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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  a few problems but the dealer made good! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By chevy lover - June 28 - 2:00 am

  car was great until 40k. loud squeal under the hood. took three times for dealership to fix it. they made good with a free loaner (which was an ses and i hated to let go back). Turned out to be a bad water pump (1st), check engine back on (2nd), tension pulley bad (3rd). i chalk it up to poor part quality from fords suppliers!!!!

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  Still Kicking! - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By 218K&Counting - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this SUV in 3/00 w/ nearing 165K mi in it. Starts up easily and still runs great. Lots of traveling and daily driving to work. New fuel pump, thermostat, some minor emission parts due to engine indicator lights on. Rear differential was the only major repair. 4WD only during snow season. Flowmaster muffler & K&N air filter. No oil or transmission leak. In shop only when needed major service and/or repair and I cant do it myself. Better and low reading on the last emission test before I made those minor emission parts changed. Guaranteed it will pass the 04 emission test easily and another 100Kmi or more depending on the new owner.

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  Unflavored Life Saver - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Grateful undead - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bottom line is that this vehicle is extremely safe. Ford is suspect in some manners of craftmanship but they did it right as far as crash test safety.My advise to anyone... please spend a few extra dollers and install the side collision airbags... especially if you have children.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Matt - June 27 - 10:06 pm

  Ive owned the FEH for about 4 months now and driven over 7000 miles. The FEH has been a dream come true! My only complaint is the extreme drop in mileage during a cold Wisconsin winter - which is to be expected (and Ive seen) with any vehicle. But overall the excitement of driving the 09 FEH is something unmatched. The AWD kicks in without any change in how the ride feels. Great handling overall for the vehicle. My wife who has a Civic loves to drive it and feels that the car is a decent size.

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  Goodbye Ford - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jeevis - June 27 - 7:40 am

  Bought new...start of a nightmare! Motor has been ticking since 500 miles. Ford retorqued and adjusted arojund the camshaft twice-no improvement! Dealer is stumped! Constant brake problems (car has only 20000 miles now). Steering stops have to constantly be "re-set and re-greased" because of noises when steering. AC would not turn off at one point-fixed now. AC doors were striking something and made knocking noises whenever AC was turned on/off-now fixed. Still some odd sounds under dash (like water running) and A/C panel-again Ford is stumped! Dealer blames Ford; Ford blames dealer. This loyal customer will take his loyalty to Toyota/Honda-never to return to Ford again!

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  Hate to give her up! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By rancocas - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Most reliable car I ever owned! Routine maintenance only. Body/paint integrity remains excellent. Original exhaust and clutch at 148K miles. Would have bought another one but they stopped making the wagon!! Cant afford insurance on two cars so Im trying to sell it to a good home!

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  Unbelievable, except I lived it - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Exgweagle - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have driven lots of similar cars from the competition, but they do not compare. Ford did it right with this one! The belts were to last 100k, but gave out at 199950...close enough for me. Change the oil evry 3k and she purrs like a kitten. Thank you ford for making Quality Job 1! At 166,750 now and still charging! Hope all my cars work like this from now on!!!

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  So Far So Good - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Timinana - June 27 - 2:00 am

  No major problems to this point. Fun to drive with 5 speed. Gas milage great! Not so good in the snow! Great front buckets, I wish I had them in my Mustang! One and only problem, no tilt wheel. I love this car.

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  Fun in the sun - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By WP - June 27 - 2:00 am

  There are fewer joys in this world better than dropping the top down on any convertable. But you drop the top on a GT and its go time!! With all of the after market goodies you can buy, I recommend this car to anyone who wants a great car with loads of upgrade potential, or even leave it stock or near-stock and still have a kick ass good time!

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  Very pleased customer - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Joe Chez - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Pretty fast for a sedan. Handles really well and an overall fun car to drive. The depreciation of the car is definitely in the buyers favor. This car was 30,000+ new and I bought the car for only 10,000 three years later.