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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  Brake dust - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Sam Frank - December 19 - 12:33 pm

  My major dislike of this vehicle is the excess accumulation of brake dust at the front wheel.

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  Family Van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jean Otte - December 19 - 10:21 am

  Our Windstar has been a nice vehicle for our family. We had a Dodge before and I like this Windstar better. Would recommend it to anyone wanting a small van.

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  Modded! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Math-you - December 18 - 11:26 am

  This is my second SportTrac, and I love it more than the first. Have modified it for more performance, better handling, and appearance.

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  Handling - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Tom Tourigny - December 18 - 11:10 am

  I had a large Town car prior to the Focus. When I test drove this car, I was very surprised on how this car handled. I enjoy a 5 speed and with 16" rims and size 205 low profile tires on a small car car this car handlings is EXCELLENT. Mileage during the summer with the air conditioner on is about 25 mpg. I average about 22,000 a year. My daughter bought a new Focus in 2003. Its a 4 door, 5 speed standard with regular rims and tires. I was surprised her car was even quicker than mine. In general, my next car will be a Focus. You have a great little car here, please continue to move forward with it.

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  Great driving car, but... - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Chuck - December 17 - 3:28 am

  I bought this car because I loved the way it drives, and I still do. Im not completely happy, though, because I have never had such a series of small problems with a car. Interior parts (that darn cupholder!), window motors and relays, sensors, etc. The brake rotors are thin and have a short life expectancy. It never ends. But I have to say that Ive never been stranded in this car. The drive train has been 100% reliable. Still, Ford cancelled the model (I guess it drives too well) and the small things... so this will be my last Ford.

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  Nice Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By kellyk - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car for a person who DOES NOT want to transport more than 3 people at a time or do a lot of outdoor activities. The interior is great but the center console (a/c cd/tape) is a long way to go for us long legged people. I love the "guts" the V6 has but, when stopped it has a little jerk to it every once in a while. Overall a great car.

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  Great - Beware of poor $2300 Engine Problems! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Blefort - December 16 - 6:21 pm

  Former Explorer owner, upgraded to Expedition. Very good ride design, comfort, size. Mediocre/expected gas mileage. However, after 40K, the right cylinder head cracked, and began leaking oil. Repair of $2300 out of pocket was followed up with complaints. Initially Ford repair shop indicated rebate of $1500, but after several weeks, their "mistake" was corrected to $700 rebate. BAD taste in mouth for Fords quality, as more investigation indicates that this is a "known Issue" with the Triton V8s from this period. Dont know if its been fixed or not, but any time you have major repairs before 50K, beware!

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  Fun first car, needs LOTS OF WORK - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By SRoberts - December 16 - 3:29 pm

  Bought car in Georgia with 60,000 miles. No lemon law! Had BAD shake, alignment made it disappear long enough for me to take it home. Head gaskets were blown, front end squeaks, car and steering wheel shake over 40 mph. Head lights randomly shut off. Fixed headlight switch 5 times. Put $700 into gaskets, $1200+ into suspension plus new rims to fix shake (finally!). AC compressor broke, new fan belt even squeals, oil leak, transmission leak, radiator leak, bad temperature gauge at 80,000 miles, rear end has developed kick and transmission hesitates badly in cold weather, passenger window & seat belt broke, weatherstripping rotting, fog lights dead, doors rattle. I put over $3,000 into it within 2 years, now it needs more work. Very comfy & roomy.

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  Lots of value for your money - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By kddid98 - December 15 - 3:33 pm

  I bought this car new in March 2003. I chose the SEL premium package and Im glad I did. Its got both a sporty flair and a touch of luxury. Friends have commented that it is a beautiful car and are surprised when they hear what I paid for it. Its a lot of car with a small price.

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  Ive had better. - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By DalNLS - December 15 - 12:46 pm

  Nice car with tan leather Arizona Beige paint is beautiful. The 12 valve "Vulcan V6" is an absolute nightmare for passing power.