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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  Mustang Returns to its Roots - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jchiar1a - November 25 - 12:50 am

  I used to own a 69 Mustang Fastback back in 1980. Of course I probably spent more time under the hood than driving it but I honestly thought that the styling of that particular year and model Mustang was bar far the best ever. This years design is reminiscent of the 69 design and delivers beautiful lines with the styling that evokes the same feelings I had about my 69. It is fast, comfortable and as an added plus handles like a true 2005 sports car. I have a fully loaded 05 Yellow GT convertible and I love it. It draws attention wherever I go. I truly believe that Ford has created another classic with this new Mustang.

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  Great First Car - 1995 Ford Probe
  By NolesGirl03 - November 24 - 11:26 pm

  My 1995 Ford Probe SE has been a blessing and a curse. Ive had the car for nearly 8 years now and put well over 100,000 miles on him. But the problems started after two weeks of ownership. My AC compressor has been shredding belts every other month, Im on my third transmission and I may be single-handedly responsible for the oil crisis (cause my car leaks oil like its on a mission). But for a car that has been so unreliable it sure has been reliable - if that makes sense. I know my car will get me from Point A to Point B as long as they arent too far from each other and I have quarts of oil in tow. Fun car to drive, as well. I love taking turns fast.

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  Little RV - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Living Big - November 24 - 9:24 pm

  Our Excursion is our road trip king. There isnt anywhere we wouldnt take our Excursion. Whether were trekking across the country on vacations or running around town, this is our vehicle of choice. With room for everything and the kitchen sink, no one and nothing gets left behind. We love the captains chairs second row seats and the full cargo space. This SUV has everything and goes everywhere. Our Midwestern winters are non-events for us. This beast rolls big and yet is nible around town. If you want utility, room, and awesome looks, look no further. Weve ran almost 43,000 trouble free. If you run out of room in the Excursion, you can tow your house behind it too.

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  Great truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By mike - November 24 - 9:22 pm

  I bought this truck over a GMC S-15 pickup at the same dealer and I loved the Ranger. I put some stiff gas shocks on it and the biggest tire I could fit on it without a lift kit. The truck has a fairly smooth ride and was comfortable for two adults, the extended cab was nice to have for carrying small things behind the seat but not very practical for kids to sit in. Everytime I turned the key it started, the Ranger was the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. My only complaint was when I got caight up in a 36 car pileup during a whiteout from blowing snow my airbags didnt deploy, and because of this I lost some teeth and had some other impact injuries because of it. Truck got destroyed

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  My 91 Ford - 1991 Ford F-150
  By POSEY - November 24 - 8:17 pm

  My 1991 Ford F-150 has the 4.9L straight 6. It was given to me from my uncle with 85,000 miles on it. It now has 187,000. I have not changed the oil since i got it and it still runs very strong. Im not too big on the transmissions on the 91 Ford since my reverse went out.

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  Merry Christmas to Me - 2009 Ford Flex
  By clteach1 - November 24 - 4:33 pm

  I love this car. My husband and I were Christmas shopping and stopped to test drive a Flex just for the heck of it. We had no intention of buying one. We were just very curious as it looked so different. We were immediately sold. It is so comfortable. We had a Christmas trip planned from NH to Kentucky with our 5 kids and were a little leary of making such a trip in an unfamiliar car. It turned out to be our best trip ever. The kids didnt complain once and driving it was such a pleasure. It certainly made a 27 hour trip a lot less stressful. I think this was my best Christmas present ever.

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  My 2003 Taurus SE, Best Car I ever had - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By RWaggs62 - November 24 - 4:17 pm

  I bought her brand new on 4/19/2003. From the beginning she was reliable, strong & comfortable. Seriously, the most comfortable seats on long rides of any car I have ever owned. Reliability? Awesome. 77,500 miles later, besides regular service, I had to change the starter right at 5 years and the AC compressor at 5 years, all under warranty. Best car I have ever owned, for comfort, reliability, quality craftsmanship, and ride. I also own a Jaguar, which I love, but when my wife and I are going on a long drive, we take the most comfortable car, the 2003 Ford Taurus SE. Love it!

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  This Car is Fabulous - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By drken - November 24 - 2:15 pm

  I just got my Ford CMax and couldnt be happier. While I only have 500 miles on the car, Im very impressed with the gas mileage (with the a/c on no less) - getting 47.6 mpg right now. I was a little worried about the reviews of the Ford My Touch but find it pretty straight forward to use. The fit and finish in my car is top notch - no issues identified. I am a big fan of some of the comfort/appearance items on my SEL - ambient lighting, keyless start, auto lift gate. I would also recommend the skylite - really brightens the car.

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  larrys f 150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By coondog - November 24 - 10:36 am

  this truck is very quiet inside, i dont hear road noise at all and it has a very comfortible feel as you drive.

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  Great Car, This is my 2nd one! - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Love this Car! - November 23 - 10:45 pm

  I love these cars! It handles very well in the snow, I live right next to a lake so I get plenty of lake effect snow. This car is perfect for everyday driving and sport tuning! I love the design and you can see very well out all of the windows, no blind spots. Just buy it you wont be unhappy!