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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  Loving it so far - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cjboot - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Explorer. I traded in my Toyota Highlander in for it. Prior to owning Highlander I owned a 2002 EB Expedition. I traded for better gas mileage. The biggest mistake, The Highlander was so uncomfortable to drive I had to ditch it with only 3700 miles on it! The Explorer has comfort that cannot compare! I love my FORDS! I will never buy a foreign again! I have never had any problem with FORD SUVs or Super Duty trucks!

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  Kid Hauler - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Tov - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been to the shop much more than my previous Fords. An A/C leak the dealer cant find has required multiple recharge visits. Weird electronic lock "cycling" while driving has been fixed once but still happens occasionally. Transmission seems a little clumsy, but acceleration unsurpassed. Rear bench seat weighs too much, difficult to take in/out. The 2nd row captains chairs also heavier than they should be. Dual A/C awesome even in Florida summer. Just wish dealers could find the leak.

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  Worst Lemon Ever Owned! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Trent Mindeman - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this wagon after reviewing other buyers comments 2 years ago. My inlaws also have 2 wagons and have had great success. At 56,000 miles one front wheel bearing and the clutch went. 3,000 miles later the clutch went again and it was discovered that the transmission was leaking fluid into the clutch so we replaced the transmission. Now at 61,000 the car is surging on the highway and I have a 5 hour trip planned for this weekend. The mechanic looked it over good and found a cracked fan belt, broken rear spring, look tie rod end and the surging.... well its definately the clutch.

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  Excellent SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By J. OBrien - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I Love It.... this SUV has been fun to drive, reliable and it handles very well in bad weather. Other than 2 minor recalls and the Firestone mess, I have no mechanical problems at all with my Explorer. I put Pirelli Scorpions on to replace the Firestones...what a difference. This truck handles like a dream.

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  Great truck and deal - 2002 Ford F-150
  By cuz - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck for the money, and current rebates and cash incentives make it even more attractive. For those in the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana area - there is an additional discount on the TX-OK-LA package.

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  Great 08 GT - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By JGober - May 2 - 10:26 am

  This car is my daily driver and it is a fun to drive car. Torque is awesome it will even squall tires in 2nd with traction control on. Interior is decent although mainly built from plastic. I would advise spending the $460 for the upgrade package. I get 23 mpg everywhere I drive although I do take it kind of easy and I drive a manual. Power from V8 is great hard to keep from flooring it all the time. Shaker 500 really Shakes interior and your eardrums. Exterior looks great. I love the late 60s early 70s throwback style. Exhaust sounds great even stock. Sounds the way a V8 should. The ride is good. Sometimes bumpy on rough roads but hey its a sports car. Handles great really hugs curves well.

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  Not Economical for an Economy Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By NB - May 1 - 6:54 am

  If you drive very gently, you can attain 32 mpg hwy/18 mpg city. Ford dealership seems to think this normal for this car. This car is not fuel efficient for its class, and I hope to get rid of it as soon as I pay it off. The second time I brought the car in to be repaired for leaking coolant, I was told that this make/model is prone to problems with the cooling system. In 3 yrs Ive had it leaking large amounts of coolant from two different locations at two different times. If you buy this car, avoid getting the "sporty" wheels (I bought it used, so choice was made for me). They are very expensive to replace.

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  Lots of Miles - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Keith - April 30 - 3:17 pm

  I bought my 1999 Ford Taurus SE wagon in 2001 as a lease turn in. The car has never failed me. Only tires, brakes,fluids and filters have been replaced. The car bought with 29,000 miles on it for 11 grand, now has 208,000 miles on it. The tailgate is starting to rust. I hate the fact that Ford killed this car off. I would buy another one in a heartbeat, as a matter of fact, I am looking for a 2004 Sable now to replace my Taurus. The car does nothing exceptional, but everything well. It has never broken down, never been on a tow truck. The power locks have just quit on me, but for a car with 208,000 miles on it and no payment for three years, I say thanks very much, Ford Motor Co.

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  Contour was worth it. - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Duane - April 28 - 11:24 pm

  This Contour is the 4cyl SE. I bought it with 65k miles, and now have 147k. Only thing I have done to it is timing belt and change the timing pulleys (recomended by Ford) and oil changes. Just recently had to replace a suspension part for 30 bucks, but that is all. some repairs can be costly, but, with proper maintainence as mentioned, will be a good car. It handles great, (better than my Tbird) and gets good economy. The one problem- rocker panels are rusted out, but I lived in a dirt road/ salted roads area.

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  Solid and Economical - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By inteliquest - April 28 - 5:29 pm

  I once owned a Taurus back in 1983 and it was crap! But one look at my 2007 SEL model and I really liked it. I drive it every chance I get and commute in it. It is quiet, smooth and gets 30 mpg highway! I like the interior as it is comfortable and semi luxurous. Sound system is really good (mach) version and performance is real good for this size of car. I hope to get lots of miles out of this car and after a few tweaks it should be a real nice ride. Oh and best of all it only cost 11,200 now that is smokin