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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  Dependable Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Mao - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Ford Contour. We purchased a 1995 and traded in on teh 1998 model. Both were very dependable, comfortable and responsive. My only regret is that I did not find a 24 valve model (they are rare). Still the standard 4 cylinder performs well and is basically maintenance free. This Ford model is what has taken me away from the Chevrolet models I had previously owned.

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  Junk Transmission - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Frank735 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Nice engine, terrible transmission. I have had aproblem with the trans since day one. Dealer said it was fine and now it has to be replaced. 88K and a new trans? The rest of the car is fine, basic transportation, no frills, no thrills. I almost forgot the power steering goes out after extended highway driving. Dealer comment "We cant see anything wrong". Ha!

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  GRRRREAT - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Ann Jones - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoyed having this car when I did, until I got into the accident. It was not the cars fault it was my own bad judgement, but the car was damaged and it was time to get a new car. So I decided to get a new Ford Explorer, but this time I decided to go with the Ford Explorer Sport. I also throughely enjoyed this automobile.

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  A good little car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Axel - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very reliable little car. It is not functional as a family car or for long trips, but they can be done. It is an excellent get around town car and short trip car. It does get somewhat uncomfortable for trips 2 hours or more. The car never had a problem starting, it is a little sluggish in sub-zero temps (typical of 4-cyl.). The gas mileage is pretty good. The car is an excellent, reliable get around vehicle.

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  transmission troubles - 2012 Ford Focus
  By reedleo - May 25 - 11:10 pm

  I have >9,000 miles on my 2012 Focus with the dual-clutch automatic. I am not bothered by the backward roll on hill starts or the pulsing from dead stop, but it does have some real issues. 4 times now, driving in the S mode, when rolling through a low speed right turn then hitting the gas, all I get are revs and no power. I have to drive in S mode at low speed, because the shift points of the D mode are too low rpm (for max fuel economy no doubt) and the car shudders before it downshifts when given the gas. Also the tranny makes a lot of clatter noise in the 1-2 and 3-4 transitions, while being smooth as silk in all others.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By ruben - May 25 - 8:06 pm

  This is the first 4 cyl vehicle I have owned and so far its been great. I though it would have taken me longer to get used to a 4 cyl but it has been a great drive. I really think Ford has done an excellent job with this car. Of course, I got all the extra features on mine. Moonroof, Sony system. BLIS this feature is great when changing lanes, back up camera, cross traffic which helps when parked between two large vehicles and want to leave the space, and the sync system. I really love my car (I never thought I would be saying this about a 4 cyl car). I really like the new inside and outside styling.

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  2 time owner - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Frank Musgrove - May 25 - 2:00 am

  My second Excursion and Ill buy another if Ford continues production. This vehicle has it all. My fuel mileage is better than expected too with 14.6 on the highway out of the V-10

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  Ford Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MaskAngels - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I currently own a Mustang Convertible. It rides great and is a must have sporty look for a valued price.. The only complaints is the cheap quality of the interior trim. While the back seat and trunk is small, it is bigger than most convertibles and is apropriate for the "sporty" look.

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  Ford Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By caryn stone - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I currently own a Mustang Convertible. It rides great and is a must have sporty look for a valued price.. The only complaints is the cheap quality of the interior trim. While the back seat and trunk is small, it is bigger than most convertibles and is apropriate for the "sporty" look.

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  Rolling Ranger - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Man-o-man - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Ranger since 93 and its been one of the most reliable trucks Ive owned. It now has 173000 miles and its still going strong. The only major repair Ive had was a hydraulic leak in the transmission 5 years ago. I plan on keeping this one for a lot longer hopefully.