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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  for the money, not a bad choice - 1999 Ford Contour
  By dee par - May 6 - 2:00 am

  First of all, there is this annoying "moosing" noise that the car makes which supposedly comes from the air intake. Its a horrible sound which causes the car to stall out at times. Also, my dash has warped to the point where its peeled back so far that it almost touches the windshield. Lastly, when you try to accelerate hard with this car, it sort of "bogs down" before it catches and goes. When it does catch though, it goes like gang busters. Other than that, the car is great. It handles very well and I do find the car appealing to the eye. Oh, I almost forgot....... its quite rough on the pavement.

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  99 Explorer, tie rod end replace 37K - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tipman053 - May 5 - 2:00 am

  At 37000 miles all four tie rod ends needed to be replaced. This seems too soon. The cup holders and extra storage in the front area is extremely poor. Driver seat does not go back far enough for leg and arm comfort. Performance is very good, and gas mileage is surprisingly good for such a large vehicle. Side to side rocking on rough roads seems excessive.

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  Good car, but needs refined. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By bagel - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My Taurus has 145000 miles (50000 of them my own in the last 2 years) on it and I have not experienced tranny failure (although it does shift rather eratically) or the head gasket problems associated with the 3.8 V6. All of the features still work except the fuel door release. My car is reliable but overall quality and design are poor compared to the competition. The cupholders in front of the stereo are useless and the interior is flimsy. But the seats are comfortable and I get 30 MPG on my frequent highway trips. Plus the 3.8 V6 gives me plenty of passing power!

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  Dont Do iT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By big texan - May 3 - 2:00 am

  My excursion is terrible. I have had it 4 months and it has been in shop 11 times. I am trying to get it lemon lawed as we speak. The powerstroke is a great motor ans when it wasnt in the shop performed well but it really hasnt been out of the shop much. Buy the ESV instead. Ford SUCKS!

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  Choose wisely - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By The Avenger - May 3 - 2:00 am

  The engine has been reliable. The exhaust at certain speeds makes a rattling noise. The truck thinks the drivers door is always open. I had to take out the interior bulbs to drive at night. The fan switch only works on high setting. A common Ford problem. The AC compressor always seems to go on and off even if just the vent is on.

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  dead again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By rayovac - April 30 - 2:00 am

  With 25,000 miles and regular maintenance our Windstar Had the engine replaced at the dealer. At 28,000 miles the transmission needed to be rebuilt.

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  factory defect - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 40yrforder - April 29 - 10:00 am

  weld securing steering arm did not hold;ford diagnosed this as "defective"but since warranty has expired will do nothing.this is a life threatening problem which they have dismissed;no more fords for me.

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  A shell of a car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Found on road dead - April 29 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I were very impressed with the look of the explorer and felt that we couldnt go wrong with the best selling suv at that time. Well, we purchased a used vehicle by two years and found problems eight months later steming from the transmission being rebuilt and finally replaced to the gage lights coming on while driving (that includes the airbag and the check engine lights). NOT IMPRESSED!!!!!!

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  I love it I hate it. - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ron Boyko - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for a week now and I love it and I hate it. Ford did a great job as far as the construction of the body but they forgot about the engine. If youre looking for lots of power you wont find it in the 3.0 Liter. If you dont mind shifting a manual transmission every few seconds you wont miss the horespower. Fuel mileage hasnt been that great either.

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  OK for a Ford - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By jimmy123 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Actually no mechanical problems, Other than that the style is still ugly. (I didnt buy it, its a Fleet Car)