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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  Nice Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Trafalgar72 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I picked a Focus over a Civic despite all warnings by friends, and I am glad I stuck with my choice, the only complaint I have is that you can feel the car pitching side to side in steep turns around 20 mph. I like the styleing, but it could be improved. I suggest this car, but I would go for the 130 hp, if I were to to redecide. It handles great, and test drive one if you get a chance. I hear that American cars have bad reliability and that fords have bad transmissions but I , hope and think my Focus will hold up.

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  Wagons Ho ! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Phranq - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought a used 98 SE Wagon with ~25K miles. Overall I am very satisfied with the performance and reliability of the wagon so far. The extra cargo area and roof rack have come in handy when hauling stuff and taking a short trip. Great Gas mileage (35+ on freeway with automatic trans.) and the controls are logically placed. Great Used car for the $ and features.

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  Dont get the V6!! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By stang - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Car has been taken back to the dealership for service an endless amount of times. Clutch replaced at 2,000 miles because of defective pressure plate, bad fuel pump, truck latch replaced - would pop open going 70 mph down the interstate, truck light would not turn off and drained the battery several times. New squeaks & noises everyday...

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  This is the best car ever!!! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By SpydermanV - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best cars i have ever had the pleasure to drive. It handles like a dream and is on of the most comfortable cars i have driven. When i drive it i feel like i am in total control at all times even when i test the handling of the car to its limits and almost feel the wheels slip out from under me while i take the turn at 100mph. The torque is great, it gives the car a classic muscle car feel and the suspension gives the feel of a high performance sports car. It has years of heritage behind it and this stang doesnt disappoint.

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  My Experiences - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Johnny Boy - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 1999 Taurus SHO used with 46970 miles. A few months after my purchase my transmission failed at about 48,000 miles. My passenger side power mirror quit working. Also one of my rear seatbelts became loose and wouldnt retract back into place. Otherwise my Taurus was a good looker but not reliable. I now have a 2002 Taurus and I am already having problems.

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  Lemon Demon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Olga Nehring - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car thinking what a good deal. But quickly that turned upside down. The cluch had a recall, after they fixed that (ha) I put It back in the shop three more times. Now Im told the sound is normal. Dont think so. Ive had it in two times for a clunking noise in the back left side, they fixed it once but the noise came right back, I guess in stuck with that noise to. The back light went out, the gas light stuck on, they are fixed but for how long I dont know. I didnt buy the extended warranty, OH NO! Ive read the other reviews and Im scared. Now there is a noise in the front when I go over bumps!

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  Very Happy So Far - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Huskybass - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Im nearing 2000 miles and have no real complaints. The vehicle has met my expectations in all major areas.

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  Windstar - Maybe it will get you there - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Nancy - January 12 - 9:36 am

  This van has been a total disappointment. Weve had problem after problem, some of which left me stranded on the side of the road with my three kids in the car. Problems range from transmission to electrical to mechanical. Every problem that results in a visit to the Ford Service department takes days to fix. I bought the van because of the high safety rating - I didnt feel safe stuck in the breakdown down lane of I-95. I cheaped out and didnt buy the Toyota Sienna back in 99, I wont make the same mistake this time. I hear Ford is getting out of the minivan business due to lack of demand of minivans. They must mean lack of demand of their poorly built piece of garbage van.

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  2001 Ford Mustang Cobra - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By ron08 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  The car runs great. The power and pickup are good. I get about 312 miles to the tank, which is not bad for a cobra. The only thing I have noticed is a lag in the drivetrain. It is only noticeable when accelerating slowly. The gears sound as if they are loose. It could be the IRS. I am getting the Kenny-brown suspension for it, so if that doesnt work it is gear or tranny related.

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  Not Too Bad...Not Too Good Either - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By marcus sean - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Mustang GT Vert for one reason: to have fun on those summer days/nights. For performance, it doesnt pull like a V8 @ all. Its missing a little grunt. For a 260HP/3800+Lbs ratio, I really did not expect for this car to fly. Interior design is superb, especially that I got the tan leater interior. I really dont like the fact that Ford had to place the shifter so far. An 18 wheeler trucks shifter is much closer. Exterior design:It takes time before you get used to it. Hate those antennas. For a car under $30K, I would recommend the Mustang GT, NOTHING ELSE!!!