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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  Love that truck - 1996 Ford F-250
  By Ping lou - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle dose what it is supposed to

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  Love My Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By lemac - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Great styling.Average gas mileage.Location for ignition key difficult to see,especially at night.A fun car to drive, great on long trips. Super vision with high seats and low hood.

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  Overall OK, lots of little problems tho - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Brvncrzy13 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for almost a year and a half. I have had it in the shop for probably 20-30 days for all sorts of problems. It cut off on me while I was driving down the road .. a problem that has been experienced by at least two others I know with their own Escapes. My 6-CD changer had to be replaced. The runners/steps had to be replaced b/c the vibrate so loud it disrupts the ride .. altho the new ones still vibrate .. obviously a defect in construction. Not sure why, but I had to have my brake oil reservoir repaired due to leakage. Those are the things I can think of off the top of my head!

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  good car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Double0man - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since buying it new. No problems except the stupid engine light comes on, but thats a known bug. Just buy the cupholder option from ford to make the cupholders useful (~$15)

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  Value - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By PCCOPP - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my car in 1999 as a "Program" car - Hertz Rental Car return. I got it with 23K miles on it. (surprised that a rental had 23K in one year). Taurus is versatile. I like splitting the rear seat and running to Home Depot for 2 x 4s I purchased the car for $11.5K and felt it was a value to get a one year old full size/fully loaded car, with two years /12K of bumper to bumper warranty. The Dual Air Bags/ABS sold me. Car is dependable. No trany problems My coolant tank just cracked and my mechanic told me that this is common for Tauruses as a bad design. I am replacing myself and the dealer sells part for $32.00.

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  My 2nd Probe! - 1997 Ford Probe
  By Keek - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Im on my second Probe, and both have been relatively good to me. Maybe not an A+, but definately an A. (1990 Probe, 1997 Probe, both standard transmission) I have really enjoyed driving both of these cars. I was in a nasty accident earlier this week (hit by a BIG Jeep Cherokee) and I am amazed at how well my Probe held up! I was hit on the drivers side, and in a lesser car I am quite sure my legs would have been broken at the very least. Unfortunately, my Probe has too much damage not to be totalled, (Sob!) but I can honestly say that I would get another Probe. (Isnt three the magic number?)

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  Mostly Happy - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By redswd - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Havent had it long but Ive enjoyed my experience so far. Fun to drive, comfortable, all the toys and will step out smartly when the pedal is down. Could use better programming on the 5 spd Auto, it feels as though it is hunting for the right gear sometimes. Dont know about reliability, no problems so far. Time will tell.

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  transmission - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By trottdog - April 8 - 6:03 am

  This is my second ford. I will not buy another. I just got 50,000 miles on it and the transmission went out. This is not a mustang that im spinning the wheels, this truck does not go off road. they want $ 2900.00 to fix it. this truck will be on the market as is. i will buy a Jeep.

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  no star in my wind - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By sco - April 8 - 2:00 am

  At 20,000 miles tranny goes , on christmas day. engine light came on at least a dozen times in the past year . went through 3 sets of tires.ford tells me this normal,my van has 58,000 miles and im DONE.

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  Ford edge - 2017 Ford Edge
  By smac - April 7 - 5:28 pm

  shop around dealer price vary for same car they mix in different options