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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  Contour.. the under rated Sport Compact - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Guildpilot - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Well, I must say that I have enjoyed my ownership if this car so far. I have the V6 and its perfomance is great. Power when you need it w/ a nice growl.The handling is awesome.It stays glued to the road and is very predictable.Being a car nut and I have to say the Contour, especially in SE Sport trim has beat all within $3-4k of the price.I get great&unheard of fuel economy w/ it. I average 30-32 hwy & city combined.The worst thing that has happened w/ this car is the fuel pump went bad at 60k..They are WELL underpriced compared to the Cavaliers & Neons , Etc. out there.They dont have half the performance and comfort the Contour has.

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  Old Faithful looking a little worn - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By A-in-CT - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since 1991. Drove in in hard winters--repainted it once and got a new bumpter. The only thing that went wrong in 13yrs was an alternator, an oil leak and cosmetic stuff. The engine runs terrific--- still can go 100 up a big hill with no issue :) These are great and fun cars-- if you are ever thinking of buying one. Its just kind of sad this car is considered "old"..I remember when I first drove it up to work and it turned peoples heads...now people look at it and turn their head (hahah)

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  Worth what you pay - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Haley - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought my car six months ago from someone who had it sense 1996. Havent had any problems except the check engine light which wasnt anything major. Fun little car for the price tag, trade in value is kind of depressing though. Very nice interior deisgn, and outside ive been given compliments on the smile of the front of it. This car has been in northen New Hampshire sense 96 and it is still running great at 04.

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  Safe, Cute and Friendly - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By D. Tru - April 9 - 2:00 am

  The Taurus was my first car. I bought it from the rental fleet at 22k miles. Also, this car initially served as a training vehicle for my wife and my friend, and it took abuse from renters and us pretty well. Key buying decision factors were size, safety and style, but the Taurus turned out to be very dependable and with timely maintenance required very few repairs over the years (battery, tires, and struts).

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  My Tarus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Tarus guy - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed the car very much but have not been so happy with the service department of the dealership. They seem shoddy at best and not professional. Simple things like checking oil are reported as being done when they are not, driving the car through their car wash without taking the power antenna down. Love the car, could use a more professional dealer. But i must say i have as much room in my wagon as any SUV and i get 32 miles to the gallon on highways

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  Taurus GL 1994 - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By michael moy - April 7 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this used vehicle there were problems with the transmission,and leaking radiator. The dealer had it checked by a mechanic but said the car is okay.

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  good truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jewels - April 7 - 2:00 am

  2.3L SB 4x4. I have 130,000 miles on truck, been relatively reliable in the 9 years that Ive had it, but not totally perfect. Now burns about 1 quart of oil every 5000 or oil change, not that big of a deal for a 9 year old truck. New ABS brake module at 50k, rusty radiator replaced at 100k, electrical lights came on at 24K, covered. The gas gauge stopped working at around 70-80K. Good gas mileage, just wish that they continued a 4cyl ext cab. version. overall, I have had very good luck with my first domestic vehicle. Would consider another one, but the new 4x4 gas mileage is very poor.

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  Wow - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By JD42 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Like most have already wrote this car has been a hastle, it has been lots of cash in keeping it running. Just about the time you begin to trust it something goes out again. I love it so much and it looks darn good but unreliable.

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  1995 SILVER MUSTAGE GT - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By SIDNEY - April 7 - 2:00 am

  1995 MUSTAGE GT - DEMANDS RESPECT- HANDLES EXELLENT IN GOOD WEATHER/DRY ROADS- OUT PERFORMED MY EXPECTATIONS NOT GOOD ON GAS I WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE IT IN SNOW - AND HANDLES POORLY IN HEAVY RAIN

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  Happy with the Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By 99Aggie - April 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought this so that we would have a vehicle where we could carry our son and groceries at the same time. We also bought it for added safety as compared to our other car. We are very happy with it. It can really take off, the power is great. Only problems have been the stock tires, which we just replaced, and a repair needed on the throttle control. Of course this was not under the warranty and the dealer had it for 3 days for a simple fix. Overall we love our bright yellow Escape.