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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  A good second car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By DaveM - January 31 - 7:48 pm

  This car is one of the few Ive owned that I considered worth holding on to as a second car. By far the best value on the market for a V6 with manual, it gets > 30 mpg overall. Its still a pleasure to drive and has had no major problems - except, strangely enough, it needed a new fuel pump at 60K miles - same as reported by several other users. The after-market moonroof and optional CD/AM/FM system were worth getting.

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  Transmission problems - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By andrea - January 31 - 11:44 am

  I bought this car used at 70K miles, six months later the transmission went up. I replace brakes once a year and the interior light/door ajar bell wont go off in the winter time. 2 yrs. later, transmission went up again at 120K. I will never buy another Ford! The only good thing about the van, comfy seats and easy to get our 2 small children in and out of. I am going to purchase a Toyota or Honda this weekend!

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  We enjoy it every time - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By FR@NK - January 30 - 12:23 pm

  I really like my crossover. It has space, safety, and looks. Very smooth drive and excellent for the kids. All I need now is a DVD to complete the package.

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  Throttle Control-2010 Ford Fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By DALE - January 30 - 9:00 am

  I Purchase my Ford Fusion the last week of August. The 2nd week of Sept, 800 miles later. The wrench sign lights up and the vehicle will not drive over 20mph. I stop the vehicle for 5 mintues. Everything starts up fine, and a few minutes later the wrench lights up again and the car will go only 10 mph. I take it to Ford with the check engine light on and the wrench light on. The Dealer replaces the Throttle Body Assembly. I pick up the vehicle and the next day the same thing happens again. I take it back and they can not find anything wrong with the vehicle, they even drove it for 30 miles. So I go pick up the vehicle today and before I get home(4 miles away), the wrench light comes on.

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  Nice car so far - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By janet - January 30 - 1:30 am

  Bought with 17,000 miles. Already had brake work done and new tires. I had to put a EGR sensor on it, but other than that, havent had to repair anything else, yet. Car is very pretty, but not much room inside, plus seats are not comfy. Lots of road noise to get used to. Has 45,000 miles on it now, after 1 1/2 years. Hoping it wont start falling apart. Miss the large trunk I used to have on my Grand Marquis. No comparison to the comfort that car had. All in all, so far this has been a nice car.

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  Just Plain Fun - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By dbucfan - January 29 - 11:57 pm

  Most fun I have had driving a car. Since the wife got the minivan for her and our three children, I wanted a car for me. This fits the bill perfectly! Fun to drive, exhaust note is exhilarating, performance is outstanding and it has the potential to do so much more!

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  Just a great car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By reeger - January 29 - 11:20 pm

  We purchased a used 2008 X Eddie AWD for a song. I guess Fords poor decision not to market this car is a big plus for the pre-owned market. My wife loves it, period. Other than the noisy Perelli tires the car drives great. It is far and away a much better and versatile car than the 05 Murano it replaced.

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  Finally a fun American small car - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Steven Parry - January 29 - 11:30 am

  America hasnt had fun small cars like this since the German Opels. Great car, small, fast, nimble, cheap to own and to operate. Nothing fancy mechanically that will break the bank later, very nice amenities inside. Not for a family of four all the time unless youre all small, but as I now have a new driver, I find that as a "2 seater with four doors and a lot of storage", this car is perfect. 3 people easily also, but the storage isnt awesome. She is a little car after all.

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  Very GOOD Truck ! - 1994 Ford F-150
  By John Griffiths - January 29 - 4:34 am

  My folks bought this used truck back in 96. I got to drive it from Arizona to Seattle, WA. I revisited them in August 2004, and the truck only had 49K miles on it. So, I took it down to have a front end alignment and 2 new front tires on it. Perfect Ride! Paint, exterior and interior is in excellent like condition. So, I bought it. Some I-beam suspension/alignment design problems due to sag (cam adjustments/ball joints) but still in specs. NICE!

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  01 Ford Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By JEvans - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Great Vehicle!! Fun to drive!! Great Insurance Rates!!