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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  Best car Ive owned - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jim - Florida - December 3 - 9:25 am

  I have 211,000 on my 1998 Contour SE (V6, Manual Tranny). The only issue has been the alternator (pain to replace). Other than that - this car has been phenomenal. Still flies along like a champ - uses no oil - A/C still works great. Bought this car new and love it. 28 mpg average. It has never left me stranded (I was able to limp home with a bad alternator and a bad water pump). Water pump is the easiest one in the world to replace. Still riding on the original brake rotors. I will miss this car.

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  Transmission questionable. - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Dave - December 3 - 2:17 am

  In Dec of 07 I purchased a used 2007 Ford Taurus from a Ford dealer. In Dec. of 08 the transmission went and the dealer tells me the warranty has expired. 2 years old & 44,000 mi and I have to pay for a new tranny. My mechanic tells me that the factory tranny in this car is not good. Either way I suggest the extended warranty.

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  focus on life - 2004 Ford Focus
  By donna hall - December 3 - 2:00 am

  i have a 04 ford focus zts and it has a 2.3l in it and a 5 speed auto trans. and when i bought it,it had 3 miles on it and it now has little over 1800 and i am still as happy with it as i was when i bought it and will keep it.i would tell anyone to buy a ford focus and would tell them to go to mooresville ford to do so.they were willing to work with me and i feel like they would work with anyone.....

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  Good so far - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Johnathanlivingston - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Have only had for three months. Fun to drive, not great on gas. My last car got 40 MPG so this seems like a gas eater. Picks up good on the freeway. Perfect size not to big not to small, handles great,very comfortable driving experience. Can haul friends or stuff. Happy with it so far.

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  great car with little room - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By dennis lacorte - December 3 - 2:00 am

  this car is sharp and nice a real joy. the one flaw is that i weigh 240 pounds and there is a definate lack of room

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  - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By dimitriL - December 3 - 2:00 am

  so far i have 3500 miles with no problems other than the rear hatch rattling and rough shifting between the drive gears and park

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  Affordable performance and room - 2005 Ford Escape
  By John Engelmann - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Perfect size for single person or couple with two or less children. A lot of space for the price. Handles well and has sufficient power for the smooth shifting 5 speed manual transmission under the power of the 4 cyl engine. The 4 cyl engine in that vast engine compartment puts everything in easy accessible reach. All controls are straight-forward and well-located. Great fuel economy for a vehicle of that size. This car was enough to get me to reconsider my 14 years straight of VW purchases.

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  Great car, but Ford could do better - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By SFKen - December 2 - 12:56 am

  This is a great car. It is put together well, rides and drives great, looks good, etc., EXCEPT it needs a little more horsepower. The 250 HP engine due in the 2007 model will solve that problem but why does Ford make us wait. Also, the interior doors, etc. are hard plastic. I wish Ford would spend a few dollars, and I will pay more, for a softer feeling interior. Design, etc. is great. Its just 95% of a perfect car.

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  298000 - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By worth it - December 1 - 1:59 pm

  i bought my 1992 Explorer 5 years ago with about 150000 miles on it. I bought it for $700. It rode okay and I thought it was worth the try for the money. I now have over 298000 on it and havent had to do anything but change oil, brakes, tires and a tune up. Best buy for the money I have ever bought

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  98 XLT - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Bgriffin - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Very good Power from the DHC V6, good handleing, good highway gas mileage, can use some work on the city mileage. Great room inside, a lot better than the competing GM products. Had some bad brake work done, but another place did them right.