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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  Lizs Review (If u want ford please read - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By ElizabethSal - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my taurus, i have been driving it for a while. its over a hundred thousand miles and its just started giving me problems so i cant say that it was a lemon. but now that the problems have started they will not stop. The e.g.r. sensor keeps messing up. transmission is dying. let me tell you that i get it fixed at ford dealership so they should know how to fix it but i keep taking it back with in a week of getting my car back from service for the same problems. I replaced my engine gasket pan but it keeps leaking.... look i love my car but i learned that i need to just lease and not get attached to a FORD.

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  a ok - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By james sims - April 11 - 2:00 am

  a very dependable automobile

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  Owner - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Austin Cloninger - April 11 - 12:36 am

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  Lots of room, but electrical problems - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By ebutterfly - April 10 - 12:10 pm

  This car has lots of room and great to have with 2 kids. The problems that we have had though is that they have already had to replace the radio. It would just go out and have no sound with it. Now we are having problems with the windows not working. I dont know if we just got a lemon or if this is a manufacturing problem. If the windows are working, I love this car.

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  MY TURN - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By rdy - April 10 - 2:00 am

  DROVE IN MOUNTAINS IN MOMTANA FOR 3 MONTHS LAST FALL AND HAD NO PROBLEMS AND GOOOD POWER V10S RULE

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  In Alabama you need the 4.0L - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By LilBit - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Its a very reliable truck. I bought it used in 10/97. I love it! The only thing besides normal wear items like a battery, tires and oil changes, is that I had to replace the oil pan seal. The one thing I dont like is the lack of power(3.0L)and performance going up the hills on the interstates and roads here in Alabama

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  Contour.. the under rated Sport Compact - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Guildpilot - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Well, I must say that I have enjoyed my ownership if this car so far. I have the V6 and its perfomance is great. Power when you need it w/ a nice growl.The handling is awesome.It stays glued to the road and is very predictable.Being a car nut and I have to say the Contour, especially in SE Sport trim has beat all within $3-4k of the price.I get great&unheard of fuel economy w/ it. I average 30-32 hwy & city combined.The worst thing that has happened w/ this car is the fuel pump went bad at 60k..They are WELL underpriced compared to the Cavaliers & Neons , Etc. out there.They dont have half the performance and comfort the Contour has.

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  Excellent choice - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sherio - April 10 - 12:49 am

  I got my C-Max a couple of months ago. I absolutely LOVE it. It is fun to drive, zippy when you need it, fantastic gas milage. I get 44 mpg routinely with the AC on and that is exactly what my 2004 Civic Hybrid got (also a great car). But I tend to have a lead foot with take offs. My husband can get milage in the high 50-mid 60s around town and 47 on the highway. Because I could not stand to let him win, I smoothed out my quick starts and also get 46mpgs. The car is comfortable to drive and ride as a passenger. Plenty of space for passengers in the back or to haul around stuff. It is really a great car.

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  high rev - 2003 Ford Focus
  By uopdad - April 9 - 10:00 am

  enjoy the ability to put transmission in 3rd gear and not need to worry about shifting when getting on the freeway. 2.3l engine pulls great from 3000 to over 6000 rpm. does reqire some finess when using full throttle at low speeds and turning more than a couple degrees. seats a little too hard or stiff for my taste when taking a several hour drive.

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  New Sport Trac 4WD Adrenalin - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DS - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 4WD Adrenalin. Price was great at $27,500. In fact my dad bought one also the next day. I also have an Excursion but wanted something smaller to commute to work. I bought this vehicle because of my experience with other Ford trucks compared to other brands. I live in a small town and really like my local Ford dealer for service.