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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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Jim Gator - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This has been an extremely reliable and fun car. Ive got 35K on the odometer and loved every mile.

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  Focus review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By domain11 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Steering is very hard to contol at low speed with full acceleration. Mechanincal windows hard to crank. Car is fun to drive, has plenty of power, get reasonable milage(28.5)

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  1998 Ford Contour SE 4 cyl DOHC - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Arthur Blessing - April 9 - 8:57 pm

  Purchased car 1998 thru Hertz- 1998 model w/25,000 miles sale: pleasant experience, price quite reasonable, complete file kept on car by them, kept in like new condition by Hertz. Car has been extremely reliable and durable, similar in build quality to my previous Toyota. Front seats very comfortable (Im 5-11"), a few minor recalls handled well by Ford dealers, no major failures on car, just replaced things that wore out (belts, brakes, rotors, sparkplugs, thermostat, etc.). At 112,000 miles now still has original starter, alternator, water and fuel pumps, and now needs front end bushings and A/C compressor. Very happy with this car, except for mileage: 20-24 mpg for 4 cyl. car.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By JWW - April 9 - 8:00 pm

  I bought a used 08 Taurus with 1K miles. I think that this is a very underrated car. The interior is well finished with lots of features. Power is decent and fuel economy is better than expected. This is a lot of value for a VERY affordable price. It is a better car than Camry and Altima. It is very spacious in both interior and trunk. Drive one before you buy Japanese and you might be in for a surprise.

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  Keep America rolling 911 car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Daryl - April 9 - 3:07 pm

  This little One Owner yellow Focus was well loved from day one. I never lose it in a parking lot. It was purchased just after the attack on 911 to keep America rolling. It still runs great after 162,000 miles. It has had a few expected repair issues over the years. The biggest repair in 2014 the fuel pump was replaced. "Car blows a fuse and stalls when the fuel pump is going bad". 2016 Current known defects - A/C failed for the first time, passenger power window sticks unless you open the driver side door. Small one inch rust spot on the hood and truck edge. Minor oil leak. Otherwise I still love the car. The seats are comfortable. It is a little noisy but it is a small car.

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  Ford Escorts are reliable - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Justin Davis - April 9 - 2:31 pm

  Must say that after 164,000 miles and a whole lot of rust in 16 years of existence,this car is still driving strong. Its fun to drive and it hasnt given the last owner or me any problems. Love this little car!

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  Great Value & Performance but... - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Raymondo Galvez - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Good value, solid car. I bought one of the first Sport packages and this has definitely improved the overall vehicle. Load leveling and 17" Goodyear LS make for a superior ride with good handeling. Only disappoint was fit of exterior panels.

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  view from a teen - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Me\ - April 9 - 10:00 am

  only 2 regrets should of bought a 4x4 even though the 2x4 gets around just fine with sand bags. second regret is caused by ford, ford put a speed limiter on the 3.ol motor limiting the speed to about 92mph. not a problem for most but then again i am a teen and would like the needel to reach that 120mph mark which i know it is capable of doing at 92mph the truck runs smoother than ever, the ride is quiet and the truck is not even winded.

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  Lost an engine at 100k miles - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By W - April 8 - 3:45 pm

  Owned almost 9 yrs. except for the bottom end of the engine going out at 100k miles ($8k later) I love it. Use it for snow plow, pull 24 boat goes anywhere and has never let us down (except for the engine). Has original battery but new alternator. Lots of room and very comfortable. Handles well on wet, dry roads as wel as in ice and snow. I dont like all the cheap-looking plastic on the new Epeditions. Plus the prices are way too expensive. Get the gas mileage up to 22-25 mpg, keep the power and handling etc and I might buy another.

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  Hybrids in ... Gas guzzlers out - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Patrick - April 8 - 6:33 am

  We took a chance; had only Hondas and Toyotas since 82. The Highlander w/4WD and Navigation system was $12k more. We get 25mpg hwy+city with the A/C on max (ie: the gas engine is always on). Seats are not deep enough for a tall person, but headroom is excellent. Tires are really noisy and wander on grooved pavement. Make copies of the navigation CDs -- we couldnt find a source to buy or update them separately -- a full set is $200! Safety package is a must have. Wish it had an option for steering wheel radio/CD controls. Time will tell if Ford can come close to Toyotas reliability.