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:

• 

  Get Yourself a Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dan - December 11 - 4:13 am

  I bought a 4 door Focus SES automatic 4 months ago and love it! It gets excellent mileage, 40+ mpg hwy, is sporty, comfortable, quiet, and attractive. The dash is laid out well with many features found in luxury cars. My SUV now stays parked save for boat towing and family vacations, the Focus fulfills lengthy business travel and around town errands using much less gas. It has more features for less money than the Accord or Corolla.

• 

  Nothing stops a Contour - 1995 Ford Contour
  By NivekTS21 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 95 Contour with over 160,000 miles on. No major repairs done whatsoever. I push that thing to its limits every single day, and it doesnt seem to mind at all. Ive been in two accidents, both of which where the other vehicle was badly damaged, while my Contour has minor chipped paint and scatches. I ran over a median, popped two tires, bent two rims, but not a single other problem. The car didnt even need a wheel alignment. Its amazing what my Contour has put up with. I think my next car will be an SVT Contour.

• 

  Cute, comfy and quick - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By conlaw - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I have found my 95 Ford Aspire to be a very reliable car. It runs great, does every thing a small car should do, hauls a lot of stuff, and gets good gas mileage.

• 

  Built Ford rough - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By The Man of La Mancha - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Replaced everything - shocks, brakes, about 5 windshield washer switches, 2 steering columns. And it still clicks in and out of 4 wheel drive and Ford will not help. Do yourself a favour - buy Japanese, forget sucker patriotism.

• 

  Lordy Fordy - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By hyfchhhgh - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I think that the suv is a great vehicle. It has great manueverablity capabilities and lots of space to move around in. I wouldnt trade it!

• 

  Toyota here I come. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By S.ODay - December 11 - 2:00 am

  AT 56" the ergonomics fit me which is somehting I have found of all Fords I have driven. Other than that not much else has been good about this car. The power antenna, the windshield wipers and the transmission all went out at the 50-55k point. The cruise control stopped working right at 36k. The water pump went out at 85k and also the radiater started leaking at this point. the plastic tank on the drivers side of the radiator cracked. Of course the brakes and the struts have been replaced also but that is expected maintenance. Now at 120k the car just feels worn out even with the new struts. Maybe this is the norm with all Fords!

• 

  slytaurus - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By sly - December 11 - 2:00 am

  transmission terrible, bad on gas. very popular car for the price

• 

  2005 freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By chem462 - December 10 - 11:46 pm

  A pleasure to take on a vacation. Very versatile as a people/cargo carrier. Much better mileage than a minivan.

• 

  Style in an Economy Powered SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Mark Owen - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Economy SUV with good style and road manners. Driving it is very much fun with its powered V6 3.0 engine, and with the easy handling as result of its body/Chassis made from a car-frame. The design is outstanding, and bring the eyes of many others around. Ford did it this time. Small families with normal needs and reduced income will love the Escape.

• 

  Common Features Not Present - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By The Truth - December 10 - 2:00 am

  10,000 miles on my 2002 Sport Track.In shop twice: 1st-pioneer 6-cd in-dash player wouldn’t play or eject CDs, and 2nd - multiple issues-drivers side window wouldn’t raise up; fuel pump problem; and plastic piece broke off the cage extender. Also, poor turning radius, noisy road ride, no lock for glove compartment, no option to recycle the air (except when using max AC, which doesn’t work when you need heat), and if you drive with a woman, shell note there’s no light on vanity mirror. And lastly, if you ever have to sleep in it, the seats do not fully recline. Sport Track is a great concept-but cheaply implemented by Ford.