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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  I love my car! - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By aleger1 - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my car and I love it. My 2 boys have plenty of room in the back seat. The trunk us huge and with 2 small kids and all the things that go alone with them that is a big plus. Very good car if you have kids.

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  GREAT PERFORMANCE BUT.... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By BIG PT - April 13 - 2:00 am

  My mistang is great to drive and a thrill to launch on to a freeway except when there are cops around. very fun to pull up to little riced out hondas and then smoke them with a stock v6 mustang. Very nice suspension and great handling. the engine sounds great but the exaust could be upgraded to sound a little better. THERE IS NO OTHER CAR IN ITS CLASS (in production anymore)

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  Weird Stuff Breaks on this Car - 1996 Ford Contour
  By scwallac - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I love the design of the Contour. The outside is nice to look at, and the interior controls are very well placed, with excellent ergonomics. HOWEVER....all *kinds* of weird stuff breaks on this car that shouldnt. Examples: Coil springs(!), front wheel bearings(!), timing belt clatters terribly, headlights-on warning chime, heat only works in defrost position, rubber weatherstrips fly off, transmission went after 125k miles, AC doesnt hold charge etc, etc... You can read all about these flaws in the Ford "TSB - Technical Service Bulletins". If you buy this car, make sure to buy the service manual and technical service bulletins - youll need them!

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  Good car, but too small - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Madmatt55 - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had a good experience with this car, but I have outgrown it. I have had very few repairs to make in the 3 years of ownership. Watch for rear brake caliper leaks. Finding replacement tires can be expensive as the tires are of an odd size. I am using a slightly taller tire and it works out fine. I also advise any owner to buy a K&N air filter for this car. It does make a difference. If I had the choice, i would get this car with a 5 speed.

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  Dream Car for Bill - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Meek - April 12 - 2:00 am

  What a dream to drive! My wife tells me I drive better now than ever before. But its the ease of handling of the T- Bird not my driving ability. There is plenty of power when you need it and the responce to your needs is so silky smooooth its unbelievable. The ride is excellent and the comfort decent. The controls are not fancy but practical and accessible. It is a looker! Heads turn all the time as Im driving to work--I drive it every chance I get. Try one! I guarentee you love driving it.

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  Escapin - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ugasteve - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have only had it a month but have enjoyed it thoroughly. Have taken it on a few 150 mile trips and it has handled it well. Good pickup with the V6 and it handles well too. My first SUV and I love it. Reccomended over many of the other mini suvs. Drove the others but enjoyed this the most.

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  Reliable car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Vara - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Had it from 60,000 miles. Now it has 85,000 miles on it. Never had any kind of mechanical problem. I just made sure all the required maintenance is done as per the owners manual and oil changed every 3000 miles.

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  The American Mustang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By whyfly12 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car i have ever owned. It is fun to drive and all my friends fight over who gets to ride with me. In all reality it is only a two seater. Mustangs are the last of the pony cars and are a true American Icon.

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  a ok - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By james sims - April 11 - 2:00 am

  a very dependable automobile

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  In Alabama you need the 4.0L - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By LilBit - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Its a very reliable truck. I bought it used in 10/97. I love it! The only thing besides normal wear items like a battery, tires and oil changes, is that I had to replace the oil pan seal. The one thing I dont like is the lack of power(3.0L)and performance going up the hills on the interstates and roads here in Alabama