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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  91 Roll-a-long package - 1991 Ford F-350
  By Rcooter - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive used this truck extensively in all climates as a daily driver and a work truck. Can handle 2 pallets of 60 pound concrete with no sweat. I kept the fluids changed regularly but amazingly did my first tune up last year, when the truck was 11 years old. The aftermarket chrome that came with the truck when I bought it rusted prematurely. Overall the truck has been a great ride.

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  The little things dont count - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By mhpe - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Dependable, powerful, economical but annoying. Windshield wiper pockets collect ice and make wipers useless in the snow. Door sensors dont work in cold or wet weather and keeps dome lights on so you cant see for the glare, and it runs battery down. Has had loud but unidentified engine compartment rattle for 80,000 miles. Brake problems. So-so seat comfort. The Windstar has the highest load capacity in its class but needs it just to carry around the removable seats. Dont try to remove them by yourself unless you want a hernia.

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  Decent! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By diveduo - February 25 - 11:26 am

  Overall a good, useful and fun to drive vehicle. Wish it had more HP for better acceleration, but like the fuel economy vs. the capacity and existing power. Nice interior layout. The one thing I dont like is the excessive glare and reflection of the instrument panel in the windshield in daylight hours.

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  nice for tha small family - 1995 Ford Contour
  By biZZy - February 25 - 2:00 am

  i like the pep that the v6 has. and its pretty comfortable for a guy thats 62! luckily my children are small, in a few years ill have to upgrade so theyll have some legroom.

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  So Far So Good - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By heidiho - February 24 - 4:07 am

  Its been almost a month with 1600 miles. Im doing 42 mpg and live in a hilly area. Ive notice that when I drive "with" the car instead driving like my old cars (heavy footed) MPG increased. When the battery activates, I go gentle on the peddle to avoid using gas. Im enjoying the car very much. Im hoping the technology will last. I only gave a "3" for reliability. Too soon to say. The only complaint so far is the isync. They cant understand my voice yet. It keeps wanting me to go to Newark whenever I say a town with an N. I dont care for the navigator but itll take time to get use to. MPG will improve if u go easy on the peddle. :)

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  I enjoy it - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Marcus James - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, comfortable, secure feeling while driving.

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  Pretty decent Suv for the bucks - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Eaton52 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my expedition since 1999, it hasnt given me much trouble, couple interior parts come apart which the dealer wanted way to much for ( wanted 300 bucks to fix a $5 part which literally took me 20 seconds to put in myself). the performance is decent, but could be improved with the 5.4 litre. i cammute to work everyday and it gets me there in back with comfort, it is great inside, very fun to drive and is an easy riding car with great vision out of the power front seats.

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  Buyer beware, worst car I ever owned! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By dunnr - February 24 - 2:00 am

  In less than 20K miles of driving, all but three of the door switches that turn off the interior lights have failed , one window motor failed, the rotors have failed, one caliper has failed, the EGR valve went bad, the camshaft position sensor went bad. I should have read reviews before I bought the car, I will read them before I buy my next one.

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  RELIABLE - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By gham49 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for over two years now, and had no major problems with it. It has 98000 miles on it, and has never let me down. Great gas mileage, decent power, excellent AC. Its much better than could be expected for a car 11 years old.

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  2002 Ranger Edge 4x4 4 door - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Mr. Dirt - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,great power,gets lots of comments on how cool it looks. no problems as of yet. This is my 3rd Ranger. Its a keeper