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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  Fun but with problems - 1998 Ford Contour
  By NatG83 - November 4 - 5:11 pm

  Had 2.5L V6, Auto. Interior was mostly cheap materials, but ergonomic and simple. Seats were firm, but comfortable enough. Alot of issues with the HVAC. The fan motor resister pack blew out and the fuse box shorted. Water pump broke at 50,000 miles. The control for the secondaries on the air intake was made of plastic, thus it wouldnt work if it got too hot. Constantly had issues with O2 sensors failing. Had an issue with the fuel filler. Cheap wiring in the doors cause issues with speakers. But, engine was strong. Mileage was good, but the tank was small. Excellent handling with the Sport package. Excellent capability in the weather. Traded in do to misfire and detonation in one cylinder.

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  THANK GOD!...Well...Ford! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Dan - November 4 - 3:20 pm

  I dont get it. There was no selection for 4 door Supercab 2WD 3.0?? Another comment said the U.S. should have made one?? UH, I just traded mine for a 5.4L F-150. It was a 3.0 4 door supercab...oh well, VERY TOUGH truck!!!!! MY GOD! Had 2 Rangers, each I had for at least 5 years, and NOT ONE THING EVER broke down!!! No! Im not kidding. Over exceeded weight capacities, pulled trees out of ground, pulled, hauled. Sluggish on the line, but passed like a monster! Just bad on gas and not comfortable...who cares, it never let me down. And like I said, thats 2 Rangers, never any problems!

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  after 9 months running strong - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By jay - November 3 - 8:03 pm

  I bought my bronco for 1500 w/ 107000 miles. I replaced spark plugs, spark plug wires, battery and the mass air flow sensor. it has dual exhaust so now it runs great and sounds even better. The heat and a/c work awesome. very strong off road and in snow, a little slippery in rain. there is rust over the rear wheel wells like other broncos. lots of room inside i drove 5 adults to a concert and we were all comfortable. i fit my surfboards inside and drive all over w/ my dog. I hope it keeps running this well. acceleration is a little weak on hills and gas is 14 mpg. so far so good i have driven about 9k so far and wit the parts i replaced i consider this truck a good deal.

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  Still one of the best values on the road - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By MikeD - November 3 - 2:03 pm

  The re-designed For Explorer is now a few years old, but its still one of the best looking SUVs on the road. The fuel economy stinks, but it handles well in rough weather, is roomy enough to seat 7 (though your cargo space suffers), and the sound system is great.

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  Transmission problems - 2008 Ford F-150
  By car624 - November 2 - 8:08 pm

  Have a 2008 Larit love the truck but right now its in the shop with bad transmission. Beaware I was told could be faulty parts in trans.,they said my bearings whent out messing op gears.. Then after they where replaced the value body is bad.. Running in circles with this dealer ship cant get a straight ansewer on what caused the problem. Waiting to get it back with the rebuilt transmission..

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  Absolute Best Car Ever - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Brooklyn - November 2 - 6:38 pm

  There is absolutely no way that a vehicle could ever score perfect on any single spec, but this car has pulled some pretty crazy stunts for me and has never had any problems internally. Excellent take off, excellent gas mileage compared to more recent cars, and a crap load of interior space perfect for trips, sonce Ive been on plenty with it. My next vehicle will be a 97 Ford Taurus and I will cry when this one explodes or something in a few years.

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  Great Escape! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By slowrunner - November 2 - 2:00 am

  About 3500 miles thus far and no problems. My 2002 Escape is a very good ride and handles the road and cornering very well. The car platform helps with quick maneuvering. The Escape is my first SUV and Im enjoying every ride, especially with the coming of winter.

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  Ranger in review - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By got taken - November 1 - 10:18 pm

  One would think that Ford Motor Co could and would know how to build a good quality Ranger truck by now since they have been building the same one for a number of years now. This truck vibrates (4 cyl). While driving several now, I find only one in five that do not vibrate ( from the engine) You will feel it in steering wheel, while power is engaging, and in the ride itself. I found out now that Ford knows about this and does nothing more than send out a notice to dealers that they have a couple of plates to stable the engine abit to keep it from vibrating as much as it is doing. The poor quality of workmanship of the people working for Ford (USA) and the Ford Motor Company is bad

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  Underrated car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Wxdog - November 1 - 2:02 pm

  I bought this four-banger ("Sport" version) when it was 3-years old. Its performed very well. Excellent mileage on the highway but just OK in the city. Really good handling was always noted by the critics and anyone who drives my car is surprised by its performance. It has a somewhat bland/odd exterior. Critics complained the legroom in the back wasnt enough. To me its fine unless you have long legs. There is a persistent problem with a switch for the heater/AC control. Its a recall so it gets replaced when it breaks (every 3-years or so) for free. The timing belt broke at about 65,000 miles, a few miles beyond when the manual says to replace it. Be warned.

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  Great Evolution of Design - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Bob-o2010 - October 31 - 1:16 pm

  This is my third Expedition 97 EB (176k),2003 EB 4WD(136k), and 07 Limited(now 60k). Great design for space and comfort and even the old ones still look great. The 07 is the best yet. The improvements to IRS hit the mark. Auto lift gate and power seats are great. Best is the Ride - Chrome Clad Wheels is the dumbest idea yet. Very easy to damage and expensive to replace. No repair possible.