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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  great dependable car - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By f&c T-BIRD - March 3 - 9:36 pm

  75000 miles and no problems

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  still loving my stang! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By 99stangowner - March 3 - 8:53 pm

  In September of 1999 my husband and I were looking for another car. We test drove the mustang, and loved it. 2 1/2 years later we are still enjoying it, and have only had to do routine maintenance on it. No trips back to the dealer...not once, not yet! It has about 48,000 miles on it now, is a V6, manual transmission, with a rear spoiler. Great car, fun, fast, and easy to drive!

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  Solid as a rock - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By adeluca - March 3 - 8:36 pm

  I have had this thing for 30,000 miles now. Until now, there has been no problems of any kind. It is now in the shop for a front end squeal/grinding sound, probably a "driveline problem" according to the service writer at the dealership. I will let you know how the repair proceeds. I have a feeling I am going to be glad it is still under warranty. Has anyone else had this problem?

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  1996 Ford Windstar GL - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Dale - March 3 - 8:29 pm

  Blew a head gasket at 92500 miles. Rusting out on passenger side rear fender. Air conditioning system needs to be replaced. Check engine light is on most of the time.

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  Nickel and Dime - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Disssatisfied - March 3 - 6:55 pm

  I had bought my 1998 Contour SE in August of 2001 with 31000 miles and currently has 40000 miles. In six months Ive had to replace the fuel sensor and PCV valve, Catalytic converter, Alternator, (totalling ~$550)and about another $200+ counting other mechanics fees for just identifing other problems. In addition, I was not notified by Ford about recalls on my car. These repairs should not occur at this mileage and why am I left in the dark about recalls? I am very unimpressed by Ford.

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  Explorer - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By LeftGuard2003 - March 3 - 5:26 pm

  When I purchesd my exploer with 63,000 miles, I thought I wouldnt have any problems for a while. About 3 weeks after I bought it, The head gaskets went. And on top of that, that raditor went too. I have had it break down about 15 times. I get 10 to 12 miles per galon in the city and only 15 on the highway. Over all I think ford could have built a better car.

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  crap - 1990 Ford Escort
  By stevewine - March 3 - 5:20 pm

  I brought this car new and after 6 mths wished I hadnt . Had mech problems all the time. The ingnition system was a joke, I went thur 3 ingition moduels in a 20 mth. period . Do NOT buy one of these cars.

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  Cheap, sporty, fun! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By zx2 - March 3 - 4:10 pm

  Mine is a 99. Great build quality, very peppy, engine pulls very strongly,quick steering, good looking exterior and interior. Smooth ride for a small car. Car has a battery saver. Good snow traction even with the optional 15 inch Eagle GAs. Car is very easy to drive and control. Rumored to be just as fast the Focus SVT. Magazines rate 0-60 7.4 - 7.8 seconds. Great gas mileage I get 29mpg minimum in the town. I have the 5 speed. Zx2 is very reliable. This car is cheap and fun.

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  Just your average commuter car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Voice of Reason - March 3 - 1:50 pm

  My wife purchased a loaded Contour SE (2.5L v6, leather, moonroof, etc) and it has been adequate, but nothing more. For having a v6 it doesnt have very much of a punch from the line at all (I come from a strong v8 background though). The leather is ok, but nothing fancy. For being a front wheel drive car I was very dissapointed in how it handles in the snow. If you think you are interested in a Contour I would strongly suggest taking a look at the SVT version.

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  cheap, reliable little truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By big al - March 3 - 8:37 am

  If your looking for a reliable, easy on fuel (2.3 liter) pick up truck I recommend a ford ranger. I have owned the truck for two years and did not put one cent in repairs.