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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  Good Van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By awilson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  It has good utility value

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  My Ford - 2000 Ford F-150
  By hoonf - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2000 F-150 XLT extended cab 4 x 4 in Nov 1999. It has been used for work, play and travel. It goes when other vehicles are setting. It is one of the best vehicles I have ever bought and I buy my fair share. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  We like the Contour SE Sport - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Dave in Michigan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We love the moon roof, the 32 valve V6 in a light car gives good fuel economy and acceleration. Handling is OK, fairly quick steering, firm but not harsh suspension. Body seems solid, but there is a bad dash rattle. Size is just right for city traffic, not too small. Good visibility on lane changes and cruises well on interstate.

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  My car review - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By phatchump69 - May 21 - 2:00 am

  I owned an 1987 ford taurus brand new in 3 months the ignition went, and went again after a year. The car stauled constanly after 25000 miles. Then in 2000 the new ones came out, and they were good looking. There were not many cars on the market that you could get key less entry, leather seats, and a 200hp V6 for under 20000 grand. So i decided to take it. Little did i know that there were 5 recalls in 3 years, and when they went to fix the recalls that seemed to be with the brakes, the switch, and tail lights they could never get it right. So I was back and forth to the dealership. So much fun right.

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  Good Truck, bad safety - 1999 Ford F-150
  By drewjk - May 21 - 2:00 am

  See IIHS 40mph offset test - very bad performance, would not buy another based on this test. Safety is bad, however drives good and is reliable Good quiet ride Great engine power Has been reliable Paint quality questionable some rattles Stereo CD player overheats and quits playing

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  Much Better... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Hexxman - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, handles great, a real head turner...

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  Lovin my stang! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Ga Girl - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 2000 V6 standard for the 01 GT automatic. Its a fun car to drive, but the brakes could be a little tighter.

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  Bronco - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By Dude46633 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I Like it a lot

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  escape xlt 4wd - 2002 Ford Escape
  By fl wh - May 20 - 2:00 am

  had a few kinks when new. power mirror(drivers side) window squeeked after half year and rear window wiper needed more tention to wipe. dealer fixed all promptly.

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  Crash Review - 1998 Ford Escort
  By KarenRottie - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I was involved in a 60 mph crash and the design of this vehicle saved my life! While the car was totalled in the accident, I walked away with only some serious bruises.