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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  Worth the Money - 1996 Ford Contour
  By BobMac - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I think that if Ford stuck with this car for as long as Japanese Co. usaully do, then they would have a winner. It takes time to work out gremlins. If the driver follows the owner manual checkups and replaces the timing belt at 60,000, then you may get a good car for the money. Before you buy: check heater switch, battery life, AC life, headlight connectors.

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  Never by Ford again! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By THARRY - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought the van because of size and safety rating. It always has problems. The power doors work intermittently, the automatic headlights dont work, rattles. Best of all, I have to use premium to keep the pinging down.

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  2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By alias1 - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Transmission just blew at less than 3 years and 43,000 miles. Blind spots due to headrests

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  Good Car - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jmore - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Here in Puerto Rico is one of the best priced minivans

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  Ford Exp. Limited - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kelvis - May 12 - 7:36 am

  Great SUV to have as far as the space, look, and comfort. I think this is a great vehicle. The only concern I have is that the truck runs very loud as far as the engine is concerned. Everything else to me is great!

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  8 cylinders so you can hear me coming. - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By ROCKSTAR - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for the V-8 power and excitement. The leather and power was just to show off for the girls. It leaks in the car wash. Its noisy as all (blank) due to the flowmasters. It has cowl shake. The rear suspension is crap, but it puts the power down, and thats the point. Its loud and proud, its fast, and it eats the lunch of most challengers, especially those snippy hondas. If I wanted nice, I wouldve gotten an Acura.

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  A sound car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Plunder - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Best thing about the car is that it has no major flaws--especially for the price. Comfortable ride, quiet and smooth. Nice large car that gives you a lot of feedback on what the tires are doing on the road.

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  Great inexpensive car. - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Sara @ UGA - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a GREAT car for a student. I spend practically nothing maintaining it. All I pay for is gas (and its great on gas) and oil changes. And its SUPER RELIABLE. My biggest problem so far is leaving my lights on! And even then somestimes it starts. I would definately reccomend it to anyone who doesnt want to spend a fortune on a car.

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  Stay Away - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By crysta - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This car started out well but has ended up being a very expensive. Most parts are not available locally and everytime something needs to be fixed, the parts must be ordered and are not cheap. My brakes alone cost $800. The clutch continually has problems. The keys break often and no one carries the template key anymore. Ford people actually laugh when I pull up to the dealership for anything. They cannot believe that it is still running.

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  A Real Dream of a SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By A mercedes like SUV - May 11 - 9:26 pm

  This is my fourth SUV purchase with Ford. I bought the Eddie Bauer V6 fully loaded with all the great bells and whistles. It drives so smoothly and it is very comfortable. It feels like you are driving a Mercedes sedan. It has great space and can comfortably seat 6 adults. It has the 3rd row back seats for those with larger families. I am glad that I took advantage of the great pricing and rebates that Ford offered. My only complaint is that the gas mileage on SUVs is not all that great. If you are looking for a great affordable, and reliable vehicle take a look at this.