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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  You may not believe this one! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By the looker - April 11 - 8:41 pm

  First I will list the problems I have had with this vehicle, which Im sure is no suprise to you the readers. Engine stalls cold. Battery discharges after a couple of days. Window fell of track (drivers side). Engine Idle RPM varies while stopped in traffic. Overheating came because Ford had used a plastic not metal impeller for the water pump. The whole engine wiring had to be replaced because it was falling apart (the plastic insulation). Fan not working light comes on despite you actually seeing the fans working. Now brake pedal is intermittently hard to push during stop. Happens without warning. Now for the interesting part..This vehicle of my original ownership only has 17780. Presently

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  2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Robo - April 11 - 7:52 pm

  I leased this car for 3 years. It has been pretty reliable and is good balance between practical and fun. Manual transmission gives good mileage (30mpg mostly highway). Engine has decent power, except when the A/C is on. Road noise is loud. Ride is stiff, but comfortable. Reliability is average. I have had an ABS issue, and a tank/gas cap seal problem. Both covered under warranty. I will warn that I have had major annoyance with engine starting. Sometimes it doesnt start right away and this has happened since I bought the car. It has gotten worse and dealership claims it is a flaw with engine design (this is from Ford, not the dealership)

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  Pros and cons - 2007 Ford Edge
  By brenda - wisconsin - April 11 - 4:05 pm

  I went from a Exployer to the Edge, for something a bit smaller. Cons: no remote hatch release, back window does not open, brake noise when starting out if weather damp or rainy, front head rest push head forward, blind spot when changing lanes, gauges hard to see if lights on during the day. Too small back window to see through when backing up. Cant fit my large mcdonalds ice coffee in cup holder. Wish the gear handle was on the column so I had room for my purse or more cup holder space. The dash top shiny accent reflects in the windshild. Wish drivers door only unlock-hit button again for all doors unlock. Steering wheel conrols a bit small for a mans fingers.

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  Very trusty, reliable car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By artbkward - April 11 - 9:38 am

  Ive driven my 98 Escort since I turned 16 (8 years ago), it has never required any more than routine repair. Its got 147,000 miles on it now and still has alot of life left in it. Gets good fuel mileage although does have small spot of rust on the door. I added a CD player since it came with AM/FM radio only. Its been a great little car for me, I would highly recommend.

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  New V8 Limited - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By RJ - April 11 - 3:56 am

  I have owned this SUV for 2 weeks. It has been in the shop for 5 days. Problem #1 leaking front differential seal. Problem #2 transmission shifts poorly. In the shop now. Even with these problems that will be fixed under warranty I like this truck. I traded a 03 Sport Trac that had no problems in 30000 miles. This truck has all the luxury one could hope for. It is very nice to drive. The dealer has been really nice and fast to work on the SUV issues.

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  I bought the other lemon - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Sarahfromsc - April 11 - 12:43 am

  I traded in a Lincoln Continental over Labor Day weekend and have had it in the shop twice already. While on a trip I had the electrical hazard warning light come on, and thus far, Ford has flown up engineers to look at the vehicle to no avail. It makes an ungodly whiny/grindy noise when moving forward. I cant fill the gas tank up completely, and the RPMs went crazy while on my trip. The transition between gas and electric is not seamless, and sometimes the electric motor does NOT kick in when going under 25 mph or at stop lights, etc. I believe in the Hybrid, wanted it, gave up lots that I had with the Lincoln but I do believe I got a lemon. I just want one that works!

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  Im In Love - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Paula - April 11 - 12:20 am

  Less than a week of ownership but this is an amazing car! Was amazed by the quality and handling of this car and Eric Flores at the dealer was fantastic. Ive already written a letter to Alan Mullaly! Was not looking for a hybrid, but am averaging 39+ ON THE FREEWAY! This car replaced a 2000 Toyota RAV4 with 241,000 miles. Toyota didnt even come close as a replacement consideration. Tested Chevy Equinox, Malibu, Toyota Camry, Corolla, Matrix, RAV 4 and Prius, Nissan Altima, Maxima and CUBE and Honda Civic, Insight and Accord. Ford blew them all away. Youve to drive this car!

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  Yuck - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By scbrenna23 - April 11 - 12:10 am

  I bought this car from a owner dealership because my former car had been in an accident. Im a poor college student (how many are there that arent, lol) and needed something to get around town. I was looking for cheap and safe. Well, I got the cheap part! This van has been nothing but trouble now that its about 10 years old. The ABS computer system is malfunctioning which is supposedly supposed to cost 1500 dollars at least! The head gasket is leaking and soon to break. My oil leaks constantly regardless of attempts to fix it. The side sliding door doesnt shut and causes the indoor lights to stay on, (you have to pull the fuse to reset it). It just has issues. I hate this van!

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  The only Ford vehicle I will buy - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jeremy - April 10 - 10:50 pm

  My mother had owned an old contour for some time. It had two things I find invaluable in any car. With gas prices now, fuel effeciency is a must and ours made it from Louisiana to Florida with-out a worry on one tank. Reliability is the other it ran quite well until someone who had no idea how to drive a standard borrowed it. Even though it had some problems after that, it still ran fairly well. It was not until my sister ran it into a stump, that it finaly stopped running. And that was because the tire ripped everything off the engine still runs though. The only drawback that I personally had issues with was the seat adjustment was messed up and Im 6.

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  Why Did I Do It - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Why Did I Do It - April 10 - 7:58 pm

  I called myself trading up, from a 2001 Expedition to the 2006 EB model. It was a big mistake, the interior of the 06 model is not as roomy as the older model. The gas mileage does not seems to be as good as the older model. I liked the option to adjust the rear view mirror for night driving on the newer model you can not adjust the glare control. I just am not happy with the newer model overall.