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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  2001 Ford Expedition XLT Sport - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Big AL - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Ten months of ownership & not a single problem. Smooth engine & transmission. Superb interior space. Would like the 3rd seat to fold below rear area. Removing is a two person job. Traction in northeast snow has been fine. Like the limited slip rear axel. Climate control front & rear is excellent & necessary! Fit & finish is fine. Premium sound system needs manufacturer upgrade.

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  Great Car Fun to drive - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By 5.0 - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Super fun car! Fast great style

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  New car opinion - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Thomas Darwen - March 17 - 9:00 pm

  This is the 4th time I have bought this type of vehicle, I like the ride that is unsurpassed by ANY vehicle, in my opinion, and I have checked several cars that are priced a lot higher than the C.V. I witched to a chrysler product last year thinking I would like a smaller car but was dissapointed, so I returned to the Crown Vic, and am VERY satisfied with itcomfort

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  Great car....great price - 2001 Ford Escort
  By clinton - March 17 - 2:49 pm

  I bought this car because my old 94 Escort was a great car. It has 134,000 on it and still runs like a champ. So I got this new Escort (excuse me *ZX2*) and I like it even more. It handles better and is a wee-bit quicker. I have the manual. I wish the engine was a bit smoother. It vibrates a bit, but what do you want for a car in the this price range. If it lasts anywhere near as long as my old Escort, I can tolerate the vibrations of the engine....no problem.

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  King Ranch is worth the money - 2002 Ford F-150
  By jameszr1 - March 17 - 11:16 am

  Great interior, super ride, quiet, and with the 5.4 great power.

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  AWESOME! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By david - March 17 - 9:33 am

  I saw the new Mustang, and it was MUST HAVE IT. I have no disappointment at all. The features are easy to use, the drive is FUN, FUN, FUN. The LX 6 cylinder, 4.0 convertible is great. Ride is smooth, even when you hit some bumps. Talked with some people who have the GT, and their only complaint is the gas mileage. If you have never owned a Mustang (this is my first one) dont hesitate -- GET IT.

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  My Car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By None - March 17 - 5:53 am

  I recently purchased a 98 contour with 80,000 miles. It was running great until recently when it just randomly shut off when I was driving, when I went to restart it the check engine light turned on in stead. The result was I needed to put a new engine in it. Besides that I have had only one other complaint about the car, the cup holders. they are completely useless, everything just falls out of them.

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  pretty good car - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By mattnealtaylor - March 17 - 4:09 am

  Its a pretty nice car. Semi-sporty... plenty of power and fun to drive. This car takes to Interstate roads like it enjoys them. Very comfortable. Very safe. Unfortunately, they also tend to have a variety of mechanical problems. You can expect to be in and out of the garage every few months with a $100-200 repair bill. But if you dont mind having to get them fixed up a few times a year, they are nice cars.

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  Great performance! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By liljen28 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had this vehicle 2 years now, 30K,and have enjoyed it! Was very reliable on 3,000 mile road trip last year, no problems, but getting a little worried with a third recall on this car.

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  Great in Snow! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By rshoe - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the Escape for almost two years. Very few problems. No major problems. Great ride in good weather. Really does great in the snow. A few rattles in the front suspension. Tires had to be replaced at 35,000 miles. Nice CD player/stereo. Automatic transmission seems to switch into overdrive too soon. Interior pretty comfortable. Good power. Gas mileage about right for a compact SUV.