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:

• 

  We Love it! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bill in Philly - November 30 - 7:46 am

  We sold an Audi A4 Avant to buy the Freestyle. The Freestyle is a much better car. I cannot believe how nice it is on the highway. The car is not as slow as people think. It just feels slow with the CVT and the tranny takes some getting used to. But after you figure it out, it is a great transmission. I have even towed a 1200lb trailer with it with not trouble. What a value!

• 

  Super Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Coolies - November 30 - 2:03 am

  I love this car. Fun to drive and not so bad on gas.

• 

  good hauler - 1993 Ford Escort
  By michiganman - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I used this car to haul 8ft lumber in sdie with hatch close. Also. I installed a hitch to haul small trailers with home improvement items. The car was abused, I guess, but kept going strong. I replaced the exhaust and struts twice, and clutch once but little else. To keep the AC from running constantly, I tinted the 7 windows. Big winter boots tended to rub the brake pedal when using the gas pedal. A small seat cushion helped smooth out the rough Michigan highway roads and is required for long trips. The car was worth every penny I spent on it. Great gas mileage.

• 

  transmission - 1999 Ford Escort
  By mess - November 30 - 2:00 am

  transmission went out on my 99 after 78,000 miles. It was well maintained.

• 

  Expensive Mistake - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By 3 Dog Night - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This van has had one problem after another since within 30 days of my purchase! I am currently looking for a new vehicle and the top priorities will be reliability and customer service. I am so digusted with the Windstars reliability, that I will NEVER buy another Ford!

• 

  nice truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By goodmanner3 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  this is a very well built 4cyl engine, holding up to 150,000 miles so far and im gonna drive it til it dies!

• 

  Mustang 2002 - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Carmen E. Roman - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Its a best car for that year 2002 economic, metalic color. . .

• 

  2002 Ford Mustang GT Premium - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Crowley - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. The performance is the main selling point. I got my Stang for my second childhood. The only thing I find fault in is the front seat design. The GT does not have a head rest that actually works. Besides that the car is great, perfomance out of the box is more than impressive, and best of all the chicks love it.

• 

  Biggest mistake of my life! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By im done - November 30 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car for $5,000 a few years ago and since then have put close to $6,000 into it in repairs alone, not to mention regular maintenance. 3 months after i bought it, the water pump, AC compressor, serpentine and timing belts went out (along with a host of other things) and a few months after that, it happened again. I have not gone more than 3 months without this car costing me at least $400 in repairs. Most recently, the entire central computer needed to be replaced along with the 3rd water pump and all new belts (for the 3rd time) to the tune of nearly $1000.

• 

  I want another one - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Nighthawk - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This has been a really great vechle. I have been able to go thru 3 foot snow drifts and sometimes I get 21-22 mpg. There are onely a couple of things I would change I would give it stronger seat belt retractors. and I would like to be able to turn dash lights off entirely. I have had to put new front brake pads on at 70,000. Other wise new windshield blades and a transmission hose leak are about my only expenses. There have been three recalls, but the dealer was able to take care of them in about two hours. I do wish I would have bought heated mirrows, but I plan on buying another one in a couple of years. This one will given to a family member.