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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  Unflavored Life Saver - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Grateful undead - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bottom line is that this vehicle is extremely safe. Ford is suspect in some manners of craftmanship but they did it right as far as crash test safety.My advise to anyone... please spend a few extra dollers and install the side collision airbags... especially if you have children.

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  Biggest and best on the road - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By 155gunner - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV! The view is awesome and the interior room is big enough to live in. I can easily transport my family, cats, ferret, and Saint Bernard and still not feel crowded. The V10 has plenty of power for my needs and the mileage is not that bad considering the thing weighs close to 8,000 pounds and is 4WD. I get 11 mpg in town and 15 mpg highway, with the AC running full blast. If you need room and want a little more safety from a large vehice, this ones for you.

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  Still Kicking! - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By 218K&Counting - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this SUV in 3/00 w/ nearing 165K mi in it. Starts up easily and still runs great. Lots of traveling and daily driving to work. New fuel pump, thermostat, some minor emission parts due to engine indicator lights on. Rear differential was the only major repair. 4WD only during snow season. Flowmaster muffler & K&N air filter. No oil or transmission leak. In shop only when needed major service and/or repair and I cant do it myself. Better and low reading on the last emission test before I made those minor emission parts changed. Guaranteed it will pass the 04 emission test easily and another 100Kmi or more depending on the new owner.

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  So Far So Good - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Timinana - June 27 - 2:00 am

  No major problems to this point. Fun to drive with 5 speed. Gas milage great! Not so good in the snow! Great front buckets, I wish I had them in my Mustang! One and only problem, no tilt wheel. I love this car.

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  Fun in the sun - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By WP - June 27 - 2:00 am

  There are fewer joys in this world better than dropping the top down on any convertable. But you drop the top on a GT and its go time!! With all of the after market goodies you can buy, I recommend this car to anyone who wants a great car with loads of upgrade potential, or even leave it stock or near-stock and still have a kick ass good time!

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  Very pleased customer - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Joe Chez - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Pretty fast for a sedan. Handles really well and an overall fun car to drive. The depreciation of the car is definitely in the buyers favor. This car was 30,000+ new and I bought the car for only 10,000 three years later.

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  Fun Little Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Tinkerbell - June 26 - 6:40 pm

  Overall a fun little car. Ive had very few problems with it so far. My best friend has had one for over a year and she loves it. Shes had NO problems with it. I find it very comfortable. The only time it was slightly uncomforatable was when we squeezed five people into it. Four fits just fine. Fuel economy is not very good at all. I was a little disappointed by that.

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  Not Just for Grandma - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By nelsondigging - June 26 - 2:00 am

  After we bought this vehicle, we saw plenty of them on the road---being driven by cute little old ladies. We are in our 20s with two children, and have gotten great use out of our Taurus. We live in a small town, and the majority of the miles are from highway driving. It has enough power to pass easily, and gets up and goes when we need it to. We have never had any mechanical problems, and will really miss it when the time comes to sell.

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  Great car for the price - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By jrg - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive and reliable (I have had to do anything other than normal maintanence). If you want a sports car that is easy to live with, the Mustang is worth concidering.

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  Fun & Affordable - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Tim Wielgus - June 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid, dependable, fun car to drive. It is not fast, but with 4 cylinders the emphasis is on economy, not performance. An affordable car with styling that has aged very well.