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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  Ford F150 - 1994 Ford F-150
  By STEVENJ - March 18 - 2:00 am

  The engine runs like new - I replaced the air intake manifold gasket at approx. 150K & the crankcase oil pan gasket once at approx. 200K. The front brakes must have been designed for the festiva - I had to purchase rotors way to often! My transmission was rebuilt around 150K. The torque converter sent a hard to find vibration through my truck at around 75K that was a Ford problem - Ford actually issued a service bulletin for this. Overall a great truck! I should have purchased (2) - it was ~$13K new.

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  The King is Dead! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Cherisaruss - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This has been the most amazing car we have ever owned! Sad to say, the head just blew and we decided to replace it.....at 316,000+ miles. Six months ago, we had to replace the tranny...*sigh*. Aside from that, the only other problem was that the evil yellow light of death came on at about 150,000 miles, and never went off. We just bought a 97 Cougar with 47,000 miles, and the inside is similar but I doubt it will replace the T-bird in our hearts *sniffle.* WHY did Ford discontinue this car???

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  Midsize Mustang - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By rollin59 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice car, like a mid-size Mustang. Big enough to carry passengers, small enough to be easy to drive.

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  ok, but sluggish - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jenshjelm - March 17 - 2:00 am

  i like to drive my truck, but it is a lil sluggish with its underpowered v6 and 4x4 that doesnt help since there is no axle lock(posi lock) of any kind. also gas mileage isnt what i expected when i bought it.

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  Love the look and feel, but not the MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By pkhannon - March 15 - 11:59 am

  I purchased a Fusion Hybrid SE 4 weeks ago. The car drives great, handles turns with ease, and accelerates decently for a 2.0L. The seats too are very comfortable and the look of the car is fantastic. The MPG however isnt even close to the advertised 47/47. Ive put 1500+ miles on the car and my best MPG is 38. In order to try to get better MPG, Ive totally changed my driving habits, accelerating slowly, keeping the car at 60 on highways, breaking so that I get 100% power return, etc....I recently read an experts review and they noted better mileage in warmer temps. Maybe..but I also saw that Ford is being investigated by the EPA. I still love the car but the MPG is disappointing.

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  focused - 2000 Ford Focus
  By taylort5 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Ford focus was an excellent car it was the perfect size for me and my family and very reliable. my car had 86,000 and the engine waw extremely quite as if the car was not turned on. I would definitly purchase another focus.

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  1994 FORD EXPLORER - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By TOM COPLIN - March 14 - 2:00 am

  REPLACED THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM COMPLETELY. HAD A MAJOR TUNE UP AT 98,000 MILES. THE FUEL MILEAGE WENT TO 23MPG ON THE HIWAY AND 17MPG CITY.

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  Great Truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By findlj - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck 4 years old with 27K on it. It has been very reliable and im extremely satisfied with it.

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  A VERY GOOD CAR FOR $1500 BUCKS!! - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By 1992LX - March 13 - 2:00 am

  1500 Bucks & only 98000 miles, the car has ok acceleration for a 3.8L(232ci) V6. Handling excellence, interior is excellent. Its just a good car.

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  Luv the little truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By adirondacker - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I am only a few months away from paying off the 0.9% financing and have loved owning this truck. Feels strong and sturdy but much better milage than my fathers F150 and brothers 250. Got all the amenities (power everything) with lower price.