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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  Excellent Engine -- Poor Suspension - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Sweep1120 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  The 4-cylinder in the Contour seems to be excellent -- 114,000 miles and no problems. And tremendous get-up and go for such a small engine on the freeway. However, the suspension and body construction problems (can no longer open gas cover from drivers seat) are troublesome. And no one seems to be able to correct them.

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  great new car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By StirrCrazy - August 19 - 2:00 am

  this is my first new car it replaced an 89 chevy celebrity that was on its last leg. I go to school 200 miles from home and this car if GREAT! its comfortable, reliable, and it looks great. Im NOT afraid to be seen in it. I would recomend it as a first car for a new driver. it is very safe and feul efficient!

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  Broke at 300 miles - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By mschneid - August 19 - 2:00 am

  It seems like a neet truck to drive but I would know because the tranny is broke at 308 miles. Hopefully I didnt make a major mistake by buying this vehicle.

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  MY FORD IS OK - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By MELISSA - August 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS WAS OUR FIRST NEW CAR PURCHASE AND OUR FIRST VAN PURCHASE. ALTHOUGH I HAVE MIXED FEELINGS TOWARDS THIS CAR, I WOULD PROBABLY BUY ANOTHER

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  1995 Ranger is a good bet - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By CLH - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck!A little under powered but will get you where you want to go and back. It has been VERY reliable and have very few repair bills. Just normal wear. The truck is a little light and needs some weight in the Snow ,But gets around good with about 300 pounds in the back. AC also works great and does not affect power on the engine. I recomend this truck .

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  Super Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Brandon Chambers - August 18 - 8:16 am

  Great American muscle car and a worthy successor to the older Mustangs.

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  THESE CARS ARE GETTING OLDER. - 1993 Ford Probe
  By REALITYCHECK - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my PGT for about 2 yrs now, I havent had any major repairs, just tires and a water pump, $63.00 for the pump at NAPA, and about four million dollars worth of labor (reduced to zero by doing it myself) The Probe GT could be considered a sports car, yeah they can be a pain sometimes, but they are getting older now, I expect to make repairs on a car with over 100K on them.

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  My Reliable Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Lincoln03 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Have owned this rig for 38 months. Have only done oil changes and a set of wiper blades. Has never been back to the dealer for anything.

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  1998 XLT F150 Ext. Cab w/ 3rd Door - 1998 Ford F-150
  By T/R S - August 18 - 2:00 am

  In November, 2003, our F-150 will be 5 years old. At first we had a problem with the sensor that tells whether a door is open/closed and above lights on/off. The F-150 was still under warranty, so they fixed it and it has never happened again. We have 120,000 miles on it and have never had any other problems, until 115,000 miles and the alterernator went out. It has been a tough truck and we haul big loads of pigs, and its still going strong. doesnt

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  Speedy - 2001 Ford Escape
  By smitch - August 18 - 2:00 am

  My Escape has been 100% dependable. The AWD sure is nice in the Wisconsin winters. I have switched to AWD at speeds up to 50 MPH without a glich. The V-6 engine is peppy enough for me. I dont go around "chirping tires" but its easy to do on this vehicle. During this past winter the low coolant light came on, and the coolant wasnt low. I never did get a good explanation on that one.