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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  Fine overall package. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By EricKnight - October 8 - 2:03 pm

  Coming from a 4-cylinder sedan, I have no concerns about acceleration of 3.0 DuraTec and CVT, nor about engine noise on acceleration. Minimal lean on cornering. Crisp steering & handling. Dash, instruments & controls well laid out. Some panel materials & switches could be more substantial.

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  I love it! - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By Timandmissy - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Very fun car.

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  Contour skeptic (at first) - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Brandon Hawkins - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I am young at an age of 18 and i was given this family sedan and was not very happy with it at first. I drove it around one week at the beach after i graduated from High School and fell in love with it. The acceleration alowed me to beat those japanese cars who had all the accesories. I dropped 17 by 7s on it and improved the already perfect handling. I love my car, it is a blast to drive.

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  Great Wagon - 1996 Ford Escort
  By allanjmac - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the greatest cars weve owned.Great fuel milage,fun to drive put it can get away on you,good comfort.Only problem is the speedometor will jump from 100kms to 120kms for no reason also it makes a wirring noise--any sugetions? Thanks

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  It is a great, dependable used car - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By salsavyxen - October 8 - 2:00 am

  We just bought the T-Bird last month and we are currently adding the little customized extras to make it our own. I drive it primarily to school during the week, and work on the weekends. I am also the owner of a Mercedes sedan and I must say that the T-Bird does in fact match the comfort of the Benz. Nice smooth ride with a little pep. We plan on adding a body kit, new rims, a nice sound system, and a spoiler for now. Near future a flowmaster and some "engine sound". I would recommend this car to other 30+ moms like myself that were never really into the "mini-van", or for those moms that are tired of being Uncool.

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  Bad Seats - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By F Soler - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My chief complaint about my new 2002 Windstar is the design and construction of the front seats. The velour is hot and sticky, seats are very uncomfortable due to a weak spot near the rear of the seat that allows you to sink in. I had to trash them and replace them with a pair of leather power seats from a 2001 I found in a junk yard. Also, interior plastic parts rattle. Next time Ill buy an extended cab pick up or a big suv.

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  My Yellow Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By djroeder - October 6 - 4:13 pm

  The Ford Focus is a looker! I have a bright yellow Focus and I have people of all ages looking at it. I love to drive it as it is a fun car to drive. It stays on the road well and handles curves well. I drive on the highway most of the time and it holds its own there also. If I was going to complain about something it would be the paint job. I dont think it holds up well; it scratches easily. Also, I have had to have 3 lug nut covers replaced as they fall off after having the tires rotated. I would also like just an inch or two more room in the back seat leg area.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ADM - October 6 - 10:00 am

  The best way to catagorize this car is its motorcycle with windows. It handles great and is great fun to drive. Wish it had a little more power, but thats always the case.

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  The best Mustang ever produced. - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 98kobra - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I cant think of a better version of the car to end the sn95 chassis with. Its the only car that I still have a big grin on after I get out. Handles excellent on the auto-x track and is killer in the 1/4 mi.

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  w00t - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Kagon - October 6 - 10:00 am

  speed, power, and its not flashy what more could I possibly ask for