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:

• 

  great first car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By schmidt - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as my first car i bought it whith every option available. I love it! It handles great with alomst no body roll. It has great acceleration, I love racing it on the streets it has just the right amount of power. The only thing that I dont like about the car is that I think it should get better gas mileage for being such a small car and the interior looks to much like the escort sedan. It also handles great at speeds over 100 mph. I highly recomend this as a first car. Its a great car for the money. (So easy to burn rubber even with the auto!)

• 

  great car for under 15k - 2003 Ford Escort
  By boneybunion - November 27 - 2:00 am

  had the car for 6 moths now and still cant wait to get in it every morning. Its my second car, first stick. Im still not quite used to the cluch yet and burns rubber alot easier than my probe! Great acceleration in any gear city or freeway.Push it to the floor and the speedo jumps. I highly recomend it its a great car for the money.

• 

  My SHO review. - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By Daniel Gagne - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned the car for 4 months and I have follen in love with it.The sho is a total driving machine really! In the few months I owned it one thing broke. It was the intermidet pipe but thats it...

• 

  Very happy - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Sniffer - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I have 102,000 miles logged on my 1997 Ford Ranger. Other than basic maintenance items, the vehicle has performed very well. The 4 cylinder engine wont set the world on fire but Im happy with the average 26 MPG I am getting. The 2wd makes for difficult traction in snow or rain.

• 

  1999 Taurus - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Roy A. Forson - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a work vehicle, specifically for highway traveling. the car currently has 90,000 highway miles and has performed flawlessly. Im impressed with the power, style, ergonomics, and fuel mileage. The only disappointment is the extrelmely short turning radius. I would certainly buy another Taurus when ready.

• 

  Repair, Repair and Repair Again - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By JimS - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Head gaskets (twice), 4 starters, 2 alternators, bad factory rotors, 2 radiators, brake lines, water pump, rack & tie rods the list goes on and on. But Fords are my mechanics favorite cars, and he has a new boat to prove it. Many rattles, sqeaks and noises. The repairs were many even when the car was new. I should have sold it years ago.

• 

  Problems - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Amanda Segura - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. To begin with, I had to take it to the dealer to replace the AC control valve and the starter. A couple of months later, I had to take it back to have the fuel pump replaced. I will never own another Ford Escort ZX2.

• 

  After The Warranty - 1997 Ford F-150
  By pgg - November 26 - 2:00 am

  My XL started having trouble in 2001 and seems to continue.The heater core blew costing $600.00 to have put in.The Water pump went costing $100.00 plus to fix.My starter went out for another $130.00.The oxygen sensors were bad and had to be replaced.The sliding rear window has leaked in the rain from day one.Silicone seems to help.I have owned Fords all my life.I might change!

• 

  2002 Ford Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By chubren - November 26 - 2:00 am

  We have only had it one year and my wife loves it. It has run well, so far. The only problems have been a strut that went bad after only a couple months and the poor quality of the interior. Our last Windstar had very comfortable seats. The metal supports in this van have come up through the padding on the seats and the headrest. The speaker volume cuts out in one of the sliding doors. The only other negative aspect is the pick up. It takes a few seconds of hitting the gas, before it really takes off.

• 

  The ultimate car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By Jason65644 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars that i have owned and driven. Not only does it cost me to fill up $17(cdn), it gets me through the week--and i drive a lot. The odometer is at 165,231 and the car still runs like new. Had to replace Nothing....not even the battery..I would highly recommend it as a second car or a first car to anyone and everyone.