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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  Underrated - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By CanadianTaurus - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Taurus Ive owned and have been impressed how much better this car is compared to the 1999. I have had the car for 16 months and not one mechanical problem. I love the ride of this car and the reliability of it. My brothers 2002 Altima is always in the shop, not my Taurus! What luxury at a great price.

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  I LOVE my little car - 1996 Ford Escort
  By ajoneen - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This was my first NEW car and I took alot of ribbing for getting an Escort, but I am Sooo glad I did. Had one front end accident, everyone was OK and repairs were completed easily. I can fit just as much stuff in the rear as my husband can in his SUV!! Its a breeze in the snow and easy to get out of tight places.

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  Intro to SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By xavionj - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I stumbled onto the Novato Ford lot to rule out purchasing the vehicle and 2 hours later I owned it. The dealership was exceptional and the Escape the brought me to test drive screamed at me to purchase it. Im sure it was one of the best purchases Ive ever made and every day I own it I think how lucky I am. Coming cross country was such a blast. I experienced all the usual weather patterns for the summer and the vehicle never even flinched. It handles so much like a car on the street and I find it comforting to know that I can take it off road when necessary. So now Im a Ford man and very happy.

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  escort - 2003 Ford Escort
  By trish - October 1 - 2:00 am

  my ford escort has been a great car to me. i have put alot of miles on it and it is great on gas!!!!!

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  Fun Car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By av8or - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the Mustang is a great performer and very reliable.

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  First Mustang, last Ford? - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By JC in PQ - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive put money and time into things I just dont feel I should have. At 60k, head gaskets blew and destroyed the engine (3.8 litre). The window switch went out so that I cant use the single push feature and had to bypass that circuit for manual operation. Design flaws lead to broken turn signal wires. An AC line leak cost over $650. All this before even hitting 95k miles! Im feeling very disappointed in Ford and in my Mustang.

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  Great car (unfortunately) - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By squiggy81 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This thing wont die. Its ugly as hell, but it runs great still with basically no maintainence. In the past 6 years Ive only put a clutch in it aside from tires and such. The rear wiper went out a couple years after I got it, but I dont miss it much. The paint is also starting to oxidize. Im finally giving up on killing it and just getting a new car. Need a little more get up and go, although it is pretty zippy for 63hp.

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  The bus - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By zoeedd - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 17K and have loved it. I have the v10 and my mileage is ~11 MPG, which is the same as my 1999 Dodge Ram extended cap pickup. I have three kids in car seats which I can put next to each other in the second row. I am supprised at the pickup on the freeway, my truck will jump like a rabit at 80 MPH. I have had some problems with mine New front 4*4 @ 25K, All new door locks at 60K, New front upper & lower ball joints @ 70K, plus new heated seat @ 70K. Luckily I bought a extended warranty from ford so I only have to pay $100 Ded for each item. I am looking forward to buying a 2004 model next year.

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  does good for drifting - 1990 Ford Escort
  By just got one - September 30 - 2:00 am

  only bought it for $350 and blue book is $1000.

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  Not bad for a Ford - 1998 Ford Contour
  By cpk-se - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for a year now. I bought it used with 56k and now have 76k on it. It has been very reliable. I have only replaced brake pads and the battery. Its fun to drive and gets decent gas mileage.