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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  excellent truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By anyo - January 13 - 2:00 am

  drives and runs great, it is a lux-o-truck

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  I really like this car - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By michaeltpo - January 13 - 2:00 am

  It is a great car when its been properly maintained. The car needs A SHO repair expert to get any the work done. Any work will be fairly expensive but worth it. It has an incredible engine and smooth accelleration, it is roomy, comfortable, and handles well on windy roads. The brakes are underrated for this fast car which weighs @3500 lbs so they need to be replaced relatively frequently. Gas mileage is poor in the city but decent on the highway. Overall, a very inexpensive used car to acquire that can be a bit expensive to maintain but actually worth it. Excellent passing skills and a great long distance cruiser.

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  Good Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Mpboyd49 - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I brought this car to have my first car. I have used it to go back and forth to school everyday. I have not had many problems. I brought the car with 119,000 miles on it, it now has 135,115 miles. Normal oil changes and etc.

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  I love my Excursion - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By teatime - January 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd excursion,the first was a v-8 gas, 8-9 mpg around town. We traded it for a Honda van. We got better gas mileage but lost alot of interior room and security of size. We purchased a 2002 excursion ultimate diesel and we Love it. We will not trade it unless we get another excursion diesel. It is a little better on the gas but love the security and inside room. We also had 2 Suburbans, they had brake problems and did not feel as solid in the ride. The whole family loves the excursion over any of the other vehicles weve owned.

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  1997 Eddie Bauer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Drained of money - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Quality & design - terrible. Spend >$2K/yr on repairs - thousands on electrical repairs due to poor design: fuel shutoff ran under floor mats & shorted engine wire harness is in the wheel well, got wet & shorted. Completely replaced A/C unit & climate control system @ 60K, seat adjusters broke, replaced EGR valve 3x, transmision mounts went @ 100K, mouldings around windows came out & on & on. This has nothing to do w/ my driving of the vehicle. I have a 14 y/o Pontiac w/ 150K miles & never a repair. Very disappointed. Looks great but has been a mechanical nightmare. Complained to Ford about these issues to no avail. If on the fence, DONT BUY ONE!

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  Unparalleled reliability - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By molllibbburg - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Traded SUV with in-laws in 7/03, so I know the history. After 130,000 miles, it just had its first repair (excluding maintenance) - a water pump. V8 runs great and starts every time. Drove from Miami to Chicago in July and then to S. Carolina in December. Would buy another (with V8 only). Mileage is acceptable and some interior components are cheap and deteriorate from sun rays.

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  WONDERFUL CAR - 1995 Ford Contour
  By royal99 - January 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car I have kept over 6 yrs. It is the most reliable car I have ever had. Only a few minor repairs over the last 8 yrs. It is a great car to take on a trip, great fuel economy. Easy and fun to drive. I love Ford products since they are built to last.

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  OKAY - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Ursie - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I think that it is an alright car, but definetily not the best I have ever been in before.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Bill - January 13 - 1:33 am

  Great ride, plenty of power, plenty of room, 22mpg town driving, 25+ highway (actually got 26.2 once!). Nothing fancy about this car but it does what is was designed for. This is a fabulous road cruiser. No wonder the police departments love them!

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  Havent had any significant problems - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By moonview1 - January 12 - 3:46 am

  Bought this car new in 06. Had an issue with the brakes from sitting on lot. Dealer took care of this, and also preempted later recall. An alignment issue used up rear tires by 15,000 miles . I was not happy with the dealers response which was basically an offer to sell me 4 tires and an alignment. Bought tires and alignment elsewhere. Other than that, this car has been a champ. Have 70,000+ with no problems. The only thing I have done is to change the oil religiously, and I put new brakes on rear. Sent in last payment this month, so I guess Ill put in some plugs, change the belt, and flush the coolant. Great car.