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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  Escape.........to Hell - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Hiller - July 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great. Except that the A/C is horrible. Ford needs to something about their air-conditioning in the Escape. Also, the seats are not comfortabl at all. I wonder if Ford realizes that?

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  Great family van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By DanielleNY - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Windstar for 4 months and weve already put almost 7k miles on it. I love the styling of it much better than the other mini-vans out there and it is very roomy inside. My kids love the video system and captains chairs. We bought a 6 yr 100,000k bumper to bumper warranty so Im not worried about a thing! We also have a 2001 Pathfinder which is a lot more fun to drive but doesnt fit all my car seats.

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  Wont Start - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Disappointed - July 23 - 5:10 pm

  I was super thrilled about the Ford Fusion Hybrid and fell in love with the car at the dealership...so many amenities for the price, and I wanted a green car. But, after just 5 month, one day my car would not start. Its been just shy of 2 months since, and the dealer is STILL trying to figure it out. Ford flew out an engineer this week to fix it. Beyond that, Ford has been completely unresponsive to my calls and letters. Ive driven Ford vehicles for years, so this is a major disappointment.

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  nates review - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By dirtbikerdude991 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  good car lots of fun and i love to drive it it is a bundal of fun

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  Ranger Rocks, Tranny Sucks! - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Younguns - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is great, however, the transmission stinks! I have had the truck in for transmission repairs 4 times now, and the vehicle only has 44,000 miles on it.

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  You take care of it, it takes care of yo - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By JayPee - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Solid car that has only one major repair since it was new. I had to recently replace the entire rear brake system (hoses, calipers, rotors, pads.)

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  mostly happy - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By bigdave - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The Taurus has been a good daily driver for my wife. Gas mileage usually 19-21 mpg, with 3.0 engine 12 valve. Engine check light came on at 60K was the coil. Cost $400 to fix since each spark plug has its own coil pretty expensive. Put first set of rear brakes at 65K, but the Ford dealer said the fronts could go another 10-15K these are the original brakes. Weird, I thought the fronts were suppose to wear out first, but whos complaining.

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  Awesome - 1999 Ford Escort
  By NATAS - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car to drive. it has very comfortable seats and drives really good. BUY ONE TODAY!

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  ford contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By mia thyberg - July 23 - 2:00 am

  New Car Purchase-did not work by time home(engine problem) . Shortly after -sunroof did not work. Shortly after that- floormattes let off a fume per floor heat was so hot(Ford said this was normal). Carpet coming up- ford refused to fix, but did fix radio . After 1 year- rubbers to windows flew off. 3 years- bottom leaks water so carpets are all wet in back and trunck (mildew). Ford refused to fix. No customer service after purchase(i.e. beg for a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired though you pulled off the lot w/ a faulty vehicle)

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  Good Old Car - 1996 Ford Contour
  By J.Low - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Well,Ive owned this contour v6 for over a year and so far havent had any major repairs ,just some negligible minor flaws,trunk release cable snapped,thus solely use keyless entry to operate,oil pan gasket shows minor leaks and power steering fluid line also minorly leaks.Aside from above its fun to drive and reliable .Conclusion pros:well executed interior design and materials other than plastic on dashboard,brake and steering feels,light clutch,close gear ratio,acceleration at highway speed,4 discs,roadholding personality cons:too stiff ride,fit and finish,rattles and sqeaks,torque steer,road noise,low end grunt,rear legroom