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:

• 

  Comments - 2002 Ford F-150
  By saber - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent basic, full-size truck. Does exactly what it is designed to do, that is be a basic, large truck. With 255 size tires on 16 inch wheels it sits a little higher than I would like for ease of entry/exit. Tilt steering wheel would help a lot. V-6 engine is plenty for my use. I would like better gas mileage. Power mirrors, door locks, and windows would make the large cab easier to operate, but it is still a great basic full-size truck. Limited slip differential excellent on slick roads.

• 

  1996 Mustang Cobra (they didnt list it) - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Lover - October 20 - 10:50 pm

  Wonderful car to own. I have had several Mustangs in the past 8 years. I have had V-8s and 1 V-6. All have been a pleasure to own. If you are looking for a V-6 spend the extra money for the extra HP you will happy that you did. The back seat is for looks basically, handling is wonderful, & speed is great!

• 

  Great Car Great Price - 2009 Ford Focus
  By sean - October 20 - 12:40 pm

  We rented a focus while waiting for a 20" replacement tire for our mini van. My wife loved it but it was very plain. After getting the van back we stopped by the local dealer and were surprised at the new model lineup. Our van had 75,000 miles and it was time for a change. The SES package was very well equipped. Better auido system. 6 disk MP3, SYNC, sunroof and nice rims. The LED interior lights are cool and ours is an automatic not 5 speed. Got a very fair deal at 15,000. And much more then expected on the old van. It drives well for a 2.0 and handels just fine. Not much wind noise at freeway speed and cruise control is a plus.

• 

  Great Expectations - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By roseyrayf - October 20 - 12:38 am

  Purchased from a neighbors daughter who finished nursing school. Car appears well cared for. Pulled a trailer across the Continental Divide both ways with a U-Hual. They were able to keep it in cruise with AC. I will be the third owner. How it lasts in the long term is to be seen. I keep my cars a long time.

• 

  Best Ford Ever! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By toothfairy - October 19 - 10:17 am

  We purchased a dealer demo and a great price and we couldnt be happier! This car drives and rides better than BMW or Lexus! I drove to NC (over mountains) and got over 25mpg! Have owned Ford for over 14 years and this is the best one yet! My parents drove it when we got it and went out 2 days later and bought one, and someone my husband works with test drove it and went out the next day and bought his wife one! This CUV is quiet and has no trouble with pick-up or speed. A real family vehicle and you feel like you are driving a sports car! Test drive one...you wont be sorry!

• 

  Solid, fun drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By pakman6 - October 19 - 12:40 am

  My 6 cyl. Contour replaced an 88 Subaru that quit at 150K (so you know how hard I am on a car). I purchased the Contour with 60K and now have 117. We have been everywhere from North Dakota to New Jersey, up to the top of the Black Hills on a dirt road and down plenty of country gravel roads as well as cities and interstates. Aside from the mediocre mileage (20-30), it has been a joy to drive, easy on the eye, and much less costly to maintain than the Subaru, though I fear those days are numbered. Only one minor oil leak (compared to the Subaru that must have had a sieve for a gasket) and various this and thats. A nice car, not the most durable out there, but still solid.

• 

  New owner pleased - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By C. J. Gianakaris - October 19 - 12:00 am

  As a brand new owner of a 06 Ford Freestyle (Limited AWD), I can verify that the vehicle possesses numerous highly desirable attributes, i.e., seating that can accommodate grandkids, abundant comfort in its seat, sufficient get-up-and-go, splendid handling, and welcome elevated driver-seat height. Except for carping about need for more horsepower, everything most auto magazine critics write has proven accurate. Those claiming the Freestyle is not acceptable without more horses must be speed freaks. There is enough available power for most "regular" drivers.

• 

  Good yet anoying - 1997 Ford Contour
  By kurenai07 - October 18 - 8:31 pm

  A decent car. Nothing too special about it. Drives and handles well. And the fronts seats are pretty comfy.

• 

  Not Bad - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By sydipoo - October 18 - 1:46 am

  Overall Ive been pleased since I had the driver seat reworked. I cant believe I havent seen more complaints about the uncomfortable leather seats. It had the most uncomfortable seat Id ever sat in. The back was so hard and bumped outward. I had the lumbar disconnected and added padding, so its ok now. Have had no mechanical problems and have 60k miles. Just replaced the battery. The front passenger air bag works intermitently, it will cost $300 to fix. I love the roomy cup holding area. It fits all my creature comforts, Kleenex box, drinks, hand sanitizer etc. Plus the huge console compartment. I hate the obstructed view where the side mirrors are. That took some getting used to.

• 

  Good ole blackie - 1995 Ford F-150
  By rudyt - October 15 - 1:13 pm

  Nice pickup. Runs perfect. Only had minor issues except for the last one which no mechanic has yet to diagnose. Fuel efficient 6cyl engine. Very strong motor when hauling or towing.