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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  Wow! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Duo - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My whole life from the time i was 8, I wanted a Firebird. I wouldnt even consider a Ford. Then my friend let me drive his V6 stang and i was like hmm. So i test drove a gt and i couldnt believe it. This is the greatest car id ever driven. And fuel economy is great compared to the Jeeps and trucks im used to driving. I say buy a mustang and buy one now!

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By burnside2000 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Stay away from this one at all costs. Typical FORD (fixed or repaired daily) and rides, handles and looks like a brick. I think FORD must be paying all the other reviewers here.

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  good car great value - 1995 Ford Contour
  By heggsmoney - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The 4 cyl has ample power with the 5 speed and amazing gas milage (over 41 mpg highway). Had to have an engine mount replaced but other than that it has been perfect. For $5000 loaded with otions and only 61 K miles it was a heck of a deal.

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  Left of Side of Road - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Willie - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This car has been major problems. We had to replace the timing belt which has not been right since. It has left me stranded twice in the last 3 months. And now the mechanic says, "It has a major engine problem. It we cant get it started without a major investment in a new engine. I think you should maybe get something different." FORD - Found On Road Dead. We have owned 5 different ford cars, and will never own another one. Buyer Beware!!!

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  Think twice - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By Linda K. - May 6 - 1:11 pm

  The transmission has been giving me trouble since I purchased it 7 months ago. Ive had it in the shop several times and Im going to take it back again this week. The dealership said if I drive it 5,000 miles the trams issuing would get to know my driving. Its been over that and still hesitates or slips when I pull out. He said they had about 60 with the same problem. Then why sell it? Ford Focus hatchback 2014.

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  Big Ford - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By JTRAIN369 - May 6 - 2:43 am

  I bought this Ford a year ago and it now has 65,000 miles on it. Everything works is the best running and most comfortable car I have owned. I get 30 mpg on the highway and 20 running around town. Love sitting at stop lights and young kids in little sports cars wanna run them. They get a quick surprise when all they see are my tail lights. I love my big Ford with the huge bench seat and the trunk you can put a small compact in.

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  Great car, excellent value! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By cobraal - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Our 1996 Contour SE Sport, bought in 1998 with 28K miles, was my wifes car until 6 months ago. She now has a new Mazda Tribute and I get to drive the Contour everyday, which I love! This car is FUN TO DRIVE! Its tight, handles and brakes great and the exhaust note makes you think you are going faster than you are. If it had the 5-speed trans (wife cant drive a stick), I would replace the front seats, add 17 wheels/tires, add 30-40 hp, and I would keep it until the wheels fell off.

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  The White Ride - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By T C7 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought as a beater car and so far has be dependable, good to drive and easy to maintain. Glad I purchased it as a second car.

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  I love my bird - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By jackoftrades - May 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my favorite car of any that Ive owned. I bought this bird new in 94 and have been very happy with it. With the exception of a dealer that could not figure out a brake issue when it was new Ive had no problems with it at all. This car is a highway cruiser and seems to be happy around 85mph. I cant part with it. I only drive it just to keep it running now, 3000 miles annually.

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  Oh My Gosh! (Oh Henry! Where Art Thou?) - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Stan The Man - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe how my opinion of Ford products has changed. I currently own two Ford products. (A 2000 Lincoln LS Sport, 2001 Windstar SEL). This is the worst any vehicles have ever performed for me. The van has been recalled 5 times so far, and the check engine light is on now at only 11,000 miles and regular service. The van rides well, is not as noisy as some would say, but has proven very unreliable thus far. I never thought I would feel this way. Oh why in the name of Henry Ford has this happened?