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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  Lesson Learned - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Toolbox - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been a Ford owner for over 45 years and have been totally turned off by this lemon. I replaced the trans. at 89000 miles. The factory rebuilt lasted just over 30000 and is not repairable. The car has had an overheating problem for most of its life,The timing belt has been replaced twice and the timing belt idler pulley exploded causing another replacement. I am now the proud owner of a car worth just over $3,000 needing over $3,000 worth of transmission work. Will I repair it "NO" will I buy another Ford "NO". Ford should apologize and make restitution to owners of these lemons. By the way I now own a Saturn and I love it!

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  they dont build them like this anymore - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By tommmy d - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is by fat one of the best cars made. I have beaten the junk out of this explorer and it just keeps on running. The clutch was replaced at 128000 after younger brother learned to drive on it. Every thing else in the car is still factory and working great.

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  Ford Escort 1995 2 Dr HatchBack - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Khan - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Its a very nice car, a powerful baby u can depend upon. Got a good road grip, nice steeting, powerful roaring engine & with manual shifting its way too coooool.

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  Rockin Ranger - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By mrs. hall - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun truck! Only been in the shop twice in its 60K miles (defective thermostat). With good care I expect at least 140K out of this truck. Interior design is very functional, controls easy to reach, seating very comfy. Definately has typical truck- like suspension ( you feel every bump! ) but its a small price to pay for a great truck!

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  Good value - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By AJ - August 25 - 8:13 am

  Great car with out a family.Decent starter mustang lol.

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  A REAL SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By boyd evans - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Great tow vehicle, very comfortable and pleased with truck. this is my 5th Ford SUV( 4 Explorers. Front axle replaced at 10k, roof rack collapsed and Ford declined to fix, may be time to switch back to GM.

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  1996 ford ranger xlt - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By john mcvey - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased vehicle from original owner with approximately 33000 miles on it. Majority of my driving was local with some trips of 100 miles each way. Ride and handling are very comfortable. Dependability is very good. Unfortunately with the small v-6 the gas mileage is horrible. The best it can get on the highway at cruise is 16 MPG, around town it drops to about 13- 14 MPG

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  Winnie Rocks !!! - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By evines - August 23 - 2:00 am

  "Winnie" has been the family workhorse for five-plus years without a problem. Strict preventative maintenance has proven to be sucessful during the past 50K+ miles. Hope same will avoid head gasket and transmission issues during the next 50K miles... Did buy an extended warranty in case problems arise to the 100K mark... Wife hauls kids, plants, small trees, even a tent trailer with ease. Plenty of guts when power is needed.

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  Smooth Going - GL Sedan - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Pfossit - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I had over 10 repairs from 1993 to 1996 while the car was under warrenty. Since then the car has run like a charm. The only negatives, the electric window on the back left passenger door stopped working and the air conditioning broke around 70,000 miles. Otherwise, going strong at 104,000 miles.

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  Not a bad truck - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By ironhacker - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 92 4-door XLT 4WD used in 94, and drove the car for 8 years. For the most part, it was reliable and cost-effective. Everything was OK until the 5 speed trasmission developed a slow leak and ran out of fluid, evidently due to a design problem that caused lots of Explorer manual transmissions to fail. There is some kind of issue with the suspension resonating at highway speeds, which was allegedly why Ford recommended the low tire pressures that led to the Firestone fiasco. My Explorer exhibited a little bit of the shaking problem, but it was still acceptable. I got my moneys worth out of the truck.