mechanical components are original. We towed our pop-up and take many trips throughout New England. The Windstar is very comfortable, I never get a sore back! I do, however agree with most other reviewers about engine noise, lack of power, poor braking, mushy suspension, paint peeling on roof, etc. I recently purchased another minivan, a Honda Odyssey, the Odyssey had much better reviews & ratings in all categories.

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  My First and Last Ford - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By R2brat - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out at 50,000. Luckily I had the extended warranty. Constant problems with sensors showing a door open when it wasnt. Interior light would stay on because of this. Took in to dealer well over a dozen times. AC made grinding noise intermittently. Ford dealer never heard the problem, so wouldnt fix it. Took it in for that 4 times. Third seat is very hard to take out. Takes 2 people to do it.

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  11 Years and still on the job! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Storm4343 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  A terrific workhorse that has served as a daily driver, sports car, weekend get-away vehicle and utility vehicle. Bought it new and Im keeping it until it croaks (which I wouldnt think is going to be anytime soon as it is still in great shape).

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  Excellent value for the money - 1997 Ford Escort
  By bgharrison - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I havent had my Escort very long bought it used with 57k miles on it. Excellent fuel economy, somewhat comfortable as far as leg room in the front (Im about 6 with long legs this is important!). Only with I had cruise control on this one for freeway drives, and pwr locks.

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  An excellent value, superior build quality - 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By barton - June 2 - 8:42 pm

  Yup, I know its a cliche joke but my other car actually is a BMW 530i, which was once named by Consumer Reports as the best car they ever tested, period. So my standard for comparison is different. And I really do appreciate the excellent value that the 2015 Fusion Hybrid offers. This is only a 1600 mileage report, but so far the build quality seems superior, no rattles, and it takes some of my BMW-type throttling over bumps quite well. The seat comfort is excellent for the price range, much better expected. My combined gas mileage is 43.9 MPG overall so far, versus the rated 42 MPG . The touchscreen info system is okay, no issues. Not BMW handling, but it is predictable and seems safe.

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  ford escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By alissakay - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Good car. Ride is a little bumpy at times and can be a little noisy, but otherwise great.

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  Okay, I guess. - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Mike Stevenson - May 31 - 8:10 pm

  I think my Ford is okay. It has a smooth ride, yet it isnt as smooth as the Toyota Avalon or the Honda Accord. It is an okay car. This car gets an average of 15 miles to the gallon. I have been driving this car for 6 months and after 28,000 miles I needed a new transmission. This car is very comfortable.

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  No Compromises - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By henrydrobinson - May 31 - 6:08 pm

  Bought red C-Max four days ago with every options but auto parallel park. Its not a long car and I have to parallel park about once a month. I love the C-Max. I think it looks so much better than Prius or Prius V and there arent a million yet on the road. The red color looks like a candy red Corvette. Love it. Car is quick. Glass roof and huge wind shield gives amazing visibility in all directions, including up. Traded in a 2011 Explorer that was awesome but wanted better gas mileage. Glad I did. Just miss adaptive cruise control that I had on the Explorer.

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  F-150 XLT Supercrew - 2002 Ford F-150
  By PaulKirchhofer` - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Drives great. Ive got the 2WD 4.6L V8 and it could use a little more power. Of course it is a gas guzzler as all large trucks are. No complaints. My F- 150 had a dealer installed moonroof which was wired incorrectly and I had to bring it back to get that fixed and they didnt do it correctly and ended up wiring it wrong again and a couple of months later the windows went out. This was all due to the dealer wiring the moonroof incorrectly in the first place.