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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  fun, safe family car - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Dan - February 8 - 7:10 am

  This is a great car. Just dealt with, meaning put 110 miles in a Michigan blizzard yesterday. We traveled all over west Michigan in a certified blizzard. The all-wheel drive was flawless! I have never felt safer. Braking ABS worked great. Warm, comfortable. My only complain was the washer fluid nozzles froze quickly. My last VW had heated nozzels, but I also have no idea what kind of fluid was in them. Putting the better winter washer fluid would probably solve that. We really did well. Even when our highway shut down. I had my pregnant wife with me the whole time. She was worried but that is mostly my fault for going in the first place. I am really happy I bought this car for her.

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  POOR CHOICE - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Edward - February 7 - 7:06 am

  I wanted to add another hot rod for my garage so I purchased a 2007 Mustang GT, it would be good company for my 2005 GTO...it ended up as a poor choice. The GT has a much harsher ride, interior looks cheap and steering is a little sluggish. It does sound great at all speeds but with 300 HP I expected more of a rush when I jump on the gas. Compared to my GTO this car feels like it is pulling or carrying a trailer behind it.

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  Still Going Strong - 2000 Ford Contour
  By ALS - February 5 - 2:41 pm

  This is an update of the review I wrote back in 2003. Since then I put another 50K on it and would expect to be close to 200K by year end. Im talking HARD miles - over road, country roads, sub zero weather, construction sites, any abuse you can imagine. Only expense since last review - tires, brakes & oil changes. Now, as would expect of a car at this price level, with the service its seen, Its virtually falling apart as I drive it (door handles, interior, power windows, trunk latch). But... It still gets up and goes every day, and Im not afraid to go anywhere with it.

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  Good SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Buyer - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Attractive SUV. Bad steering but all the power makes up for it.

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  Ford F-150 XLT Sport - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Mitch - February 3 - 3:32 pm

  I really love my F-150. I have always wanted an F-150, and when I bought mine I havent been let down. Around town or on the highway, it definitely does not disappoint.

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  It aint broke so,,,,,,, - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By hutchG. - February 3 - 12:11 am

  Last month I bought my fourth ranger. Ive had such good luck with these small trucks, I just keep coming back. Ill have to admit that the smaller engines didnt have much pizazz, but the 4.0 engine meets my every need. If Im traveling, towing{I dont use it for work}or just going to the super market the ranger is perfect for my needs. If you have a family of four or five I suggest you look elsewhere. since 1988 I can count on my one hand the number of times the trucks have had to be in the dealers shop. So they are a little dated. Unless you want to spend an arm and a leg for a foreign truck{I checked before I bought the ford]I would consider the less glitzy ford. If it aint broke dont,

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  Git R Done - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Mr. Contour - February 2 - 3:05 pm

  We bought this car 3 years ago and havent had any major problems. The bearing on the right side is out, but that was normal for the way it was being driven. Very good in the snow for us (crazy huh).

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  Never Again! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Robert - February 1 - 2:52 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used with 25k miles. What a nightmare! In the shop several times rear windshield wiper motor (twice), ignition coils (3 times), outside power mirror motor, emissions sensor, radio. Love the appearance, interior room, handling and comfort. Hate taking it to the shop every other week.

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  Love this truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Sues98 - February 1 - 4:33 am

  I bought my Sport in 2002 as a Oval Certified and have absolutely no complaints. I love this truck. Its nice and compact but still has all the perks of a full size. It has an amazing turning radius and I have absolutely no problems parking it- ever! Its sporty and functional. Ive read a lot of complaints about it being a bit of a rough ride, but it is built on a truck base, so you will have that. If you want a softer ride get a car. I cant complain about the ride and that is even with all of the potholes Pittsburgh has The gas mileage is great for a truck. I usually get about 15-17 mpg in the city. I wish they still made it- Id buy another even with the price of gas.

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  Very versatile and comfortable - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By wdbarrett - February 1 - 12:36 am

  We bought our Explorer used from a dealer and have not had any problems. We currently have 72,000 miles on it and just love it. We upgraded the stereo with one that can play MP3s plus a 10-disc CD changer. The installer wired it incorrectly. The subwoofer is on the front channel, the middle speakers on the rear channel, and the front speakers on the center channel.