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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  Ugly but works really well! - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Andy E. - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I hate the body style, but they dumped the beautiful truck style I liked in 1996. This has been an excellent vehicle. One time in the shop in 88,000 miles (because I forgot to tighten the gas cap and the check engine light came on). It goes up hills without downshifting and has really reasonable accelleration for a six cylinder.

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  fox body fun - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By ed302 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mustang in 98 with 68K on it. In the 4-5 years I have owned it, I have not had to do too much major stuff. A new AOD at 104K, a water pump at 120K, heater core at 120 also, and an alternator at 150K (just this morning in fact). If you are a Mustang fan you will know the lifespan of these parts and know when to change them (and there is a good chance you know how to do it yourself). Incredible bang for your buck ratio as with any 5.0 pony.

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  luxury with practicality - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By tom walsh - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Very inexpensive to own, especially for a performance oriented car. Always starts in Wiconsin weather. Lots of favorable comments.

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  Ole Faithful - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Prof6 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!! With just routine maintenance (although it does use more than average front suspension parts), this car is unbeatable. It is an absolute "bear" in the snow. It now has over 173,000 miles and is beginning to show some surface rust, so Im looking for a replacement vehicle. If it were economically feasible to replace the body and keep the car, Id do it!

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  2007 Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Good truck; BUT - December 28 - 10:56 pm

  I owned a 2003 Sport Trac for 5 years, love the truck. Cant think of one bad thing. In 2007 when Ford came out with the V-8 engine, I though wow that will be great. So I purchase one with the V-8 engine, and I love everything about the V-8, love that power. But on my Sport Trac V-8 engine, if you let is sit for a day or two, when you start the engine, it will burn oil and blue smoke like a dog. Had it in the shop a few times, of course the computer has everything good. I believe it is valve guild seals, and of course Ford do not want to open the engine, as I dont want a new truck that someone had to do engine work on it.

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  Good purchase - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Maggie - December 28 - 4:30 pm

  I tried several small SUVs and decided that the Escape was the best for me. Others had visability issus, headrest issues and even the ease of getting into the back seat. I travel from Santa Cruz to Lake Tahoe and have grandkids with me. I dont get the gas mileage that they say (26 highway) as I am only getting 22.7 at best and I am not a speed demon. Even driving alone I dont get the gas milage. So I may trade in sooner than I ever planned for another Escape. Others seem to be getting the better gas milage. I would also like to see the front seats maybe an inch or so longer in lengh. I am only 51 but it seems short even to me.

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  ! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By EGT owner - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Sweet car, had it for a while, no problems. Thing has a great engine.. excellent saftey tests. I definetly recomend this car.

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  This was a great car! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By yeah-yeah - December 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought this Contour (V6, AT, A/C, PW, PD, CC, AM/FM/CD, Alloy 15" Wheels, Keyless Remote & Anti0-Theft Immobilizer) to be our everyday driver. It turned out to be a great car, with a few problems. Before the 3yr / 36,000 mile warranty expired, we bought a 6 year/100,000 mile warranty for $1200. Good thing, too, because at 40,000 miles the transmission suddenly started "slam-shifting" and had to be replaced to the tune of $3,500 at the dealer. The extended warranty covered 90% of that, so it easily paid for itself. At around 85,000 miles the Check Engine Light started coming on -- all it needed was new spark plugs to pass its CA smog check (with flying colors).

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  Review - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Stangdriver - December 28 - 2:00 am

  A great car to drive when the weather is nice but it does poorly snow or ice.

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  Functional - but losing quality - 2007 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By John - December 27 - 12:40 pm

  Very functional, lots of room, adaptable (seats in,seats out). Seems to be less quality comparing the 2007 to my previous 1993- lighter,more flimzy seats, etc. The center console is much less useful than the 93, and leg room on the passenger side is tighter.