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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  No problem car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Lana - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car almost 5 years ago, with almost 68K miles, and have not had any problems with this vehicle of any sort, just basic maintenance. It takes me where I need to get to, be it a local drive or a longer trip of a few hundred miles. A good car for the money paid and for a single girl with no knowledge of the mechanical/ car-related issues.

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  traded in the v10 for the diesel - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By garrison - May 28 - 2:00 am

  i just traded in my 01 v10 excursion for an 04 diesel and absolutely love it (and i live in baltimore city). i use it as an every day vehicle and wouldnt recommend anything else if you need cargo area. this truck looks great, handles good, and has enough power to pull a mountain. gas milage is much better than the v10. the only downside is that nobody wants them so if you do get one dont plan on trading it in or selling it without taking quite a loss!

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  2001 Ford Ranger review - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Jason Finley - May 27 - 8:10 pm

  Upkeep, upkeep, upkeep...change the oil...replace filters...love them and they will last forever...my last one was built in 1993...Im 41...keep an eye on the back brakes...heads up..

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  Bang for the Buck - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By bandyt74 - May 27 - 5:33 pm

  My wife and I needed a vehicle that offers great amount of space, but still remains practical. After two weeks of looking, we saw the light! The Taurus X limited. This vehicle offers great space, performance, and looks. Gas mileage isnt bad considering the amount of cargo this can carry. We also like the fact that it is not the big bulky SUV that is hard to park or fit into the average parking spot. All in all, the great thing about the Taurus X is the amount of standard features that are included. Wow! Lets just say for the competition, they are just base models for the price we paid. Great bang for the buck. Thanks Ford!

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  2005 Mustang Experience - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By William - May 27 - 6:46 am

  Waited several months to receive delivery on Red Convertible. Everything I expected. Have taken three trips: around Colorado (over 12000 foot mountain pass), into South Dakota and through Wyoming, Montana, Canada Rockies, Washington, Oregon and Utah. Handled beautifully! Very responsive. A solid car, corners very well (makes driving fun again). I get at least one compliment each time I take it out on the road.

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  !992 ford Ranger XLT - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By Rod 087 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger and it has been a very good truck,the only thing i had to repair were normal wear and tear items like brakes ,tires ,shocks, the only real repiar was the intake manifold was leaking antifreeze and i had to relace the gasket in 130,000 miles.

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  A comfortable piece of mechanical trash - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By eisenach - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The title says it all. Nice car when new, soon began to fail mechanically, all in all has been a costly nightmare. At Ford, quality is job what?

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  Great Car When its Not at the Mechanic - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Alejandro - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Car at the dealer for repairs six times in the first two years I owned it: EGR valves (?), catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, electrical system issues, and other stuff I have forgotten. Last 5 years: electrical system shorted out twice check engine light on all the time right rear suspension link broke, speedometer/odometer stopped working. All that being said I LOVE this car. The engine is powerful and fuel- efficient, the car is loaded with options and a joy to drive. Handling (before suspension problem) was incredible - like a European performance sedan.

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  My 2nd Focus in 10 years - WOW! - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Evan Selby - May 26 - 12:33 pm

  I had a 2007 Focus SE Hatchback and just purchased a 2016 Focus SE Hatchback two weeks ago. I really liked the first one, but this one is an entirely different animal. Ford kept the best of the previous models and managed to add a whole collection of improvements. I opted for the Stick Shift with the SE Luxury Package- -Rear Disc Brakes, Leather, Fog Lamps, LED Running Lights, 17" alloys and upgraded stereo system. Handling for the Focus has always been a hallmark of the model, but Ford managed to improve it. After driving it nearly 1200 miles, all I can say is WOW! What a difference 9 years made in the level of refinement. Quieter, more powerful, awesome handling and shifting, and lots of nifty features like Traction Control, Hill Assist and a Back up Camera. Its like Ford actually got in my head when I was driving the last car and got the wish list of items I had for that vehicle and added them for my next purchase. I will say that Stick Shift Models are somewhat hard to find - My dealership rep took 3 weeks to get one in with the specs that I provided him with. Cons: Tight back seat, Tall gearing in Final drive.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DMN - May 26 - 9:36 am

  Moved up from 2001 Sport Track, appreciate added and updated comfort. Rear seat awkward to enter/exit, a little hard for regular folks. Engine and driveline excellent, brakes and steering exceptional. Clean style, a little upmarket and more capable Honda Accord. Use vehicle for business travel in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah and appreciate safety of 4 wheel drive.