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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  Fuel Mileage - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Vincent Fertig - September 25 - 1:36 pm

  The fuel mileage sucks. The best I can get on the highway is 15 mpg. driving it very carefully never exceeding 65 mph. It is rated for 17 city 21 highway. I am not happy. The A/C output is pathetic in hot weather in traffic. There is a hard bang in the driveline after starting to roll from a full stop. The head restraint/rest is at an awful angle forward making you have your chin down at an uncomfortable angle.

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  Loris Car - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Lori1985 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my Probe. I have my car for over a year and a half and have had few problems with it. Until recently, the only repairs I have had were for the air conditioner and air bag light. Other than that, my car has ran pretty good. Like I said, I love my car!

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  Great little car buy parts too expensive - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By allan - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Nothing bad to say about this car...very reliable....great mileage...i have had it for 3 years with very little problems...i have to let it go cause i need springs and struts but they cost more than the value of the car!!! I really hate to let my aspire go...would reccommend it to anyone...just the parts are the only prob

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  a pleasant surprise - 1995 Ford Contour
  By N.R.Mills - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a throw-away in 1997 with 69k miles on it. Here I am eight years and 100k miles later and its still going. I call it the zombie because the thing JUST WONT DIE! Thats a good thing. Its been so reliable that Ive almost come around to the Ford brand name.

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  Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By New York Jeff - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Very very fun car to drive. Gas miliage is not that great, but you cant expect much from a V8. Tremendous amount of power.

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  1998 Windstar GL - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By afrazzano - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I like to maintain my automobiles myself. I change oil, antifreeze and transmission fluid on a regular maintanence schedule. After 80,000 miles, Ive had the car to a mechanic for two non-maintanence repairs. My wife drives it regularly and refused to allow me to upgrade it in 2000 when the lease was up. We have been very happy with it and find it inexpensive to own. We have been very happy with it.

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  A Ford for the Family - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By RRSimplex - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Great Van. Dont let some of the hype about reliability scare you. I am more comfortable sending my family out in the van than any we test drove. My wife loved it the first moment she pulled out on the highway. Its driver visabily is great.

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  BEAUTY - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By MOPPA - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car 2 years ago had a couple of problems but I wouldnt trade the car for anything. Have 2 Mercedes, but the Mustang is my favorite.

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  Its cool BUT - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By cshel24 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I really loved my 97 XLT Explorer, however it wasnt too kind to me, I drove it a year or so, and it was great, then the problems started. As previously stated by somebody else, tensioner problems, believe that stuff. The tensioner broke on mime Then the transmission problems began it was going to be around $2000 to fix that problem. So I traded it off. I miss it a lot, Id love to have another. Mine had 107000 miles when the problems began. and oh yea, the check engine light burned for a long time... no problems, when the check engine light quit burning, thats when the problems began.`

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  What will I do when its gone? - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Gukchuck - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Im the OEM buyer of this car and its been great. The mileage, the performance and just the sheer fun of the vehicle. I can stash any of my bicycles into the back (including my recumbent) and the only time its ever been towed is when the missus parked it badly. The biggest improvement I made was to replace the sport Eagle GT+4 tires with touring tires and replacing the OEM struts with gas charged struts.