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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  My new ZX2 - 2001 Ford Escort
  By amysZX2 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escort ZX2. It has all the power, room, and features that a college student like me needs. I have the moon roof, 6-disc CD changer, cruise, tilt steering, AC, and custom wheels, what else could I want?

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  Great Family Car - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Jeffrey J. - January 20 - 2:00 am

  My family and I love our Excursion. We owned a half ton Chevy Suburban prior to the Excursion so naturally the ride of the Suburban was better but that seems to be its only advantage. The features of the Excursion are great. It appears from the outside that it would be hard to drive but once youre in it you feel like youre driving a luxury car. Only very high off the ground. It pulls my 18 ski boat like a dream.

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  I want another one! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By wondrme - January 20 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car in Dec96 w/ 50k miles on it. Now, in Jan03, the car has 118k miles on it and runs nearly as good as the day we got it!! The 5 speed manual transmission has never been a problem, clutch is still tight. Only had new pads put on around 80k miles. New pulley @ around 70k ($129). New timing belt @ 80k as well. Other than that, weve only done routine maintenance. A/C & heat still run perfectly!! My brothers old escort has nearly 300k miles on it. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a cheap, reliable compact car!

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  Great car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Michel ouellette - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I cant beleive that this car was replaced by the champions of recalls (the Focus). This car looks great, has loads of power, a very reliable engine/transmission (My first priority) AND outstanding handling. I will conceade that it is not the ideal familly vehicle as was intended by Ford due to restricted (even after improvement in 98)rear seat. A child seat is very difficult to use. But this was not a conscen for me. The Duratec is the only All aluminium, dual overhead cam north american engine. And no this is not a Mazda Engine , this is Fords. And in a 3.o Liter( I wish) the standard engine in base Jaguar S type, Lincon LS, and Jaguar X-type.

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  Dont be a sucker. - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By kiddyvan - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Tested Windstar v. Gr Caravan. Windstar steering was sloppy pedals awkward steering wheel blocked panel, seats were uncomfortable. Tight around middle bench seat. Van small-approx 35 cu.ft. cargo space smaller than GC. Lots of neat gadgets - dont be sucked in by bells & whistles. Interior gadgets seem cheap. GC is the way to go. Smooth as can be! VERY comfortable. Superior design & handling. Dodge has it hands down! If youre making a purchase drive the Windstar first, then go get a GC!

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  89 T-Bird - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By Nkenshalo - January 20 - 2:00 am

  GOOD CAR it has a powerful engine with good performance good style, the same frame as the 97 and overall it has everything you would want in a car today, the only car in 1989 to have rear independant suspension might i add!!

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  Will never buy a Ford again! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By LFM - January 20 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but a burden to me. Everything seems to go wrong with it! I thought that this car would be different from other Fords, but man was I ever wrong! This has got to be one of the most unreliable cars I have ever owned. It may look nice on the outside, but if you decide to buy one, be prepared to spend lots of money on repairs! Just in my first year of ownership, I have spent over $2000 in repairs!! My next car is DEFINITELY going to be Japanese (or at least GM)

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  ENERGISER CAR! - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By TEEJAY - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I RELUCTANTLY BOUGHT THIS LITTLE CAR WITH 182,000 MILES. I THOUGHT THAT I MIGHT GET ANOTHER 10,000 BEFORE IT DIED WELL ITS GOT 234,000 AND JUST LIKE THE BUNNY. IT KEEPS GOING AND GOING AND GOING!LOOK OUT IT MIGHT OUT LAST MY TOYOTA CAMRY WITH 130,000. GO FESTIVA!!

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  Ford Ranger XLT a great truck! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By MikeZ - January 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned and I bought it 5 years old with 68,000 miles. The ride is great and the performance of the 4.0L V6 is excellent. A very refined vehicle, it feels more like a sports car than a pickup truck.

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  Been a good car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By mbistoocool - January 20 - 2:00 am

  No major repairs since new now has over 77 thousand miles. 24V engine is very nice. Only a few things about the car that needs addressed. First of all the transmission, since day one, when you put the pedal down to pass someone the transmission is like "What?" and seems confused as whether to downshift or remain in the same gear. Then it jerks after it figures out what to do and finally downshifts. Secondly, it takes about 10 minutes upon initial startup before botton on the gear shift lever will push in. Lastly the bubble design makes rear head room tight and the trunk small. Other than these issues it has been a great car.