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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  We like it - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Barry Levander - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We just got this car 10/03 We had a 97 Taurus, We like the gas milage on the road, They drive nice, altho the tires are noisey on differant surfaces

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  taurus review - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By 4th taurus - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Brakes a problem, squeal, noises in rear, front roters warp often, brake light comes on.

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  My 2001 Windsatr - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By 65mustangken - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Lots of room and plenty of power.

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  If not for the transmission! - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By JDM428 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  After 135000 miles and 1 rebuilt and 3 remanufactured transmissions we have loved all but the obvious. The engine control module was replaced with the last transmission 36000 miles ago and our fingers are crossed. Great ride and interior comfort combined with an exceptional sound system has kept this vehicle in the driveway despite the transmission problem. Best in the snow we have ever had!

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  its ok - 1999 Ford Contour
  By mya - November 4 - 2:00 am

  this car had 1500 miles on it when i bought it so was not very used i do not like the placements of the cupholder, the arm rest is often in the way of the backseat cup holder, if the armrest is down it cramps drivers space (and i am not very big, hard to imagine a larger person in this car)..handling is substandard on anything other than dry pavement, even with new tires, gas mileage poor for this size car..headlights always shift so that they are beaming upward, techs fix this as well couple times and problem cont. to happen, dashboard is warping ford service very very poor in my area, would never buy a ford again

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  Zip Zip - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bing - November 3 - 9:26 pm

  I bought the 05 Focus ST, and I tell you I am surprised with how much I like this car. I didnt like the styling very much of the previous model, but 05 I think gives it a better look, inside, and out. The ride is great, power great. Content for just under 19 grand is excellent, has everything I wanted, and a few I didnt know I wanted. I would recommend to anyone that told me they were looking at one.

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  This car is great! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bryan - November 3 - 8:13 am

  The fuel economy is great. I remember the 2000, 2001 Focus as being not the best around. Boy it sure has grown up. The 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty is a plus. (I think that is only available in Florida though).

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  Overall satisfaction - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Jeff Moon - November 3 - 2:00 am

  1999 purchase at 45k miles. Drove an average of 500 miles per week first 2 years and only work needed was oil and tire rotation. Hugs the corners well and has great acceleration. Biggest major repair came a month ago when the water pump was replaced at 115k miles. Not much to look at from the outside but very comfortable inside, especially up front. Also impressed with the trunk space for weekend trips and grocery shopping. As mentioned by other reviewers, the check engine light comes on especially at highway speeds, but twice the dealer has looked at with no diagnosis. Also have had the cable release for the hood replaced twice!

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  Fun and Capable - 2002 Ford Escape
  By JaxMax - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I really like my Escape. It moves well, handles well and is comfortable for my 61" frame. Visability is excellent and parks nimbly. At 31,000 miles my only problems have been a faulty CD player and some weird electical problems when it rains hard. I am concerned about reliability over time, especially the electronics. Overall, I enjoy it, use to carry lots of stuff and would recommend it to others.

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  OK for a Ford - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By legendrider - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Had a few probs, Some engine plug blew out of it spewing coolant all over the hwy, Emerg brak keeps sticking rendering it useless, other than that its been pretty reliable, hate the replacement Goodyears, not as aggressive and bigas the Firestones. Shouldnt have gotten a stick, pain in the A$$, poor mileage, and nooo guts.