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:

• 

  The less miles the better! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Amanda H - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I had my Escort for around 3 months before the timing belt broke at 140,000- leaving me with a worthless car. Granted this was my fault, but even before the car had its problems. The check coolant light was always on- but it had plenty of coolant and never ran hot. Also had the steering wheel light always flashing, mechanic thought that it probably had to do with the sensors. The rear defroster button also stopped staying in the on position. It worked, but you had to hold the button down yourself. However, having said all that- I believe an Escort with about half the mileage of mine would be a fine starter car for someone.

• 

  1992 Ford Probe LX 3.0L V6 "POWER" - 1992 Ford Probe
  By JBLV6 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  ive have my car for 4.5 years now it hasnt had any problems and its 10 years old... thats true performance. I have an APC dual 4" muffler on it and boy does it sound nice with that thoaty V6. The 3.0L is way more power than the car needs which makes it very fun to drive. You can smoke anyone who tries. If you want a fast reliable car i recommend a 1992 Ford Probe LX 3.0L V6... theres a reason this engine was only in the car for 3 years!

• 

  Love My Truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By Roger D. - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Ranger in fall of 1991. 10 years later and 78,000 miles I still have two of the original Firestone tires. The only repairs were brakes replaced @ 72,000 and an AC repair @ 55,000. Paint still looks like brand new and it runs and drives like the day I bought it. Very happy and would buy another.

• 

  first SHO - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Adrien - June 14 - 2:00 am

  nice car but costly,sensors,tires.exhaust

• 

  amazing car - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By scrumdiddlyumptious - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have a 91 Taurus with 213000 miles and it still runs great. It passes real well, gets 20-28 mpg, comfortable,easy to maintain, reliable, and it has just been a great car. One thing is that it looks and handles like a grocery getter, and it pretty much is. A great goup of cars, just look at the miles I have.

• 

  Good dependability even with annoyances - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Carter - June 14 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Contour used in 1997. It has been dependable overall. The feel and performance is good. Even with 110,000 mile the 4 cyl engine has some pep. Majority of problems have been electrical in light switch (recall), heater blower switch (recall) and bad door light switches (on third one so far) to name a few. Other items was broken front coil springs (again a recall) and annoying belt squeal that wont go away even when replaced. Ford has been very good at identifying and replacing recall items. Ford needs to establish a better electrical design team to eliminate the vast electrical problems. They fester as small but annoying items.

• 

  NICE Bird!! - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By kpc96 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  i bought this bird new with the sport package ( v8, spoiler, wheels, etc.) never had any problems, would never trade it in!..excellent styling, good power, very reliable!..all i added was my own stereo and speakers, k&n intake kit, and just recnetly put a new set of pirellis on!!..super car, couldnt ask for more for the 20K i paid when new!

• 

  Easily The Best Car Ive Ever Driven - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By BL56 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is unbelievable. It handles like a go-kart but the ride is smooth. The 3.9 litre V-8 sounds like a Formula 1 engine as it approaches the almost 7000 rpm redline. It is fast but very refined. The styling literally draws a crowd everywhere I go. I have driven or owned cars of every type and this is the best. I bought it to resell but Im keeping it!

• 

  Ford did it RIGHT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Bill - June 13 - 10:13 pm

  The 2K5 GT is awesome! Power is great, but it is easily manageable on the street; handling is superb for a conventional rear axle. It is a very modern vehicle with a well done retro look. I fell for the look when I first saw it, and knew I had to have one when I drove it.

• 

  Fuel Efficient - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Debbie - June 13 - 10:10 am

  I traded in my 2001 XLT explorer for the 05 Escape Hybrid. I was tired of the high gas prices at $2.49 a gallon. I was spending $80.00 a week on gas to commute to work and back home with my Explorer. I bought my Escape Memorial weekend. The Escape doesnt have the power like my Explorer did, but I wanted something that was fuel efficient. So there are trade offs. Other than that, I love my Escape hybrid.