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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  A lemon needing too many repairs - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Fed Up - April 28 - 2:00 am

  WHEN it runs, its great. V6 with 5 speed manual is responsive and fun. The ride is nice, seats are comfy, and it holds cruise speed in the mountains. But it is simply unreliable. In the past 5 months, it has broken down 5 times. Starting at 36K miles (when we should have seen "the signs" and dumped it), countless trips to the shop include catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, wiring harness, EGR something-or-another, etc. The part is NEVER in stock at my Ford dealership, adding to the inconvenience. I inherited this car when I married my husband. My husband is great, but the car is a lemon.

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  overall rating - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Doris Mclendon - April 28 - 2:00 am

  This car was a replacement for a totaled 1991 Taurus. This has been a good, dependable car with a average amount of maintenance!I hope its replacement performes as well.

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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By russ1a1hesston - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my Ranger. It has a V6 4.0L with 4 wheel drive. Its a little weak in acceleration but plenty of power for hauling a load. It pulls a heavy trailer load better than my V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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  I love it!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By BoRoKe - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I have the mystichrome convertible and its absolutely beautiful. I cant say enough about how good you feel driving this car. I had a 2000 GT convertible and loved it, but this cobra is without a doubt the best.

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  Still like it - 2004 Ford Focus
  By LEEZ - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Overall very happy, but the clock is the pitts! What was Ford thinking! Mileage is still a disappointment, 21- 22 in city, and I traded a 6 cylinder for this 4, but it is peppy. Love the space inside. Saw other complaints of no crossbars on roof rack, mine came with them and I want them off! Too hard to wash the roof and I will never use them.

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  would/will buy another - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By dbatw - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Original owner. Daily commute to work vehicle. Have hauled everything from topsoil and bedfull of mulch to furniture and big screen TV. Very dependable. Fun to drive. The 4cyl gets good gas mileage and is no slouch when paired with 5spd manual. Good feel to the tranny/clutch combo. Powerful a/c and heater. It is amazing how popular you are with friends when you are the one with the truck.

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  Great family car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By JKeene - April 27 - 2:00 am

  My family has been completely satisfied with this Taurus GL wagon. It rides very smooth and exhibits confident and well-balanced handling. Only 2 small people can fit in the back 3rd-row seat, but anyone under about 10-12 years old will do just fine. There have been a couple of cracking plastic parts. (One runner on the roof and a vent control inside) It gets 19-20 miles per gallon in town and about 25 mpg on the highway. Although many critics may disagree, I think it is more roomy and comfortable than a Honda Accord and is more reliable than a Volvo V70. I have been converted into a Ford fan with this great car.

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  jo 2000 - 2000 Ford Escort
  By joe_1 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Ford Escort SE sedan on 02/15/02 and havnt had a major problem yet. This is a very good car to drive since it is one of the best Escort modles that rolled of the production line.Great acceleration on city streets,but going up hills can be a bit of a challeng since there is only 110 hores under its hood.

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  Cant think of life without it - 1993 Ford F-150
  By scozim - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in 1992 with 11 miles on the odometer. Outside of some basic repairs like the water pump, mufflers, shocks, warped brake rotors it has been flawless in its reliability. The old venerable 302 lives up to heritage. The bench seats are a little uncomfortable on long hauls. My dad is still amazed 10 1/2 years later how quiet this truck is and how well it rides down the road.

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  Taurus Review - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By J Bartram - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Upon driving this car to Connecticut from North Carolina my mileage was over 30 per gallon and the ride was extremly comfortable.