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:

• 

  My Mustang Beats the Neon Anyday! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By aloraine1 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I love the mustang, indeed its not as powerful as the GT but I get enough tickets without the GT. I like the engine size, and the design is HOT. I get compliments ALL the time. I have the mineralg grey and its a sleek and sexy color. I will never buy a Dodge again.

• 

  Good looking car with problems - 1993 Ford Probe
  By FranceProbe - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is really, really nice. The interior design looks 5-6 years younger than what it actually is. Ive always been happy driving the car because it looks like new. However, my Probe has had many problems: intake gasket, clutch, driving axle, bushings and schock absorbers, water pump. Thats in just 14 months. $$$.

• 

  Great Value For Driving Fun - 1999 Ford Contour
  By El Cheapo - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Research indicates that the Contour is more reliable than your average American car, though it is still no Toyota or Honda. I am very pleased with the performance of this vehicle. The 2.5 liter V-6 doesnt provide neck snaping acceleration, but is quick. 0- 60 in 7.7 secs. The motor is smooth. Fuel economy is acceptable. The manual trasmission does its job well. The car handles much like a BMW, which is to say very well. The build quality is only slightly above average. The Contour is cheap to buy, fun to drive, and modestly reliable. Too bad it has been discontinued. Overall, a fine car.

• 

  Nice size and economy too - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BKS - August 3 - 12:26 pm

  Car gets decent mileage, about 27 to 29 mpg in realistic driving. Could use some repositioning of buttons, e.g., seat warmers not on center console but on side of seat. Beware of the "tax credit" - it deflates on a ratio to income. My $2600 ended up being $159; the economy is still there but caution on the credit sliding scale. Overall, a great car!

• 

  I would buy again - 2005 Ford F-150
  By h.bryan - August 3 - 3:46 am

  Very pleased so far.

• 

  Fairly Good - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By First Ford Ever - August 3 - 2:00 am

  A great road cruiser and very comfortable on long trips. Safety ratings top which was important to us. Video a hit with the kids. Dealership is best Ive ever dealt with though, so making ownership experience tolerable. Road noise too much at this level.

• 

  4th windstar and counting - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Steve Bradley - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We started out with the 95 model, had a few problems that were quickly taken care of. Had a 96, no problems as well as the 98. This vehicle has been solid so far. Great on trips and around town.

• 

  Love it - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By rjs - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Im very satisfied with my Explorer. I bought it used about 8 months ago. Other than a back wiper blade that had to be bent a little to make it work right I have had no problems with it. It has good performance (I have the larger V6.) Its just a fun car to drive. Gas mileage is about 21 mpg hiway and about 13 city. It has the usual truck ride which is bumpier than a car. Im looking forward to upgrading to a 2002+ Explorer sometime in the future to get the wider wheel base and smoother ride.

• 

  2nd losing ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Jason9058 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second zx2 i had a 98 and now an 02 manuals which were both worthless because they are known for their bad transmissions. I have had my 02 for just over a year now and it has been in the shop 14 times for the transmission.

• 

  awesome reliable truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By woods - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I am sad that I had to get rid of it. The only problem, too little. I loved it!