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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  So far - 2008 Ford Escape
  By atx - April 15 - 1:56 pm

  Switching from a Subaru Outback to this is refreshing. It feels lighter than the ru ever did, and gets 8 mi/gal more (judging from the first fillup). Drove CR-V, Rav, and the new styles had horrible visibility! Escape still has it. And the price is so much better! I got a new base model for the same as a high-mileage used of the others. While it is reported to be more sluggish, I dont find anything fatally bad about it. It suits my needs as a dog trainer, without breaking the bank at the pump.

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  Reliability - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By ust - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Reliability good except for possible transmission problems in the 40 thousand miles range. Overhaul can be expensive and various computer sensors on transmission and engine will activate check engine light. This will cause a smog check inspection failure required by several states and in turn require expensive repairs to search for the sensor and replace it. Another problem area may be in the anti-lock brakes which requires expensive pump replacement if light remains on.

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  Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By LilWagon - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 2000 Ranger XLT extended cab with auto prior to purchasing 2001 Ranger. 2000 model had 3.0 engine, two doors. Traded mainly for increased power of 4.0 and 4 doors. 2001 much better truck than 2000. Impressed with power. Recently towed 78 cement blocks (guessing 5,000 lb) and had plenty of power and still got 16 mpg. Impressive.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By nytebyte - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Best performance bang for the buck! I recently dynoed the car and it put out 398 horsepower to the wheels, which equates to about 460 at the flywheel! Ford underrates the power of these cars! - Great power - Good handling - Great engine - Backseats - Good amount of trunk space (seats fold down) Where else can you get a car with well over 400 horsepower for under $34K?

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  Good Looks/Performance, ok Build Quality - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By sbviking - April 15 - 2:00 am

  What drew me to this car is the great exterior design: The stance is good, the ride height is right on, the wheels are sharp, Mineral Grey color is gorgeous, I personally like the scoops. The acceleration is great for day to day driving, especially if you need to get around someone on the freeway. The handling makes drivingaround town fun. Ford puts a decent stereo in this car (Mach), but the exhaust note sounds even better. Im not too thrilled with the interior quality (seat foam, dash plastics that squeak), but I can live with it knowing what I paid for a V8.

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  Worst vehicle Ive ever owned - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By 6CF - April 15 - 2:00 am

  Required new engine with only 66,000 miles, and replaced head gasket for $1200 just one month prior -- big waste. Cost to repair more than value of vehicle! By the way I changed the oil every 5000 miles. Dont buy a Ford!

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  Watch out, it might implode!!! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Ford Hater - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I got this car from my mother when I was in a bit of a tight spot for transportation. Now I know why she wanted to get rid of it. V6 5speed was fun to drive and I nearly drove the engine right out of it. Fortunately I had it in for new front stuts and they found that the engine was missing 5 of the 8 mounting bolts. Over the ensuing months it lost the alternator, water pump, wheel bearings, and the check engine light keeps comming on (which leaves my mechanic at a loss.)

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  GREAT CAR!! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Bobram67 - April 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Best one Ive bought.

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  RELIABLE TRUCK - 1995 Ford F-150
  By TIMMAN - April 15 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT TRUCK!. I HAVE A 4.9 STRAIGHT SIX WITH A 5 SPEED. THE ONLY FUSS IS REGARDING THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS USED IN THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM. THE PLUNGER ROD THAT CONNECTS TO THE MASTER CYLINDER IS MADE OF PLASTIC. IT IS HELD IN PLACE WITH A PLASTIC BUSHING THAT WEARS OUT EVERY 30,000 MILES. THESE TWO CHEAP COMPONENTS CAUSE CLUTCH LOSS MORE OFTEN THAN ANY TRUCK OWNER WOULD EXPECT, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM IS EASY TO FIX. JUST TAKE THE PLUNGER ROD OUT OF THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER AND HAVE YOUR LOCAL MACHINE SHOP MAKE YOU ONE OUT OF STEEL. PROBLEM SOLVED. NOW YOU HAVE A BULLETPROOF 300,000 MILE TRUCK.

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  Ok Car - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Tuko - April 14 - 6:05 pm

  Just turned in 2013 Fusion Hybrid at end of 3 year lease. Nice looking car. Pretty good mileage averaged around 41 mpg over the lease term which isnt bad but not up to advertising. MySync was a pain in the butt to get working properly. Trunk space severely limited by battery pack. Main complaint was the 13 gallon gas tank. Prior Fusions/MKZs hybrids had the standard 17.5 gallon tank. So, even with the great mileage, I was still having to fill up more often. After lease was up, went out and purchased a used 2012 Lincoln MKZ hybrid with the larger tank. Same great gas mileage. Good looking car. More pep than the Fusion for whatever reason. Maybe fill it up once per month. With most hybrids, mileage is better in the city than on the highway. Winter weather also takes a toll but heck, any car getting in the high 30s to high 40s in gas mileage is pretty good and for my two cents, the MKZ/Fusions look a heck of a lot better than a Prius. One more issue... passenger seat was not adjustable. Passenger feels like he/she is sitting in a bathtub. If buying used, make sure car has power passenger and driver seats.