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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  Super Car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By AV Duncan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I have been totally amazed by this car. The front seats are unbelievably comfortable the gas mileage is out of sight and absolutely no mechanical problems in 6 years - not a single one at 94,000 miles. An unbelievable buy - I would buy another one if they still made them (oh, they still do only now they are known as the Jaguar X-Type). I knew there was a reason why it just took me awhile to find out.

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  Great car - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By unknown2 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  It has 93k and never had a tune- up.Never let me down-would by another one

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  I despise this car - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By KSimmons - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when we lived overseas in Germany and we needed up upgrade from a sedan. It has been an almost constant source of disappointment. Weve had to replace the transmission sensor, rework the brakes twice (in one year), and countless other things. Who makes pistons out of plastic?! Im not a heavy braker, so Im not sure what the problem is. I also dislike the fact that the van will routinely stall. That makes me feel very unsafe. The mechanic at the dealer could find no cause for this problem. Im looking for a vehicle to replace this piece of garbage!

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  Love my Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By mal_racegal - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Smoothest riding vehicle Ive been in as far as a minivan goes. Love it!

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  Ford Focus ZX3 - 2000 Ford Focus
  By rijlad - October 7 - 4:40 pm

  You get a lot of bang for your buck out of this car. As fun (or more) to drive as some cars selling for twice this price. An incredible little car!

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  Great - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By stevert - October 7 - 2:00 am

  A fun fast car for cheap... and its American made and American muscle

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  Thank you Detroit - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By EBottles - October 7 - 2:00 am

  With all this talk of American cars not delivering quality, I have to disagree. I hammer on this car every time I drive it, and havent had a single problem and it has over 80K miles. Then to top it off the Mustang delivers the best power for your money too. I love getting into this car everyday, even after four years of ownership. My next car will be another Mustang. Thank you Ford.

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  My Mustangs perfect - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Lucys Desire - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my mustang, it was cheap...for the quality of the car. Its fun to drive. But its a teenage car. Its not too fast, and not slow enough to bore you. I think mustangs are very adorable looking and I would buy another one, but this time I would buy a Cobra.

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  Gets me there and back - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By JoseImenez - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used with 44,000 miles. It started and ran like new. Now with 63,433 mile sit still starts on the first turn of the key and gets me where I am going with enough power to make me feel like I am getting somewhere. I have owned a car from all major American manufacturers and Ford is still King of the Road. in fact I hate to fly places anymore since I would have to drive something other than my mustang. I have taken this car on 4 major road trips in the year I have owned it. It has never failed to get me there and back again.

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  Fantastic Truck - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Gator747 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Terrific drive. Loved every minute of having the truck.