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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  Not bad! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By GarysTour - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Going to the dealership I had the thought of buying an import. This car has been a dream. The performance and value is A+++. The only problem Ive had is the sunroof getting stuck open, but the warranty covered it.

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  This car is great - 2000 Ford Contour
  By ContourLover - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I have now owned my Contour for about a year and I have had the time of my life. My parents got it for me assuming it was a little wimpy Contour but they dont know what they got me. I love my car dearly it feels like I am driving a race car because it has such good low end torque and gives me good accel to race. Z28s Mustangs and other cars have a lot higher top speed but i have kept up with plenty of Mustangs off lights 0-50 and you dont get much of a chance to race higher than that with so many cops now. I have raced alot of cars and suprised them becasue they thought it was a lousy four banger but they got messed up for example aleros and stuff.

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  A Good Truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By cmenchen - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I needed a pickup ruck for light hauling, ie. lawn tractor, snowmobile, etc. The bed, while not as big as a full size has plenty of room for everything I need. It is very menuvarable and has good visability. It has the 3.0L V6 Automatic trans. which seems lacking in pep for a 6 cylinder. Gas mialage is about 16 mph, which I hear is good for a pickup truck but seems a little on the low side to me. All in all this is a great truck with plent of room in front and enough room in the extended cab for a car seat or any odds and ends you want to tote around without getting wet.

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  00 Ford Ranger XLT: One Perfect Pickup! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By JasonT - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Ranger in late August/ early September 01. The mileage was about 24k and it was still in excellent condition. The overall look of the truck was one of the main reasons why I bought it. Another reason was because I liked the fact that there was a Flex-Fuel engine in it. Even with just 150 horses, this engine moves the Ranger along like there is no tomorrow! Since I have purchased it, I have installed a hood deflector which makes this truck look simply beautiful! I couldnt ask for a better truck.

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  99 Eddie bauer - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By duff - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Rides well, once you get used to the height. Very comfortabel over long distances. 3rd seat a wee bit tight. Tows well. Leather has held up nicely.

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  Great Ford Experience - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Stuart - April 14 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been a dream since I bought it. It is comfortable on long drives, great for short halls and very flexible when needed. The vehicle has never let me down and I have always paid attention to the little things regarding basic maintenance. As a result, I think the car has rewarded me with no major repairs. The most costly repair was the CD changer and radio.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Ford Focus
  By DAVE - April 13 - 9:30 am

  Purchased this car for the economy. The 5 speed and on the open road I am very happy with 38 mpg and its not even broken in yet. About 30 mpg around town. Handles like a charm, the ride is great but a little choppy because of the shorter wheelbase, one of the problems with cars with a short wheelbase. Love this car!

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  Fun car, but pricey to repair - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Melchior - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Watch out for *expensive* replacement parts for this car-- the body and interior may be a Taurus (ie, cheap mass-manufactured parts), but the engine was low-volume... There arent a large number of aftermarket suppliers for this car, so engine parts are expensive. Qualified repair shops are also tough to find...

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  Reliable, if a little slow - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By Matt M (aka Dragoon) - April 13 - 2:00 am

  The paint on the bumper is peeling, and there are parts coming off of the dash, but for the price, its still comfortable (even without the leather interior) and acceptably fast. It may not have much acceleration, even after I had the injectors cleaned, and put new oil (with a hi-po oil filter) in it. This car really is reliable, after 122k miles its still running strong, and smoothly, although the tranny doesnt seem to cater to those with a need for acceleration. The car is big too, but doesnt feel all that big. I have carried three (full)computers, and three people in the car before, with room to spare.

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  disgrunteld owner - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By james skaggs - April 13 - 2:00 am

  There are rattles,all over noisy engine poor paint quality. Over all it is just so overpriced