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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  Eddie Bauer - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Stacie - March 31 - 12:10 pm

  Overall I love my Expedition. It is comfortable for all my family over long road trips. We travel 2-300 miles together through the mountains several times a week and everybody is comfortable. We have been rear-ended while parked and the vehicle took it and barely moved. My daughter and I were sitting in the back watching a movie when hit and where not injured at all. Great safety in rear-end collisions.I love the handling and ease of parking in crowded streets. The large mirrors help make this poosible.Overall this has been my favorite vehicle so far, except dealing with the car service for electrical issues and odd noises nobody can diagnose. Also has surged in traffic on its own. Dangerous!

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  Built to last - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Snookfever - March 31 - 9:05 am

  5.0L V-8 (302 ci) Great truck! bought it with 40K miles in 1998, currently has 143K miles 2008. Paint still looks great. No major drive train problems ever. Poor gas mileage 13/17, but it has never left me on the side of the road. Love the dual gas tanks, you will need them for long trips. Horsepower is a little low compared to newer V-8 trucks 195 vs 300.

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  Could be much better - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Nita - March 30 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my car in 2001. Loved it at first ran great for about 3 years not too many problems. Mid Dec. I did my routine checking of fluids all was great everything good mid Jan. the car just quit I had to replace the engine it had froze up. The mechanic said it was out of oil, but I had no leaks. I fixed that and less than a year later my transmission started going, replace that less than a year later same problem. I bought another Contour for parts and decided that it was cheaper to just use this one. Still the same! full of problems.

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  Doors Fall Off and Dash Peels - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Claire - March 30 - 5:17 pm

  I bought this as a program car. The door hinges have a clip on top. When the clip corrodes, the door falls off. It happened to me, you cant buy a clip or clip and hinge pin. The dash plastic is peeling up. I am a slow and cautious driver and the transmission had to be rebuilt before 60k miles. The trunk leaked from the beginning and the doors alway freeze shut in bad weather. Sealed beam headlights wont stay sealed. I would not buy another one.

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  GT fun - big bang for the buck! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Jack - March 30 - 4:05 pm

  I have owned a lot of cars including classics but this little one really shines. Engine really comes to life after 2800 RPM . 15" 60s tires & sport suspension make the car stick to the pavement, especially on winding roads. Bought this for $1,700 with Pwr moon roof, wdw,locks, & CC with only 60K. 1 owner car! Replace brakes & exhaust myself. Car has been real reliable and fun. Suspension is tight unlike reg Escorts so youll feel the bumps a bit. Not the most refined drive train, but like I said fun to drive, and has guts! Very decent on gas & burns regular. So, what more do you want for the price. Great on the Hwy too! If you can find a good GT, buy it. Theyre hard to find!

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  no memory settings for drivers seat? - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By robbin - March 30 - 8:43 am

  overall,like the styling the most-most of these sized suvs look very similiar. i had a 2005 buick that had driver 1 and driver 2 memory settings-cmon Ford,by 2013 you shouldve caught up...jeesh,maybe on higher trim levels...other than that,ride is comfortable,road noise acceptable,touch screen annoying,no kids to use 3rd row-so dont care bout that-actually using/liking the mini trunk space under that row of seats,....and what is that little compartment on the side,all the way in the back for? Fuel economy is ok-about the same as other suvs i looked at (kia sorrento,ford edge,mazda cx-9,) quieter than hondas popular cr-v-more power too-but not as quiet as the acura mdx-but big difference in price..cant comment on reliability yet-havent had it long enough,but after all the explorers ford has built-hopefully they have it sorted out.

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  My new small SUV - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Sharon - March 30 - 6:35 am

  At first I was a little worried about down sizing from the Ford Expedition that I have had for 5 years, but I now love it. It would be even better if it got better gas mileage. I love how it handles and looks. I think the engine sounds a little funny but I think it is because it is a 6 cyl. Overall I love it..

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  Loved my first one so much, bought 2nd - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Dr Dean - March 30 - 12:01 am

  Purchased an 07 Focus SE 4 Sdn (Kiwi Green Met.) for the wife in Feb 08. After driving it on weekends and enjoying the ride, gas mileage, and overall feel, I traded in my personal business (ministry) car for a second 2007 Focus SE (Infa Red) with sport appearance pkg and 6-CD. Would definitely recommend this car to someone looking for a good handling, fun to drive, and good gas mpg car!

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  01 Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By stl owner - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Love the look of the truck and the interior size. Hauls family well. However, had it in the shop for the first time after owning it for 1 month to replace the thermostat. Ive now replaced three thermostats, 2 waterpumps, brakes, rotars, and various sensors. I no longer have any trust in this vehicle for traveling long distances.

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  Never Owned a Ford Before - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Pandora3d - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I am not one of those that get into the whole heated debate about Ford vs. Chevy, etc. Some have given me hell about owning a Ford, but I cant complain. (yet) Not that Im expecting things to go wrong, just have my eyes open in case. I love my little Focus ZTS and I think it looks sleek, sharp and sexy. I enjoy the sound system (not so sure my fellow commuters do...) and the EASE of steering. I am a happy first-time FORD owner. Thank you!