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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  1998 Ford Contour Has Been a Good Car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By RDB - February 5 - 4:42 pm

  There are many bad reviews on this car. Even Consumer Reports says to avoid it. But so far, our 1998 2.0L SE, after nearly 80K miles and 8 years of driving, has had few problems. Total repairs for 8 years comes to about $1500.00. Quite reasonable. We bought it in 1999 when it was a one year-old demo. It has performed much better than our 1994 Ford Taurus 3.8L V6 which has had two blown head gaskets, one just recently. After 140K miles on the Taurus, we now have to get rid of it, though we had planned to keep it indefinitely. The Contour has been a much better car overall!

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  What a disappointment! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Katherine Wilson - February 5 - 2:35 am

  I bought this car in April of 2003 and enjoyed it for about 3 months. It began to deteriorate quickly and had a variety of uncommon and mysterious problems. Many problems came from shoddy materials. I felt trapped by the financing and had to get many rides from friends for the whole time Ive owned it. I was reminded daily of old saying "FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily." Ive really resented paying high and constant repair bills while still making car payments. I still have two years on that loan but I just got financing to trade it in and get anything other than an American car. Im looking at a Hyundai Elantra and surprised how much more comfortable it is. I will miss having a wagon though.

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  My 2006 Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Sheri Kaye - February 4 - 10:51 pm

  Know what youre buying. Not a snow car. Loves dry roads and hiways. So fun to drive. Agile, and the sound when you turn the key - the best!

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  Disappointed with new truck. - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Colby - February 4 - 8:12 pm

  I special ordered this truck with all the options I wanted. I waited about 6 weeks for it to come in. After a few weeks I noticed light spots in the paint on the cab sides while in direct sunlight. I did not notice this before since it had been overcast. The problem was pretty bad so I let warranty handle it. Now, the metallic in the paint does not match. The dealer and Ford think this is acceptable and not noticeable but everyone else notices it without me pointing it out. Now, I have a new truck that I do not even want. The dealers response is that is the best the paint match will be. No more Fords for me. I am considering taking a hit and buying another product. I am extremely hacked off.

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  2011 Fiesta SE w/Sync - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Vulcan20mm - February 4 - 5:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to replace 98 Kia Sephia. I have a SE hatchback w/Sync, Cruise Control. I am quite pleased with the Fiesta. Good design, nice fuel economy, quit (very quit), fun to drive. The hatchback has quite a bit of storage. I like the gauge cluster and telescopic steering wheel. The low end acceleration takes a bit of getting use to - jerky starts are common. Limited room w/backseats. I like the blind spot mirror as well. Handling is good - a little loose when entering corners. Overall a great, fun car to drive.

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  Wow! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Stacie - February 4 - 4:56 pm

  What a car! I never thought I would own a Ford, but boy was I wrong! I had looked at the Accord and the Camry and decided on the Fusion. Its much more fun to drive and came with many options for the $25,000 price tag. Id recommend this car to anybody! From start to finish, buying this car was such a pleasant experience. Ford has come leaps and bounds in its styling, handling, and performance. Way to go Ford!

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  If a do-over, would not buy - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By 1driver3 - February 4 - 4:07 pm

  My 2006 Ford Hybrid with only 30,543 miles needs major repairs. First it was new tires, replacing those the car came with. So, at 30,000 miles I got 4 new tires. The car now has a bad rear end differential which can not be repaired but must be replaced to the tune of at least $2k, maybe more they say. No warranty, very low miles but 5 years old. I was told by the dealership that Ford and the dealership dont have the same level of customer service/loyalty because of the economy! We have probably purchased our last Fords. I may trade in but definitely not for another Ford!

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  Rebuilding - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Brian - February 4 - 5:30 am

  Have had very few problems with this car over the 12 years. On the road it gets an unbelievable 30 miles to the gallon at 75 to 80mph and this was triple checked because I couldnt believe it.

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  focus se is good - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Joseph - February 4 - 5:26 am

  great car, needs more horsepower

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  Best Focus Yet - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Desert Dog - February 3 - 1:46 pm

  My third Focus. Liked the other two, love this one so far. Extremely quiet compared to the others. Smooth shifting automatic. Upholstery much improved. Fit and finish excellent so far. Ive rented a Fusion while traveling, and this has many of the same atributes, but has a tighter (better) steering radius. Really impressed so far.