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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  Car with many problems - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Carfreak189 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I owned it from March 1995-March2000. It was terribole computer went out, seats squeked, wires broke, gas ran out. Car broke down, at the dealer every month recalls. Dont by this junk. Its a good thing Ford stopped this car.

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  VERY POSITIVE RECOMMENDATION - 2002 Ford Escape
  By CARL ORLETTI - March 28 - 2:00 am

  MORE THAN PLEASED AND SURPRISED WITH THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE AND UTILITY OF THIS VEHICLE.

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  Not bad, but....... - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Jonin Ray - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I have to dmit that after going though one transmission, 3 starters, one water pump, one air conditioner, and two side door latches...it has come time for me to part with the Aerostar and since they dont make it anymore and I cant find another (would by one if it was a 97), I am going to switch to a Chevy Astro or GMC Safari. Too bad they stopped making it and went to the Windstar...they Safari/Astro would have good competition.

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  GL Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By hagar - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Mechanical reliability is the worst Ive ever seen. Im 54 and between myself and my wife we have had MANY cars, trucks and vans

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  Great car for long trips - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Knights - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Thunderbird to replace my 1990 Cougar. The Cougar had the same motor and the only major problem was head gaskets (watch the 3.8L engine once it gets over 200,000km). The only problem so far with the Thunderbird is it idles rough. I have yet to resolve this problem (Im trying to start with the simple things first). Other than that its nice having the full power of the 3.8L again. Theres never a problem passing people on the highway.

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  2000 Explorer Limited - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By abuttry - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Excellent drive and ride. Very reliable. V8 loves gas.

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  Broke 9 months later!!! - 2000 Ford Escort
  By eadllnean - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ZX2 with 28,000 mls on it. After 10,000 mls my transmissions broke and I had to replace it. This was 2,000 miles after my warranty expired! Two days after I picked up my car with the new transmission I had to take it back to the dealer for further transmission repairs!! I will never buy another Ford again!!!

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  Outstanding small car. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Ted - March 26 - 12:36 pm

  Great all around carl good driver vision in all directions. The automatic is spot on. Gas mileage averages 30 mpg. Easy to park. Changed the tires to Pirelli Nero Zeros. Now it is a better ride with less tire noise. This car is a GREAT BARGAIN wiith the rebates and low financing rates. If something happened to this one, I would purchase another.

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  THE car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By jak - March 26 - 8:33 am

  Its body is beautiful, its interior is comfortable, its handling cant be matched, and what is under the hood makes it a certified beast.

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  Great Buy - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BariDWT - March 26 - 2:36 am

  Just bought my 4WD XLT black pearl slate Escape and I love it so far. I live in Alaska where four wheel drive is a must and it handles great. Love the new exterior and interior over the old model...a definite improvement!