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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  Reliable, Economical & Good Handler - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Bob - January 19 - 6:51 am

  A very decent car. Nothing to get excited over, but great transportation. Handles very well, and with the right tires excellent in the snow. Got it with 33K on it and 100K warranty. Only the cigarette lighter and cup holders went out under warranty. 100k tune up, but needed new plugs at 85k. 4 cyl is simple to tune up. Smooth transmission. At about 110K needed new brakes (3rd set), waterpump and TIMING BELT. Still gets ok mileage at 114K, 23 city, 29 hwy. Used to get better, but its aging. You do have to maintain these! Do yourself a favor--get the tranny fluid changed (ideally flushed). Ive done that twice--happy transmission. Solid car!

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  Ford Focus ZX-5 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By avion - January 18 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought an SE Wagon for her. Liked it so much, I tested a 5- speed ZX-5 & found it the nicest manual Ive driven in 30 years. Ford has finally gotten it right, VERY right. This little number handles as nimbly as any sporty car from Italy or Germany I ever owned. Build quality is A-1, styling fresh & space utilization excellent. Engine revs freely & makes lots of nice noises when pushed hard. Only 2 litres, but dump it into 3rd & let her wind up to 4 thou per & she takes off. Car is the most fun Ive had in 20 years, in fact I traded in my Alfa Romeo sedan for it & have absolutley no regrets.

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  Ford Focus Wagon SE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By avion - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Nimble handling, excellent controls, steering and brake feel are tremendous. Nice automatic. Lots of room in back.

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  hot sports coupe - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By ndotym - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Since day 1 it has not surprise me on the great performance and handling, the 8cyl are fast but the six really outshine on the handling side just a blast to drive thru the cyn. ford needs to include the rear swaybar or atleast a option, added mine and now its a perfect sports coupe.

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  Bubba - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Ken Moran - January 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is extremely fun to drive! Not to mention that it looks absolutely wonderful. Another feature that I enjoy is its sound!

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  Poor Steering - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By louie - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a 2003 XLS. When parking, an extreme turn of the steering wheel causes it to bind in that position and car has to be mamhandled into space. Testing in empty park lot shows that the stuck steering wheel will remain in that position up to three full circles at low speed before beginning to unbind by itself. Also, power steering appears not to help much in parking. Original dealer said nothing was wrong. J.O.Williams dealership changed rack and pinion, but that did not solve problem. I have driven several other new Explorers at dealership and they all appear to have same problem.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By ltm7047 - January 18 - 4:33 am

  This vehicle is second to none with its ability to tow, haul, or just plain get after it. The new body style makes this truck the most attractive in its class; itÂ’s just as nice on the inside as it is the outside. The driver friendly cab puts everything within comfortable reach from the speed controls on the steering wheel, to the radio, four cup holders, and dashboard storage space. An extremely smooth ride and handling will make you forget you are driving a truck. I highly recommend buying this truck for work or play (I use mine for both). I couldnt be more satisfied. Thanks ford for another great product.

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  Would Not Buy Again - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Would Not Buy Again - January 17 - 11:33 pm

  In two years of ownership I have had to spend well over $5,000 on repairs. Was dealer vehicle as well, so it should have been fine. Rear windows dont work well, transmission had to be replaced, many interior lights out, certain switches do not respond well, does not handle very well, acceleration leaves something to be desired, power antenna went out, gas mileage average (17 MPG average), the interior is loud during ride, and the suspension is really bumpy. I have enjoyed it sometimes, but it is too expensive to maintain and it seems as though something else breaks too frequently. The car just doesnt seem to hold up well over time. I hope to get more out of it, but I dont see buying one again.

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  I Love My T-Bird - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By szwickel - January 17 - 6:22 pm

  My 2002 Red Ford T-Bird (hard top and convertible) is the most wonderful car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive and I just love the fact that after 2 and1/2 years, people still stop and comment on what a gorgeous car it is and how wonderful it is that Ford brought the car back. I always wanted the 1955 T-bird, but could not afford it, and when I finally could, my husband objected to buying such an old car. As soon as he saw the 2002 T-Bird he bought it for me and gave it to me as a surprise. The car looks good, drives like a dream and is fun to be in and be seen in.Thank you for bringing it back.

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  Great 1st Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By ZX2 Driver - January 17 - 4:41 pm

  This was my first personally-owned car, a 5-speed Sport model. This car has great performance for a budget car. With about 71,000 miles, there have been a lot more squeaks and rattles showing up. The interior of the car is also fairly noisy. There arent too many aftermarket parts for this car (especially compared to the Civic). Ford made a special-edition S/R model, and parts are still available to upgrade the basic ZX2 to achieve the S/Rs better performance. So far the only major things Ive had to replace are the alternator and the 3rd gear synchro. The manual trannies in these cars arent the strongest, but if you dont abuse it, it should last. Im still on the original clutch.