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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  mostly happy - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By bigdave - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The Taurus has been a good daily driver for my wife. Gas mileage usually 19-21 mpg, with 3.0 engine 12 valve. Engine check light came on at 60K was the coil. Cost $400 to fix since each spark plug has its own coil pretty expensive. Put first set of rear brakes at 65K, but the Ford dealer said the fronts could go another 10-15K these are the original brakes. Weird, I thought the fronts were suppose to wear out first, but whos complaining.

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  Ranger Rocks, Tranny Sucks! - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Younguns - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is great, however, the transmission stinks! I have had the truck in for transmission repairs 4 times now, and the vehicle only has 44,000 miles on it.

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  Ive be happy with my escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Shala - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I recieved my escort in high school and to my liking I still have it, six years later. Dipples my escorts name has took me through snow,rain, wind, and sun shine just fine. durning my college years it brought me home to San Diego,Ca and back to Tacoma and Pullman, WA. several time and I had no problems. Im proud to say Ive enjoyed my car and suprized its prformed so well. Ford did a good job on my car.

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  Best car i ever owned - 1998 Ford Escort
  By froman - July 23 - 2:00 am

  it is a great car for the price i paid for it. i bought it used a few months ago and havent had any problems.

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  Awesome - 1999 Ford Escort
  By NATAS - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car to drive. it has very comfortable seats and drives really good. BUY ONE TODAY!

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  so far so good! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By angie martin - July 23 - 2:00 am

  so far so good... I feel very safe in this car.. and people who hve ridden in it with feel safe... It feels solid..

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  ford contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By mia thyberg - July 23 - 2:00 am

  New Car Purchase-did not work by time home(engine problem) . Shortly after -sunroof did not work. Shortly after that- floormattes let off a fume per floor heat was so hot(Ford said this was normal). Carpet coming up- ford refused to fix, but did fix radio . After 1 year- rubbers to windows flew off. 3 years- bottom leaks water so carpets are all wet in back and trunck (mildew). Ford refused to fix. No customer service after purchase(i.e. beg for a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired though you pulled off the lot w/ a faulty vehicle)

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  I love my truck - 1995 Ford F-250
  By Jose Garcia - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I have a diesel .... two tanks - cant beat that. Ive put 200,000 miles on it with no problems. Only add diesel.

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  What a great car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By F. B. - July 22 - 4:00 am

  I have been driving my Focus for about three weeks now and must say that this is a great car. This car is very responsive, comfortable, quiet and fun to drive. I am 18 years old and a car enthusiast. For the money the Focus is a lot of bang for the buck. I test drove a Nissan Sentra 2.0 and a Toyota Corolla CE but wasnt impressed at how exciting the cars were compared to the Focus. Fuel economy is obviously great because this is a small car. I didnt get the sync system because I do not even have an ipod but I hear that its a great feature. I would highly recommend this car to other young drivers who need a fun and affordable small car.

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  HD F250 351 5sp - 1993 Ford F-250
  By roots old blue - July 22 - 2:00 am

  my truck has done everything ive asked of it. it is more a work truck than a road runner. 351 engine with a 5 speed manual 4wd. the air cond has never been touched. i have replaced the thermostat and rear diff and that is all. it has rust on fenders over the rear wheels.