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 SHO 91 1/2 great car ! - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By Ike - August 13 - 9:44 pm

  My brother bought his Ford Taurus SHO brand new in 1991.Since my brother is serving in the military between the Iraq war and his new duty station in Japan force him to give the SHO keys to me.Our experience with this car is the best ever not toyota or honda can come close to it.Regular maintance was most of the expenses.Right now our SHO has 160,000 miles and feels like new.At 140,000 new clutch,water pump,brakes,fuel pump,high performance exaust, alternator, timing belt, tires, paint job, tuned up, front bearings and oil changes. All this maintenance is regular for any type of car including imports. My final words excellent car built tough to last until 300,000 or more.

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  Great car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Oscar Argueta - August 12 - 6:27 pm

  Ive heard really bad reviews of the Ford Focus saying that its not reliable that it will not work at all. So I started investigating a little and the reason why people are saying that the Ford Focus se 2012 its not reliable or does not work its because apparently the automatic transmission does not work at all! All of the reviews and videos that Ive involves a Focus with an automatic transmission, so myself I decided to try the manual transmission model and it has been great! no issues with the transmission or even the engine Ive always do the maintenance on time and its not expensive. So if you are going to buy this car try the manual transmission.

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  Been very good to me - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By DF - August 12 - 6:09 pm

  My expedition has been a very reliable and outstanding vehicle for me. I have had little to no problems short of basic maintenance. I will own another one of these fine vehicles.

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  I Love my Mustang! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By V Scott Fant - August 12 - 1:00 pm

  Had a 2011 Camaro for 5 years - HUGE upgrade in quality moving into this GT Premium Mustang - LOVE IT>

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  Eye Catcher! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Stitches26 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my fusion hybrid brand new in July 2010. Must say it caught my eye right away on the lot. I really wanted to buy the new Taurus. But I took a look at the gas mileage and said next. The car is very comfortable and fun to drive. Pricing was great for a loaded car being hybrid. the only think i dont like is that the side mirrors do not fold in. it would be nice for when Im parking in the city. also needs a better turn by turn direction system. i just use my own gps.

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  Scoring my Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Bud Denno - August 11 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my Explorer new in California and have made 5 cross- country trips to the east coast before settling in Maine in 2002. I have had the following major maintenance Replaced ball joints, replaced brakes (front and rear) twice, turned the rotors once and replaced them once. I personally change oil and filter every 3000-4000 miles. I pulled a loaded tandem wheel trailer from Calif. to Maine without incident. The four wheel drive has worked flawlessly (and frequently). Overall, I have been very pleased with the vehicle, however, I must admit that gas mileage is the biggest disadvantage. Around town I average 15-16 MPG and on trips I have gotten 20-21. It is now for sale.

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  I love my escort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Kelly - August 11 - 4:26 pm

  I really enjoy my escort. I bought it at 33,000 miles. I had no repairs for about a year and that was brakes. Its been a great car. I am outgrowing it. Its great for me, just not big enough for a family of 4.

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  Perfect for me - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert Hinson - August 11 - 11:40 am

  I traded in a 2001 Lincoln LS V8 for my new 500 Limited. My Lincoln only had 18,000 miles on it bit I wanted to trade. I looked at various vehicles and was very interested in the new Buick LaCrosse until I opened the door to the new Ford 500. I am 59 years old and found the easy of entry and exit as the number one selling point of this new vehicle, that along with its very stylish appearance and list of all options, plus ride, quietness and handling as well as power from a V6. I am thoroughly pleased with my new 500 Limited. Ford might not want me to say it, but I actually like my new 500 better than the LS. I have had many compliments on it, even from young people. This is my car!

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  Well worth the girth - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By fossilsucka - August 11 - 3:16 am

  I have owned several SUVs, trucks, and cars over the years, but with 3 children and several toys to haul around nothing compares to the Ford Excursion. I made do for too long in the past. Sure the thing is huge, but smart people wouldnt buy one for everyday in town use anyhow. I purchased it for weekend getaways, vacations, and hauling. With the V10 it has more than enough grunt to do whatever I ask it to!! It rides like a truck, but... hey, it is a truck!!! I find myself cheating and driving it to work daily, instead of my gas- mizer cause the thing is just a blast to drive! It doesnt feel near as big and heavy driving as it looks! I love my Excursion!

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  I cried - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By Brian Moses - August 11 - 2:19 am

  I loved my 1993 Ford Thunderbird LX. It had a V6 3.8L, which ran pretty well and fast for the weight, though I felt the engine was underpowered ( but still had enough to satisfy me. ). I took a turn going 30mph and hit a pole, because my wheels locked up and I didnt have time to pump my brakes, and it totalled my car. I cried that night...I loved this car...and now Im looking at a 1994 Thunderbird LX for 1,995.