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:

• 

  Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Spisak - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Leaks oil, reacalls, recalls, recalls lights come on. Ford should be ashamed

• 

  Biggest piece of crap I ever owned - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Dani J - April 22 - 2:00 am

  In 1 year I had to replace the onboard computer, replace the timing belt (miantenance), rebuild the transmission, and have had to replace the rotors 3 times. They cant fix a short it the electrical system. It has lost almost all of its value, which has left me upside down in my loan.

• 

  The King - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By zerd3000 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000,2001,2002,and the new 2003 Excursion.I love all of them each year they get better.All of mine are limited excursions,and each with 600 horse power,so speed and power is not an issue.If the stop making them I will be very dissiponted.

• 

  Good Get Around Car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By escortdude - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1995 Escort in 98 when I was in college, and it took me from Missouri to the East Coast, Maryland to Maine, to the West Coast, back and forth several times, all with no major repairs except for the tranny. And lets face it, the trannies go out around 80 or 90k anyway. Betty the Red Escort was very reliable, had GREAT gas mileage, had GOOD pickup for a 4 banger, several tickets attest to that, and although my woman made fun of me for it, I enjoyed this car. I could haul a lot of stuff and barely had to refuel the tank. And she never left me stranded.

• 

  My Little Escape - 2012 Ford Escape
  By lulu - April 21 - 11:34 pm

  This vehicle is a lot of bang for your buck. It lets you experience luxury with a affordable price. We love it.

• 

  I love my Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Debbie - April 21 - 2:56 pm

  This car is far better than the 1989 GT we used to own. I love the retro-style. The V-6 has enough horsepower to get up and go. We chose the V-6 over the GT model purely for the insurance rates. The insurance was double on the GT. I have the windveil blue with the white stripes on the sides.

• 

  Not built with pride - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By bigskyride - April 21 - 12:13 pm

  First, the car was delivered with minor dent damage in 3 places which was repaired. Next, I received a recall for new gas tank fasteners. With less than 2500 miles, it started leaking engine oil. Also developed a "bumping" sound in right rear when hitting even a minor bump. The car is not "Built with Pride" as the window sticker says. I should have stayed with my Japanese products!

• 

  Best Ford I have owned - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Butch 50 - April 21 - 8:06 am

  Has good pick up from standing start, lots of room for passengers and cargo. I give it a 10 for fun to drive, excellent sound system with 290 watt bass.

• 

  Ford F-150 Theres no mistaking it! - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Michael WPa - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Make sure to have the tailpipe moved behind the rear passenger wheel or your cap on the back tire will start to turn green. I have turned many friends and family members to the Ford F-150 and they have been singing the praises since moving from Dodge and Chevy!

• 

  Please tell Ford to continue these - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Ecks Kurshun - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle to own