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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  F150 viewed - 2000 Ford F-150
  By ERi - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I never had any problems with reliability. The only problem I had was the light switch broke off. I feel this is a very miner problem for having owned the vehicle for three years.

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  Ford Kia Festiva - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Cammy - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. A great car Ford never made. But a hellava selection on their part. As much fun as the Mini I had in 68.

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  great for off-road applications - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Jaron - November 13 - 2:00 am

  i have had my 93 bronco for about 5 months and i love it more every day i drive it. i purchased it for 5,000 and it had 102000 miles on a replaced engine but the vehicle has 188000 on it. I have taken it off-road many times and each time it has preformed exceptionally well. i have gone off- road with many different vehicles and this bronco out preforms all of them. It has the 5.0 Liter engine in it that gives it execellent power. I can tow my 20 boat without worrying. The only problem with it would have to be the gas mileage, ford has never been good with mpg but they really suck gas on this one, I average 11 mpg in town and 13 on the highway.

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  escort - 1993 Ford Escort
  By john geuse - November 13 - 2:00 am

  good car, does not have "cheap" ford economic paint, good fuel economy, reliable engine.

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  The Jury is Still Out! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By MrGC - November 12 - 9:56 pm

  I purchased a 2016 Ford Escape after owning the older style Escapes and Mazda Tributes. I basically went from the boxy type to the more sleek, sporty design. The pluses with the car are pick up and maneuverability. The minuses of the vehicle are gas mileage (about 19) with Ecoboost. If you have a passenger in the front seat and passengers in the back seat, visibility and blind spots become an issue. Even with the back up camera, I dont feel confident backing up without visually seeing my surroundings. Overall, its a nice vehicle and certainly far better in engineering than a Nissan Rogue. If it wasnt for the gas mileage being so disappointing, I would give the car a five star rating. I expected to do far better than 19.

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  Transmission Frustration - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By frustration - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car this summer at 70,000 miles...much higher than the other reviews Ive read. At 78,000 the transmission went out today. Its currently in the shop and I will find out the exact details tomorrow. Im just glad I got a good deal on this car. I love the rest of it. Its fully loaded, and can really mooove when theres a working transmission. I travel through 3 states for school, so hopefully it will hold up.

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  Great Economy Car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By SAN - November 11 - 4:33 pm

  Just picked up my 06 SES w/auto. The car is just a blast to drive - way more so than the price may indicate. The build quality looks better than average, and the stock radio is just fine. The rebates make this too good of a deal to pass up.

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  Problems at only 2100 miles! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Matsukes - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I like the gas mileage, ride,and handling but at 1100 miles I noticed that when I filled the gas tank the gas guage only went to 3 quarters full! Now at 2100 miles I have a check engine light and the code states that the fuel level sensor in the gas tank is no longer working! Its a disappointment to already be having problems at such a low mileage and I wonder if this is the start of things to come!

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  I dig my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Enreek - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Explorers and I would buy another one with a second thought. It is a good reliable vehicle that I can feel comfortable in. I dig it, man.

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  Dont buy one - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Loeters - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I am almost at the end of my 3 year lease and I cannot wait to give it back. I am so sick of the noisy transmission, wind noice, squeaks, rattles and recalls. It is a good looking vehicle but the quality leaves a lot to be desired. You would think after all these years Ford could build a proper transmission pay more attention to quality.