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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  2001 yellow Mustang GT coupe - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By yellow Mustang GT - May 15 - 2:00 am

  It is a great car for your money worth. Bangs for bucks. Sure it doesnt have the power of the Camaro or Trans Am but doesnt cost as much either. And is still the more popular car of the GM brothers. That why it out sells both of them 2-1 and why they were put out of production in 2002. I have had no problems yet this car after 21,000 miles. It sure turns a lot of heads and is asked to be raced at the lights as well. This a great car to drive daily to work & fun. Although the GT is really a bad car in the snow or wet weather so have some kind of back up car for winter.

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  Missed Mustang - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By MissedMustang - May 15 - 12:56 am

  I purchased this car from the gamble that is a police auction. It was abused, torn up, and had 158k+ miles. It took very little TLC to get this car back and running, and it ran strong through 170k miles. The only serious problem I ran into was the engine module going out, but it was only a $150 fix. Other than that my mustang ran beautifully. It started well through the Minnesota Winter (I know, I know! My beater died out midway!) and handled relatively well in the snow for being a rear wheel drive car. Overall the car was a dream, and I would highly recommend that model to anyone who is looking into buying one.

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  Growing on ME! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Its growing on me - May 14 - 8:05 pm

  I just financed a 08 Ford Fusion S. So far so good. I like my car, its very roomy and comfortable. I did not do my research like I shouldve but after reading reviews on camry,accord, and malibu. I think that my car far exceeds the camry and honda in quality. I will probably trade in a year for a malibu because their reviews are great compared to a midsized car. I have had mines for about a month now, and I am overall pleased. There are a few things that need to be improved on but overall Fusion is a great ride, very smooth and if you dont have a need for speed a good driving vehicle. I do have a problem with acceleration, seems like Im killing the engine to get it to go. Wish I had a V6.

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  Best SUV For Your Money - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Travis - May 13 - 9:09 am

  I have a 1999 Ford Explorer XLS with 184000 miles on it and I put that baby to the test every day. Things like going muddin and have never got stuck. I also go through snowbanks that the Chevy Blazer Never Dreamed of! The only major thing that has happend to my Explorer was the Tranny. I had to Flush it and replace the Filter in it. Not to hard of work. I think this is the best SUV for your money. I took my Explorer to Kansas this Spring and I live 6 hours from where I was going and I got 21 Miles to the Gallon in my Explorer. This is the best SUV I have ever Had!

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  Unimpressive but not disappointing - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By guncarr - May 12 - 2:09 pm

  Overall, the car is a good choice, however. I would put it in the top 10 in mid-size sedans, but it would be hard to squeeze it into the top 5. Consider the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, or KIA Optima as better alternatives. The ride is smooth and fairly quiet. The engine is powerful enough, and the transmission shifts, precisely. Some of the controls are a little oddly placed, and not so easy to use on the steering wheel. I much prefer controls that feel natural to use. Gas mileage is good for a six cylinder in this category. I averaged 24 mpg, combined. FordÂ’s SYNC system is nice, but not the most user-friendly equipment.

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  Never let me down - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Ted Sz - May 12 - 1:24 pm

  I bought my Explorer XLT 4WD new 13 years ago. Ive maintained it myself for 151,000 miles. Ive changed the AT fluid and filter every 30,000 miles and have had no transmission issues. It does chatter when dropping out of OD, but only when another transmission fluid change is due. Ive always used Mobil One ATF. I recently did a lot of work on it because, although its worth less than $2K on the books, it runs like new. I replaced the upper and lower ball joints last fall. I also found an A/C leak and fixed it myself. My brother the HVAC pro pressure tested, evacuated and charged it. Blows ice cold again! Heater blend door is a common failure, $9 part and about eight hours labor!

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  Great Value Even Greater Fun!!!! - 1999 Ford Contour
  By FatBoyAYA - May 11 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a 1999 LX with 22,000 miles on the clock in 2002. Been drving it as daily commute since then, and the odometer now reads 240,000 miles. Sporty handling, solid platform and a preppy engine makes this car a breeze to drive. Never once breaks down for the past 7 years, and maintenance limited to regular oil change, couple burnt headlamps, a few sets of new tires and replacing the timing belt once. Will definitely buy another Contour in the future. The Contour was named Mondeo everywhere else in the world, and the Ford Fusion in the States is actually the new Mondeo outside N America. Thats definitely going to be my next car of choice.

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  CVPI Review - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By steve bloom - May 11 - 5:00 pm

  This is a brand new 2005 Police Interceptor with the 250 hp engine. Quick midrange performance, but slower off the line due to the curb weight. Outstanding response and handles like its on rails. Very well balanced. Spartan interior but very comfortable buckets with power adjustment. Dual exhaust has a nice sound but is subdued at the same time. Same as the LX Sport except for the 11 hp increase.

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  Great Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By B. Glenn - May 11 - 9:01 am

  OK here goes for all of you with bad reviews. Ive had this car for 7 years and currently drive it every day. It now has 328,000 miles on it and continues to start and run each day. Yes, Ive had problems, transfer case, sensors, intake gaskets, but this vehicle has been used and used hard. I pull a boat 20 weekends/year and still use this one as my primary traveling vehicle for vacations. Ice cold A/C, pushrod V6 has been great, interior is comfortable (back seat could be better), very few electrical problems Im thinking about replacing it but having trouble parting with it. Compared to a similar GM suv owned by another family member, this suv handles more like a sports car.

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  TANK - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By red - May 11 - 8:17 am

  This is my first American vehicle and will NOT be my last (Ford). This thing is a WORK HORSE. I pull a 3500lb trailer every weekend and it has done this for the last 3 1/2 years. Very reliable. I have 130k on it and look forward to 75k more