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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  Consumer Review - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Sagar - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. It has very good and sporty styling.

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  ZX5 SES - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dawn - July 31 - 1:30 am

  The ZX5 is fun to drive, great gas mileage. Great for merging into traffic, it has get up and go....better than the Mustang I test drove!!

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  Luxury Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Shadow - July 30 - 4:33 am

  Truck has a great look and a decent ride. When youre driving you dont know youre in a truck; has leather seats and luxury features with plenty of room for front and rear passengers. Cab carries enough for everyday use.

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  1996 Ford Contour GL - 1996 Ford Contour
  By wmagon - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I originally thought that I was got a great deal on this car off the Ford B Lot, but am starting to question it. I purchased the extended warranty, which covered the total cost of the "blown" engine ($5500 at the dealer) at 58K Miles, but since then, there has been a vibration in the steering wheel (motor mounts ???). The car is in the shop now needing a new battery and accessory cable plus distribution box. Estimate given was over $1,000 for the repair. Overall though, its been a very nice ride and great ergonomics/human factors.

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  No frills - 1999 Ford Contour
  By mom of twins - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for 3 1/2 years. It is now being passed on to my twin 16 year-old twin daughters to drive. It has been great with gas mileage and has a sporty look my girls love. Ignition key sticks without turning occassionally and the brakes are always crunchy despite repeated service. Classmate of daughters was recently killed driving a Contour on a suburban side street. The car split in two pieces- safety is a major concern.

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  reliable - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By kurtxc - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Relibale vehivle. First purchase, couldnt afford anything down but 48 monthly payments okay at 0.9 APR. 36K warranty fixed an exhuast problem at 3k since then no complaints and has been a reliable commuter vehicle with the occasional camping trip or help someone move (all truck owners know what Im talking about...) Owns the mountains wiht chains ... cant complain! Small 2.5L engine gets the job done and the 25 MPG aint bad.

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  Ford Finally Did It! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Andre06 - July 29 - 11:00 am

  I has been a die-hard import car lover. My old car was Toyota Highlander, but didnt like the style and the engine was terrible. My friend recommend to check out the Edge. At first I was hesitant, but as soon as I test drove one, I was very surprised at the fun-to-drive capability and the style. I didnt know Ford has this kind of a car before. I like the huge sunroof (Vistaroof?) and the ample center console. The 2nd row seats are folded just by a touch of a button, which is awesome. Hey, if somebody was like me driving only imports, please check this car out. Youll know what Im saying.

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  Best truck Ive ever own - 2003 Ford F-150
  By aalykris - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I use to own a Toyota Tacoma and the ride was hard and very uncomfortable for long trip driving. I was not a Ford truck believer until I test drove the F150 Lariat with a 5.4L engine capable of 260 horse power and I was amaze how well this truck is built and the ride is great. I drove this baby from San Jose California to Los Angeles and back and I must tell you that was the most comfortable ride Ive ever had (roughly 400miles.

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  Wonderful 2nd car! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By 506nc - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 94 a year ago to drive back and forth to work. And save miles off of my truck. This car pays for itself in fuel savings. I drive 22 miles each way to work, and 80% of that is interstate, I am getting an average of 37 mpg, and have gotten as much as 40! But when the A/C is on, the power goes. But that is expected of a 4 banger.

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  Good Van - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By windstarok - July 29 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Windstar new in 96. Just before the 36K mile warranty ran out, I had 2 minor items fixed (tailgate struts and a side-view mirror) I had the transmission fluid and filter replaced at the dealer and the trans checked out a-ok. About 2 months later (after the warranty ran out) the transmission failed. Upon reviewing my case and service records Ford readily paid 90%. This was the only problem until 85K miles(EGR and Oxygen sensor) and at 90K with a cracked engine sub-frame (odd). Ive spent $900 in repairs (except routine maintenance)& 3 weeks in the shop for 6 years and 90K+ miles on a van that I saved $4,000 off a Honda or Toyota.