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:

• 

  Nice car which doesnt come close to mpg which makes it horrible to drive - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By fynack - March 27 - 3:35 am

  Ive had this car for a month now and am averaging in the range of 32-35mpg. Some people say they werent expecting 47 but...i am , ive been driving like a grandma and watching everyone pass me by so i can stay in EV mode and cruise. I accelerate lightly to the "speed limit" then set it in cruise and i still cant for the life of me see even the high 30s in mpg. Driving like this IS NOT and i was willing to do it for the 47mpg. Either something is wrong with this vehicle or Ford just flat out lied. My car does have the 18" wheels with the Goodyear Lr2s which are not LRR tires. Eitherway I like the car and will keep it. But will be badgering Ford and joining the class action lawsuit.

• 

  Much more fun than a chevy - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By RYAN - March 27 - 2:00 am

  My stang is hunter green with a tan top and it had 37,ooo miles when i purchased it now it has over 51k, and not one prob yet. Its comfortable and turns heads everywhere i go. W/ the 5.oL V8 its been alot of fun to drive and race my best 1/4mile time so far has been a 14.7 @ 93MPH. All my friends have camaros and Lt1 corvettes, and things always brake. I recommend Ford #1

• 

  F150XL - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Skinem - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Good solid truck. Only 3 complaints with it thus far: VERY slow acceleration with the V6 typical Ford "phantom" wipers (electrical short in wiper stalk) and finally, poor gas mileage, but thats what you get with a little engine pulling around a large vehicle. Good all-around useful truck--very varsatile. Good daily friver and good work truck.

• 

  Aerostar rocks - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Joe Lexxus - March 27 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has never ever given any problems since day one. I would definitely buy another Aerostar if Ford still made them.

• 

  Life of a V6 Automatic - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Ryan M. - March 27 - 2:00 am

  The ride comfort is the best part. I work 63 miles away from home and when I get out of the car after the trip I feel like Ive been sitting on a couch for an hour and a half. Ford mechanics are poor on the V6 design. Oil changes will leave your exhaust covered in oil, the catalytics plug up after 40k miles, the waterpump uses a plastic propeller that breaks after 30k miles, the rotors warp easily, the plastic components including door handles (inside and out) came loose at 75k, other little things like a melted alternator, wires shorting out, wheel bearings, automatic transmission take away a lot of V6 power.

• 

  my tours - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jetmech - March 27 - 2:00 am

  As the owner of two Contours, I can say that they are great cars, which went out of production too soon. My GL and SE are loads of fun, but require you to be patient with their shortcomings. Get the V-6 and a stick, or if you like it a bit firmer, an SVT is the best. Check out Contour.org for more info on this great car!

• 

  Rare - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Jbarghols - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I guess my 91 explorer wasnt built in the same factory as the rest of yours because I had it 171000 miles and never did any work on the engine or transmission. It was a very reliable car and I enjoyed it. However if you are planing on buying one you might not just take my oppinion since it seems to be rare and out of character.

• 

  Still Going - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By uno0thing - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Supprisingly this vehicle is still running great. There have been only a few minor repairs, but all in all this vehicle has served well. Major repairs with a used vehicle: brakes, fuel pump, bushings underneath causing squeaking. I have read and heard a lot about these vehicles having numerous problems, but I am here to say I must be lucky, cause it has been a great vehicle to drive and own with almost no problems. Purchased at 72,000mi, still going at 130,000mi.

• 

  Bad paint,transmissiom,brakes - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By papajoe - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I had the car for 4 weeks ,the trans. started acting funny.It cost me 600 dollars to get it fixed.The paint on the hood,top,and trunk is very baddly faided.The car need to be repainted.Small things inside the car breaks.The shifter handle broke.200 dollars to fix.Screws just break of the plactic.The brakes make funny sounds,but stop good.Over all the car so far has been a good car.

• 

  dependable and fast, very fast - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Tom b - March 27 - 2:00 am

  My friend bought a 95 super coupe about a year ago. he has not had any problems with it at all. Ive tried racing him with my V-8 302 mercury cougar xr7 and he blows me out of the water. To bad he doesnt want to swap.