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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  Worried - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Carol S - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I was very pleased with my 99 Taurus until we noticed a nice rattle about a month ago. Have discovered it to be one of the two catalytic converters is breaking apart. This is outrageously priced to fix. The part is expensive, plus...the mounting bolts are almost unreachable for some mechanics--one exhaust shop wont even work on it because of the mounting. I bought the extended warranty; however, it does not cover this. WHEW! Thats a load off my chest.

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  Not too bad - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By kmob - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Nice looking and even a better price. Fun to drive...no doubt. Horsepower is ok but I would always like more. The only complaint is gas mileage. Not even close to what the window sticker says. Wouldnt mind the gas mileage i am getting if it had more power. Overall, a good inexpensive sports car.

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  its alright - 1992 Ford Probe
  By thejp - September 29 - 2:00 am

  my grandma owned this car before me and she gave it to me for my 16th birthday. ive had it for over 2 years now and it has been a pretty good car i guess. i did have to replace the muffler and ive had to replace the brake pads twice. i also wish it was a v6 because it takes a lot to speed it up quickly like on the highway, and it jumps when it changes speeds. also, my right front blinker has gone out randomly various times and that is very annoying because i know it isnt the bulb, its something in the wiring. the sound system is also of pretty bad quality. other than that, i havent had many problems with it and its pretty reliable. its a nice little sporty car to have

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By daggerman - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE 95 AND THE ONLY THING THAT BROKE ON IT WAS THE ANTANNA. THE MOTOR STILL WORKS IT JUST STOPPED GOING UP AND DOWN. I HAVE OWNED ALOT OF CARS AND THIS ONE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES.EVERYTHING ON THIS CAR STILL WORKS GREAT, INCLUDING THE AIR.

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  Solid - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bills - September 28 - 10:40 am

  Excellent value for a sport utility.

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  Please fix the A/C - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By rossjmak4 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  There is something not too good about the A/C on these things. I live in AZ and it just doesnt perfore well in the heat. Tried service, but told A/C was redesigned to limit engine drag. Too bad, cuz the best thing I can say about the A/C is that it SUCKS! Other than that rest of vehicle is great, thus the higher ratings.

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  Nice looking car for decent $ - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By art_vandelay - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Needed affordability and hopefully reliability for as little money as possible, while still having something attractive and fun to drive. The car looks great and is indeed fun to drive, and I got a killer deal! Could have probably gotten more features on a Mazda3 or even a Chevy Cavalier for the same money, but will certainly enjoy driving and owning a Mustang much more than either of those cars.

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  great car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By richard is my real n - September 28 - 2:00 am

  we have a loadid zts 4 door sedan.it is very well put togather fun to drive leather seats nice.moonroof is also nice.motor strong handling also strong.ride is very good.6000 miles and only an oil change. car has been problem free.

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  Room for 9 - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Tharpomaximus - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Drives great and plenty of room for passengers. A lot of standard features in the base model. Much more flexible seating than the Suburban or Yukon. Wife loves it.

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  My Contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By dvargas - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no major problems with the engine or performance in the last 8 years. The only recurring problems were with the body parts such as plastic interior items breaking including gear shifter, mechanical window repairs on 4 occasions, etc. Overall I have been very happy with my purchase. A very economical vehicle.