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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  Ford Contour! Great CAR - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Bmccrani - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed owning this car and I would highly recommend a Contour to anyone looking for a great car. It runs 24/7 and never looks back. Ive had very minor repair issues after 64,000. I couldnt be happier.

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  Bad Truck! - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Motley Crue Rocker - November 25 - 11:36 pm

  If youre in the market for a new truck, do yourself a favor and test drive an F- 150 FX4 4-door truck. And youll discover why its well-simply the best. The interior is black & beautiful. The ride is what surprised me the most, smoother than Cadillac, and man, can this truck tow anything with ease. But I will be honest with you, the truck is heavy-real heavy. This truck was built with a new body which increased weight, BUT many people dont know that in case of an accident your chances of survivng are huge. Plus if you want to show your buddy your truck is stronger than his Dodge or Chevy, trust me it wont disappoint you. VERY STRONG! You get everything, power, smooth ride, comfort.

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  Best Truck Ever Built - 2004 Ford F-150
  By FordAllTheWay - November 25 - 12:43 pm

  It was between this FX4 and a Hemi Ram, but this truck in my opinion won hands down. It puts out more then enough power on the street and would be very hard to get stuck off road. I will be buying another in a year or two.

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  Great overall car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By ZAZLE - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Great breaks, great interior quality, great reliability. Good handling. Perfect get-around-town-car. Well- behaved on long trips. definately worth the money invested.

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  The last Ford we will ever own - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rgkyncl@eathlink.net - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Transmission blew at 60,000 well maintained hiway miles. Engine blew from Ford admitted manufacuturer defect 1500 miles past recall. Ford corporate office actually has a phone bank of professionally trained people who will take 30 minutes to tell you to go to hell in the nicest way you have ever experienced. To bad such a beautifully designed vehicle has Ford garbage for guts. Our Toyotas go 200000+ miles. Guess what we bought to replace this?

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  stranded @33,000 miles - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By curt jones - November 24 - 10:00 am

  No problems for 3 years, I was a booster of the vehicle. It failed me coming home from a short trip. stranded for 3 days ( holiday weekend).I was one week over the three year warranty, the "on call" service would not help. It seems my thermostat self destructed, sending pieces to lodge in the water pump, the pump seized and froze causing the drive belt to overheat and break. I have also had many close calls when I change lanes due to the huge blind spot of its design. have taken a second job on weekends to pay for gas, will sell it soon.

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  great performing sporty car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By kscoyote - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Nice blend of power and fuel economy. Automatic transmission can be annoying. More than likely due to economy shift pattern. Rear sway bar is sorely missed at times. This should be an option.

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  Taurus Excellent Rating - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Charles L. Eakle - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving the Taurus. It is very easy to drive. It is very comfortable.

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  Taurus SES Sport Deluxe - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By RD - November 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. We purchased the sport package with the luxury package. I have always driven Ford F150s. Driving the Taurus is a real treat.

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  Can only hear the engine noise - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By BRANDON - November 24 - 4:06 am

  I purchased the car about two months ago, traded in my Mustang GT. I didnt test drive it prior to purchase and I will never make that mistake again. I have owned most popular sport cars in the last decade from a Z01 Corvette to a Porsche Boxster and everthing in between and this car has been the biggest disappointment. The nav quit working after a week. The shifter buzzes in neutral with the clutch out and the whole car shudders when you shift into first gear and the tranny is hot. Took to the dealership and they produced a factory notice saying this is "normal" on some lucky owners cars. Not worth the money. Sad it didnt live up to the legend. Wish I still had my Mustang GT.