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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  I got a good one - 1996 Ford Contour
  By CaliSE - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Contour SE MTX w/80,000 mi. The car has been great fun, I have been pleased with the reliability. The car has had 5 dealer visits in 6 years wor recalls or non-warranty repairs. It gets 27 mpg on the highway. I found the OEM Firestone Firehawks sub-standard in every possible way and replaced them with Dunlop SP4000s and have been very happy.

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  My Aerostar - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By toolshedman - March 20 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is this is the greastest van Ive ever owned, I have the AWD version, plenty of towing power.

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  Dont buy a 2016 FORD EXPLORER..... - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By A - March 19 - 7:16 pm

  My 2016 Ford Explorer was purchased in March. It has about 6,000 miles on it and it completely stopped in the middle of the road. Im so disappointed.... A 50,000 dollar car should be made a whole lot better than this. This is happening to all of the 2016 explorers as I just so happened to drive a rented one while on a business trip and the same exact thing happened. I guess I have bad luck!!! we need to complain this is absolutely not right!!!!!!!

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  General - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Arthur Burford - March 19 - 7:00 pm

  An adequate vehicle which serves my needs. I wouldnt consider it exceptional, but I think it compares favorably with other vehicles in its class.This vehicle came equipped with running boards, a feature I would have insisted upon. However, I find the running boards to be a detriment to entering and exiting the vehicle ... for children maybe? Also, the cup holders are behind the console shift lever -- between the lever and the front storage compartment, making them extremely difficult to use. Speedometer markings are difficult to read. Vehicle has on a couple of occasions gone into passing gear arbitrarily.

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  Fabulous and Fun Car - Wow! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Kim C - March 19 - 6:43 pm

  Nice styling, great ride, comfortable for 4 adults, great built in features, better mileage than advertised we get with the 4 Speed Automatic, 47MPG on Highway!!... Handles very well and quiet even in noisy conditions. Features like Sirius Satellite Radio and Sync really complete this as a great car to drive on any length trip.

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  Crown Vic LX Sport - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Roy LaGrone - March 19 - 3:46 pm

  Fun sported car to drive, center console and shift makes me feel 17 again. Very comfortable, and extremely safe car. One of lowest insurance ratings available. Besides I do not mind people thinking I am an Alabama State Trooper.

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  SportTrac 07 Limited - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By DBrown - March 19 - 12:26 pm

  Have owned a 2003 SportTrac, but the 2007 is far superior in fit and finish. I purchased the 07 SportTrac at its introduction in fall of 2006. I have approximately 27,000 miles on this vehicle and its great to drive. Handling is excellent and it has great curb appeal and really draws a crowd. I am always complimented on "What a great looking Truck". Currently having problems with the ceramic brake pads installed on vehicle making a loud screeching sound. Upon servicing, dealer states pads are good and that problem was road debris in calipers. They shot compressed air to remove so called debris but screeching continues. Stay on top of this as pads are very expensive after dealer markup.

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  My First Ford Product - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Ron Watson - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in March ,1998. My first Ford product in over 30 years. What a delight! This truck has 65000 miles on it today, and other than oil changes, and filters (normal planned maintenance) I have only replaced the tires.

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  The Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By tt - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Get a Honda

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  MINE - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By seannnnn - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT