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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  Hot ride - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Rick - November 22 - 7:43 pm

  I love this car. I used to have a 67 Fastback GT 390ci back in the day. Just had to have this one. Over all great car. However, there is a lot drive train clunk at lower speeds. Excellent customer service.

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  Not up to 700 mi per tank - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Richard A. - November 22 - 3:06 pm

  I like the ride of the car, its very comfortable. Im 63 and have plenty of room. I think the commercial touting "up to 700" per tank is hype. Ive never approached that, and I drive like a grandpa according to my friends. My city driving usually averages in the 38mpg for a high. In very cold weather it went down significantly.

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  Money Pit - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Exped - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ater 45000 miles, things started to go wrong. Transmission replaced, CD player replace, heated seats repaired, rear- end replaced. Thank goodness for the extended warranty or we would have had over $6,000 in repairs ove the last year. Lease is finally up, will not be getting another one.

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  Why did they stop making it? - 1997 Ford Contour
  By The bean counter - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Super car. Liked it so much, I bought another one. I have been commuting 100 miles a day r/t for the past 7 yrs and have kept extensive maintenance records on all the cars Ive owned for the past 10 yrs. When I factor in all of the costs of ownership (incldg depreciation), this was the hands down winner. The one I just bought to replace it has the V-6, sunroof, and leather interior.

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  Stranded twice - 1999 Ford Contour
  By cardinalfan - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive this car and it handles well on the Autostadas here in Europe. Reliability is horrible, rear taillight had water in it after we puchased it which had to be replaced. The starter has gone out twice in 10 months. The first time it was only the starter, the second time it was the starter, flywheel and cables to the starter. The dash is peeling up and has not been fixed because dealerships here in Europe will not work on my car because it is American Specs. This is my last Ford and I have owned 2 other Ford trucks! Do not take an American made vehicle overseas if you can help it--It is more trouble than it is worth.

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  Mixed Emotions About This Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ryguy - November 22 - 12:56 am

  Reading all the reviews, I feel lucky not to have so many repairs but I have had my share. My rear window power motor broke 2 times in a year and Ford wants $300 to fix again since the warranty expired. It has tape on to keep it up. Was hit in the front and back at low speed and held up great, cant say that about the Corolla that folded like a tent. Cramped front seat since I am 6 foot 2. I have 50,000 miles and the car hasnt had any major repairs but that is because I do routine maintenance and have a good mechanic. Wish car had more power and I wish everyday I upgraded to CD player instead of factory tape player. I thrash this car every day driving to LAX airport so it is my kick around car.

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  BEST car purchase Ive ever made! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Selena - November 21 - 5:13 pm

  Traded in our 2002 Escalade for the 2006 Escape; the best decision (car- wise) weve ever made. VERY fun to drive and outstanding gas mileage. We were concerned about cargo space, given the fact that our previous vehicle was so large, but we have had no problems. Cute little SUV--I would recommend it to anyone. The first time we filled up with gas, it cost us $30, and we got more mileage with one tank than we EVER got for our previous car (which held 11 gallons more!). We love the fact that were saving on gas as well as doing our part to live a little greener.

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  Love the Freestyle! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Coleen - November 21 - 9:33 am

  We picked out Freestyle Limited AWD up last Saturday. We were coming off a lease of a Ford Explorer, which I absolutely hated, and was not even considering getting another Ford. I test drove numerous other cars; Highlander, Pilot, new Subara Tribeca. etc. and was not sure what to get. I then received a direct mail offer for a discount on the Freestyle, and there were other moms at my kids school who had recently gotten one and loved it. So I decided to test drive it and I loved it! It drove completely different than my Explorer; very comfortable so I decided to take the Ford plunge again. Its not been a week yet, but I absolutely love it!

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  Finally Got My Mustang - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By timinana - November 21 - 2:00 am

  The only way to go!

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  Has problems - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Jim Hertel - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems in the 75k I put on. I brought it in 11 times in the first 36k miles for everything from a speaker going out to the rear end making noise between 75-80mph (3 trips and still was never fixed). Replaced tranny at 65k. Front brake rotors were warped when I drove it home from dealer, now on 3rd set. Starter replaced. Screws are failing out of the molding, and the drivers door doesnt seal tight anymore. More little things then I can mention.