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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  Taurus Reborn at a price. Weak Trany - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By First Taurus - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 01/99 with 42,000 miles and was well maintained previously. Water pump stated squealing 11/99, and of course it was two weeks after the 1 year waranty of the water pump replaced by the previous owner. Dealer wouldnt honor the waranty. Had problems with dealership ongoing. 01/00 - transmission had to be rebuilt at about 60,000 miles at over $1400. Common Taurus problem. Later Replaced the oil pan gasket (another common Taurus problem at $300). Over the last year and a half, no problems and has been reliable, although AC making noises.

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  We still like our Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By smithmga - November 19 - 2:00 am

  1998 3.8 Windstar - 5 years and 117K miles so far. Oil changed every 5K and the complete evac of trans fluid every 25-30K. New parts: master cylinder and brake booster at 115K (dont know if they were bad but the brakes were still spongy after new pads and shoes and bleeding did not help), four air filters, one fuel filter, one battery, two power steering pumps, three serpentine belts and one tensioner and two radiator flushes. Overall, the van has been excellent. Its powerful, smooth, and roomy. Its great on long trips. Ive read a bunch of horror stories about the Windstar, but so far, its the best car/van out of 20 Ive owned.

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  1999 Mustang GT Conv. - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Dr. Clean - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Over the years, I have owned the following Mustangs: 1966 289-2 bbl conv., 1969 351W-4bbl Mach I, and 1973 351C-2bbl conv. Of all the Mustangs, the 1999 GT conv. is the best. A splenid combination of historical Mustang styling and modern technology, this automobile is truly a delight to own and drive. Additionally, dealer service and warranty work is absolutely flawless. Everyone should own one of these.

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  I hate Check Engine lights - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Sucks - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Other than the pesky check engine light coming on for the same reason for over 6 months, its been a great truck, except when the light comes on for a vapor return canister over and over again, especially when you are trying to sell the vehicle. I will never buy a Ford again. I think Ill stick to the Toyotas for now.

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  Second time around - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Plumber - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Ny company leases two Explorers (XLS) and I drove one of them for about a year. This was a bare bones model and I wished It had better appointments. I needed to buy a new car for myself, and chose the XLT Sport. This one is nicely appointed and what a difference it makes! Much quieter and smoother than the XLS. I find this to be a very practical vehicle to own. It does many things well, plenty of room, the ability to haul cargo, and the 4 wheel drive is great in the snow. If someone is going to own one vehicle, this one fits the bill.

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  Biggest Bang for the Buck - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Dawey - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my EGT in early 2001 and loved every moment I owned it (up untill a TAXI wrote it off, you bastard). The car is a BLAST to drive (if you drive it normally your happy, if you like to have a bit of FUN with your car then youll be laughing, Trust me). The car accelerates VERY good for a compact (thanks to the Mazda engine) and it handles very well (thanks to 4 wheel independent suspension). Braking is phenomenal (thanks to 4 wheel disc brakes). All in all, if your gonna buy one, look to see if it was taken care of (oil changes, regular maintenance, and stuff like that). Take care of it if your get one and you wont be disappointed. Trust me.

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  92 Bronco Good, but - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By RonS - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Have had vehicle 10+ years, and 86000 miles, and have been very happy with it. Its best feature is that with only one exception, it has been very reliable, held up well, and been fun to drive. The unusual reliability feature is that the fuel pumps go every 25-30,000 miles. Am on the 3rd one now. The cost has gone up each time, the latest being about $600 to replace, due to its being in-tank taking much labor, plus its an expensive part. Too bad they dont make it anymore, as its a vey easy to maneuver vehicle,

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  96 T-Bird LX V8 - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By mpn69 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I have always loved the looks of the BMW 6 series coupes. When Ford 1st came out with this body style of the bird I immediatly saw a less expensive alternitive with most of the styling cues of the BMW. I love the power of the 4.6 Lt. V8 and the decent fuel milage for a car this big. My bird has had its share of mecanical problems starting after I bought it used. So far: Altinator, warped brake rotors, leaky power steering pump, rough shifting transmission, failed odometer and a general poor build quility

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  Premium sedan feel for an affordable price - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Andrew - November 16 - 11:18 am

  Overall I enjoy driving this car. I drive this about 70 miles per day with my commute and have driven on long trips also. Its a very good driving car. Visibility is good and acceleration is ample for merging and passing, etc. The AWD works perfect in snowy conditions along with proper snow tires. I always get compliments on the look of the exterior and interior. My biggest complaint is the functionality of the headlights. Even with the Titanium trim, halogen lights are standard and do not believe HID is an option. Headlights are not bright and do not project well, at all. I always have the fog lamps on to supplement the lack of light. After purchase I did replace the OEM lamps with Sylvania Silverstars to help. Test drive this car at night to be sure you can deal with this problem.

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  You get the most for your money - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By jenchin76403 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Though i purchased this vehicle used, im pleased to say that so far, everything is well. Comfort level is great, i actually look forward to driving whenever possible.