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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  What do you expect - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Big Mike - March 31 - 6:45 pm

  I picked this car up used for a little over $20k. Ive put 14,000 miles on it and loved every minute of it. This car puts a smile on my face every time I sit behind the wheel. It gets horrible gas mileage and thats O.K. After all, it is a 400 hp sports car. The accomodations are a little tight for a big guy like myself (64" and 280 lbs.) but thats ok too. Its worth being able to drive a car in this price range that will kick anything in its path that is standard factory issue. After all, isnt that why we drive these cars? This is definitely the best alternative for those of us who cant afford $30-$35k for a Corvette or M3. You really cant go wrong with this car!

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  2008 Mustang Bullitt - Loads of Fun - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Art - March 31 - 6:24 pm

  I purchased my Dark Highland Green 2008 Mustang Bullitt in Feb 08 at the urging of my 18 year old son. I already have 3,000 miles on it. It has a lot of power, a great muffler sound, excellent handling, and it is getting 22-23 MPG using regular gas in mixed freeway (rush hour) / city driving, even while "testing" the power a few times each trip. I have had a lot of fun cars over the years (69 Charger RT, MINI Cooper S, etc.), and this is the most fun car I have owned, by far.

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  Sold My Audi for this. - 2007 Ford Edge
  By 2007 SEL+ (Limitied) - March 31 - 3:21 pm

  My wife needed something with four wheel drive. We live on a mountain and get a lot of snow. I needed something to pull my 4 wheelers, that was as fun to drive as my Mustang, and my Audi turbo, and would be comfortable for road trips. My Audi was a fortune to maintiain. The Edge ride is so smooth. I like smoking BMW X5s off the line and the ride is very quiet. We love the look of it and I never get tired of driving it. Nice work Ford!!

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  Eddie Bauer - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Stacie - March 31 - 12:10 pm

  Overall I love my Expedition. It is comfortable for all my family over long road trips. We travel 2-300 miles together through the mountains several times a week and everybody is comfortable. We have been rear-ended while parked and the vehicle took it and barely moved. My daughter and I were sitting in the back watching a movie when hit and where not injured at all. Great safety in rear-end collisions.I love the handling and ease of parking in crowded streets. The large mirrors help make this poosible.Overall this has been my favorite vehicle so far, except dealing with the car service for electrical issues and odd noises nobody can diagnose. Also has surged in traffic on its own. Dangerous!

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  Great Ford product - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By John - March 31 - 10:43 am

  I purchased with 8 miles on it and have loved it ever since. I wish it had a larger cab for a family. Ive preformed regular maintaince on it and it keeps running. My wife owns a 4 year newer Chevy and we put more repair into it with a lot less miles. Ive been able to repair any issue myself.

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  Bad car - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Gail - March 31 - 10:21 am

  Since I brought this car, it left me sit for belts going, I had the a/c fixed. Now I cannot even drive it started with 200.00 tune-up now up to 1,400, something about the number 4 cylinder, had head fixed, went again without leaving the garage, still not working. Might send it to the bone yard. All this at 84,000 miles I expected better.

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  Built to last - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Snookfever - March 31 - 9:05 am

  5.0L V-8 (302 ci) Great truck! bought it with 40K miles in 1998, currently has 143K miles 2008. Paint still looks great. No major drive train problems ever. Poor gas mileage 13/17, but it has never left me on the side of the road. Love the dual gas tanks, you will need them for long trips. Horsepower is a little low compared to newer V-8 trucks 195 vs 300.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By BBHGUY - March 30 - 11:49 pm

  This truck is fantastic. It was used mostly for everyday driving and never had a complaint. When we finally asked it to tow (7000 lbs trailer), it was incredible. We towed through the mountains of West Virgina in July (95F) with the AC on and were able to set the cruise control at 65mph. This is one of the most versatile vehicles ever made.

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  Could be much better - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Nita - March 30 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my car in 2001. Loved it at first ran great for about 3 years not too many problems. Mid Dec. I did my routine checking of fluids all was great everything good mid Jan. the car just quit I had to replace the engine it had froze up. The mechanic said it was out of oil, but I had no leaks. I fixed that and less than a year later my transmission started going, replace that less than a year later same problem. I bought another Contour for parts and decided that it was cheaper to just use this one. Still the same! full of problems.

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  Doors Fall Off and Dash Peels - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Claire - March 30 - 5:17 pm

  I bought this as a program car. The door hinges have a clip on top. When the clip corrodes, the door falls off. It happened to me, you cant buy a clip or clip and hinge pin. The dash plastic is peeling up. I am a slow and cautious driver and the transmission had to be rebuilt before 60k miles. The trunk leaked from the beginning and the doors alway freeze shut in bad weather. Sealed beam headlights wont stay sealed. I would not buy another one.