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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  My Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By cecil ward - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is comfortable and great to drive. You are not tired and stiff like a lot of vehicles. The stability, handling and power of the expedition is excellent. The gas mileage is great, 22 hwy. and 16 city. That is great mileage for a big powerful and comfortable vehicle like the expedition.

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  needs more power - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By niagara - November 1 - 2:00 am

  purchased a 2002 which was delivered on 05 of 2002....paid 1500 over msrp.most dealers returned premium charge because of low intrest (not basil).drive under 500 miles a year and take to some car shows along with other cars i own.an enjoyable car to drive...ron

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  Very Nice - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By AmCars - October 31 - 1:00 am

  This is my first American made sport car and I can say I really like the power and performance. I got the competition orange in a convertible. Ive had numerous foriegn cars in the past but my son talked me into buying the SVT and I enjoy driving it.

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  SUPER SUV! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Huey - October 31 - 1:00 am

  This was the best SUV we test drove, in fact, when in the Lincoln Navigator, then into the Expedition, you could tell no difference. I love the 3rd seat comfort, most 3rd seats in the Expedtions rivals, are very flimsy, and not comfortable, it is very comfortable for even the pickyist of adults. The power under the hood is exceptional, and with loads of features to make you feel comfortable, and secure. The gas mileage is beter than most we are getting about 20 on highway , and around 18 to 16 city, (getting better than our taurus!) I love (as is we have hit winter) that its not long at all after you have started the car, that the heater is warm!

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  Great SUV - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By DK5 - October 31 - 1:00 am

  Bought new in SC with a dozen miles on it. 11 Years later, have just had to replace the clutch at about 80K. Extremely reliable. Not really any problems to mention. Just a great all-around dependable SUV.

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  Alright Ford! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By gothikrok - October 31 - 1:00 am

  Well, lets see, lately, I havent had too much luck in cars but thats another story... In 96 my parents bought a brand new contour, lets just say that I was less than impressed. However, when I bought this fairly exhausted six-year-old car, my sences were thoroughly indulged. May I just begin my praise by anotating that this car rides on rails, not to mention its extreme acceleration(with five speed/2.5L of course), and yet it some how manages to have a rather decent ride. If you have ever been thrown off by the "family sedan" tittle, or, driven one that wasnt quite as exhillerating as mine, then you have my pitty...

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  Be afraid, be very afraid - 1998 Ford Contour
  By oubobcat - October 31 - 1:00 am

  Bought it used in 99 and was reasonably pleased for a couple years, except for the endless list of recalls. Its always eaten tires because it wont stay aligned (no, it was never in a wreck). To date Ive spent $200+ to replace the o2 sensor, $350+ to replace a melted fuze box(heater fuze didnt blow like it was supposed to), dipstick replacement(yep, the dipstick broke), 2 alternators in < 18 months, and the transmission went out this week. Perhaps the buyer of this pile of scrap metal Im about to sell will do OK, since Ive already replaced most moving parts, but I wouldnt bet on it.

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  WORST CAR YET! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Huey - October 31 - 1:00 am

  I bought a 99 taurus back in 2000. One year later ( just barely out of warranty) the brakes had to be replaced, the 2 front rotors had to be replaced, and the electrical features (keyless entry, power locks, windshield wipers) would short out & not work. (this is at only 40,000 miles) Now, when the cars barely four years old, the heater core had to be replaced, the engine coolant resivor cracked, the thermostat was replaced, the transmission needs replaced , the brakes still have issues , & more electrical problems than ever! Its absolutely terriable on gas, its not built as economically as its rivals, we just bought a brand new ford expedition, & it gets better mileage than the taurus

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  Proud Flex owner - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Ken Anda - October 30 - 11:30 pm

  Although I still drive my 96 Windstar daily for work (229,000 miles) the Flex is for weekend and pleasure use for now. Ford has outdone themselves and can compete with the imports with the Flex. The ride is exceptional and the interior room is huge. I am averaging about 25.5 mpg on the road. I do not live in a congested area so gas mileage should be good for me.

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  We Love Our Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By S. Bennett - October 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 4dr.FocusZTS brand new in Oct.2000. Im 56", my husband is 68" (345lbs) and we both fit fine. The seats adjust in height.The steering wheel telescopes. In 3 short yrs. weve put 76,000+ miles on it. Our round trip commute to Houston, TX is 70 miles. Weve had no problems. We had one accident but the Ford Dealership and Our insurance (Allstate)handled everything, giving a lifetime warranty on all work done. We paid 16,400 (absolute total), with all the extras, no trade-in and a 4.9%APR in 2,000. We love 2000 Ford Focus Sedan ZTS.