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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  basic contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By hospitalmike - November 23 - 2:00 am

  door locks terrible, all stick or dont open correctly driver lock defective after 50k. replaced driver door open cable 2x after 60k. seat sliders stiff, hard to move forward & back.

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  Do not buy this or any Ford Vehicle - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Don Smith - November 23 - 2:00 am

  At 22 years of age I purchased my first new car, a Ford Contour. Since then I have had nothing but problems both with the car and dealing with Ford. A quick summary of problems with the car: constant wind noise on the front passenger door, water leaks into the trunk, air conditioner went after 1 year, rattling noise while accelerating, clogged catalytic converter causing my damage to my exhaust manifold. In addition, dealing with Ford and any Ford Service dealer that I have brought my car to has been a nightmare.

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  Still buying Rangers - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By texasdriver - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Since 1990 I have bought 6 new Rangers and one used. Even though we dont really love the body styling, its still better than anything else out there for our needs. All of our trucks have been very dependable, plenty peppy for their needs, they handle better than any other pickup we have driven, and at over 30 mpg on the 2002 with the 2.3 four cylinder, its been a money saver. Excellent heater and air conditioner, smooth ride, seats really could be better, but over all a great choice.

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  Transmission Mechanics Companion! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Gary H. - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used in oct,2000 with just over 17,000 miles from a ford exec,and the rest of the story is pretty much crap history! Car now has 46,600 miles and so far these are repairs been maid,Tranmission(what an epidemic)sensors,air conditioning failure,drivers side window failure,cd player skips,crackel in stero,roof strapps have been replaced three times,sun roof whistles terrible at high speeds,etc,etc,etc. In closing is there anyone out there whos owned a sho 96-99 who hasnt replaced the transmiision yet? I sure wish i would have took another 10,000 and bought an camaro ss like i was going to!!!

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  1997 taurus gl - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By tekmaster25 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my 1997 taurus GL.This specacific model has leather,power sliding sun roof,6 disc cd changer and all the power options inc. power seat. Its performance is a great compromise between economy and power. No problems to report here. ford did a good job on this one.

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  1995 Ford Winstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Connie Engle - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Has a new motor with less then 50,000 miles. New transmission. Maintained well. New tie rod end, New tires and just had a frontline alignment. With new spacers, cam .

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  Dont Buy Ford - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By FarsideJohn - November 23 - 2:00 am

  An average vehicle at best, this POS has been sitting in my garage for 5 weeks because it has a leaking head gasket (3.8 liter engine) at 64,000 miles. Although there are hundreds of identical complaints on the NHTSA.gov web site due to Fords bad engine design, Ford refuses to make good on the $3,000 of repairs that are required to make this vehicle driveable again. If I am reincarnated, I will never, never, never buy another Ford product.

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  ss garbage scow - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By hospitalmike - November 23 - 2:00 am

  bought dealer used 30k w/ extended warranty...all usual problems: tie rods, rear wheel cyl, slider door switch, ac switch covered all before 75k. ignition block, alternator, steering rack, 2 sets pads & rotors, 2nd set rear wheel cyl & drums & shoes. front sub frame rewelded. ABS error code front axle. Rear wiper motor. All repairs by aftermarket(pepboys) or self. Constant maintenance: (belts, hoses, brakes, tires, alignments, wheel balance & rotate, tran fluid & filter, fuel filter, plugs & wires)- all have made van mostely reliable. No head leaks, tranny problems, fuel-water-steering pumps, NO EXHAUST OR RUST PROBLEMS TO DATE 130K!

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  Not Worth the Headaches - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By WeaponX - November 23 - 2:00 am

  After many years of driving GMs I started looking at the Ford Mustang!! The Transmission Blew at 31,000,the Tire Rods also had to be replaced and It has No Power for a V8 Engine!! Needless to say I have Happily Sold this Car(after wasting over $2,000 in repairs) and I am VERY Dissapointed in a Car w/Less than 32,000 Miles on it and It Literally Needs a Complete Ovehaul!! I Would Never Buy a Ford Agian!!!!Reality wise I cant call it a Muscle/Sport car since its True Competition is the Mitsubishi Eclipse!!! The Need to Go back to the Drawing board and Re-Invent their Engine and Transmisson to seriously be a Contender to Chevys Monsters!!!

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  Great Small Car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Lavararo - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 1991 Honda Civic Dx with auto transmission. I am comparing that with my 1991 Ford Escort Gt Model.One thing that I like is the great gas milleage I get on it. In the city I average about 20 Miles a gallon and I live in NYC, lots of traffic. I like the suspension which makes the ride rigid but rather sporty. The car is equiped with a 1.8 L engine dual cam. It has 128 HP which makes it quite faster than the Civic. Even a brand new civic doesnt have as much power as my GT. Well, I purchased the car in Good shape, I only did minor tune up on it. I strongly recomend buying the GT.