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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  love my car - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By bbr - September 20 - 2:00 am

  with only a k&n under the hood itll still put the slomaros in there places. better than that though they look alot better

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  Excursion Stud of a SUV Baby! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Puller1 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  What a stud pulling machine. I had the chev sub for years and killed it with my toys. Then the tahoe and did the same. I really use these vehicles and pull toys all over, state to state. This powerstroke is one hell of a motor and great mpg too. It kills the sub. Im getting 12 to 14 city and 19 ish hwy. wow smokes the chevs. I had it custom lifted 4" and placed 315s on it. Good Bilstein shock, but nothing to crazy. Wow it handles great and smooth. No dives in the cornes and can run over a house. If you really use your vehicles and want pulling power and long lasting features, get the powerstroke excursion.

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  a love-hate relationship - 1998 Ford Contour
  By ContourMan - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have a 98 SE with the 2.5L six and the sport package. I love driving the car because of its steering response and handling, and Im pretty satisfied with its power (everyone wants a faster 0-60 time, right?). Despite all of this, I cant forget that the tranny burned up at 30k miles. It didnt help matters that the dealers service department misdiagnosed the problem as something else the first time I took it to them. I like my Contour, but Im not sure Ill ever buy another Ford.

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  The performance in this car is great - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Irfan Rahim - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2000 Contour Se Sport on April 27, 2002. I traded in my 96 Old Cutlass Supreme for it. I have have the 2.5 24 valve Duratec V-6 (which is standard for that year). Im surprised that it has a lot of standard features including power, windows, lock, mirrors, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, 15 inch alloy wheels, and premium am/fm cd player. I like the way the car handles. It can go from 0-60 in about 8.5 seconds. It responds a hell of a lot better than my oldsmobile.

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  Love my High Mileage T-Bird - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By Superior - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I drive a lot (highway) and I got 249971 on the same engine and transmission. This car got me the best price per mileage. I recently changed the fuel pum and starter. Also, I changed the alternator and the battery. No other mechanical problems... By the way, the transmission started to slip in OD but I can still drive Ok in D. I considering to get a used 1997 T-bird.

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  FORD= FIX IT REPAIR DAILY I - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By purpleturtle - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THE WRONG CAR AC WENT 3 TIMES TYE RODS FIVE TIMES SPRINGS SHOCKS ETC WENT TO CRUISE CONTROLL WENT. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED ESPICALLY PEOPLE WHO SAY THIS COULD NEVER HAPPEN TO ME WELL IT HAPPEN TO ME! EVEN THE DEALER TO WHO I TRADED IT TO WAS UPSET AT ME FOR TRADING IT IN. I WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER OFF IN MY MAZDA TRUCK. FORD STOCK IS NOW AT $10.00 THERE IS NOTHING GOOOD ABOUT FORD. I NOW DRIVE A SUBARAU WOW !

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By RedRocket32 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car 4 months ago, and all i can say is WOW. This car is the perfect combination. Looks great, its very comfortable, fun to drive, FAST, and has very respectable fuel economy for the size of the engine. The audio system is awesome too, best Ive ever seen in a car. Just be careful on rainy days, and watch the speedometer on highways...

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  Good entry into the SUV Market - 2005 Ford Escape
  By INTERAVE - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I leased my 2005 Escape Limited due to the fact that the suv has so many good write ups and reviews. I love the way Ford is marketing the Escape on the Radio and Television commercials. Those commercials are almost as if you are buying a Mercedes or BMW. The Truck drives very carlike and I recommend getting the Limited edition because of all the immenites that come along with it. The engine is a bit noisy and the fuel economy could be better but all in all this is a very fine SUV for the money. Dont waste your money on any other Compact SUV. Ford Escape is the way to go in this catergory.

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  great 99 - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By First Ford - September 19 - 3:56 am

  I bought my 99 with low low mileage. We have put almost 50,000 miles on it with only a brake rotor going bad. It is a great car, I hope they never drop it like the rumors that have been thrown around. GM threw away the LeSabre; 30 mpg full size car for another small bucket seat four passenger car like everything else on the street and road. I am getting sick of medium size cars with no room for head or body.

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  Never thought Id own a Ford - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By dprov35 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Its been 5 weeks and 2000 miles and overall Id have to say that my wife and I are impressed. We enjoy this vehicle and it took us over a week to learn all of its neat little features. The engine feels strong and is much improved over my Nissan Xterra, nice low end torque. I didnt buy this vehicle for good gas mileage, but we were happy with the 16 mpg gallon on the trip up the east coast. One big concearn we have though is that the vehicle seems VERY loose in the rain, more so then my previous 2 SUVs. We are going to switch tires soon, hopefully giving us an improvement.