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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  Great car - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Beav - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Fun to drive, when its dry out. Isnt good on gas, however, you have to sacrifice something for power. No substitution for cubic inches.

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  Ford Probe GT - 1990 Ford Probe
  By HollyWood - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 10 years and never have been stranded or needed to make repairs on the road. Currently, I use it for a commuting and with some tweaking and care Im able to get 34 mpg.

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  Great car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By FordContourOwner - May 28 - 2:00 am

  With the V6 and 5 speed it was more fun to drive than any other car Ive owned. No major problems, other than the plastic water pump impeller wore out at 165,000 miles and the heater/air conditioner switch at 170,000. Sadly, the cars life was brought to a premature end at 175,000 miles when an oncoming motorist ventured in to my lane.

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  Recommended. - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Zaphod - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with my car, I have had 0 major problems (just a 7$ part and regular maintenance) and that is after 63K miles! Car is a blast to drive as well, great handling, and a beautifully revving V6. Great college car!

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  Arthur the Aerostar - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By andys - May 28 - 2:00 am

  This van is a perfect family truxter! A no frills, no nonsense machine that can take the beating that the kids give it on a daily basis and do it without any break downs or suprises. Sad that Ford stopped making them.

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  Good but unreliable - Really bad service - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By BradMoore - May 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a nice driving vehicle but my particular vehicles transmission had problems at 35,000 miles. I took the car in to see if I could get it repaired but Ford said there were no problems. The transmission completely went out at 40,000 miles. Ford would only cover 80% of the costs even though the problem was first reported at 35,000 miles. If you are considering a Ford as a vehicle (which I made clear to Ford that I would never buy another vehicle from them), make sure you get the extended warranty because of the unreliability and service.

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  92 Escort LX 4 DR - 1992 Ford Escort
  By joshee23 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Although an Escort, I must say I am VERY pleased with this vehicle. I have put better than 100,000 miles on this vehicle since 1995 and only have had to replace the tie-rod ends and the normal maintenance items like spark plugs, filters, and tires. It isnt a glamorous car but to get to-and-fro, it performed well beyond my expectations.

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  No Comparision to Suburban - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By weyandt - May 28 - 2:00 am

  We have now owned our Excursion for 3.5 years and love it. We owned a Suburban for 3 years before it. The Excursion is bigger, more comfortable, gets about the same gas mileage, and has more power. Our love affair with these vehicle has never ceased. Ideal for large families or for hauling.

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  Buy if youre a mechanic - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By JWyatt - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Big, roomy inside, comfortable vehicle. Good stock stereo and fine build quality. Good paint. Now the negative. I hope Ford changes those automatic trannys. I maintained mine but still went out at 130K miles. Jeep Cherokee/Wrangler, Isuzu Trooper and Toyota use the same AT which is much more reliable. Explorer has poorly designed brakes and rotors. Its also too heavy which causes tires to wear out to fast. The alignment seemed to go out often. Until Ford makes some changes, I expect to stick to Jeep Cherokee/Wrangler. Its ashame because I used to be into Fords.

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  Dont buy this car - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By alviesfamily - May 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car hoping that it would be a reliable family car, and from the very beginning this car has given us nothing but problems. Every month something goes wrong. We have had to in two years replace just about every major part (minus the transmission) of the car. If you want a car that will run well and be reliable take your money somewhere else. Ford Tauruss are terrible cars. I will never buy a midsize ford again.