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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  Love it - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By leew - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Taurus GL from a government auction. It had 45,000 mi on it. When I first bought it the radio lights didnt work. I got that fixed and ever since then the rear window defrost hasnt worked. I currently have 101,000 miles on it, and it appears that I will be replacing it soon as it was rear ended and I think they will total it. The only thing I dont like about it is that the miles to go isnt accurate and it is tied to the fuel gauge.

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  My first car - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By WackyJosh - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was actually given to me as a present from a family friend who was moving out of the country. It was my first car. It now has 122000 miles on it and is still running well.

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  Fun to Drive, Great to own - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Lupis - January 4 - 2:00 am

  My rating of this car is based on what I think it was designed to do, not compared to a BMW Z3 or something. For the price and intended purpose of this car, I think its great! Dont listen to those who tell you buy a Focus instead of a ZX2. The ZX2 is more fun to drive and looks a hell of a lot better than a Focus. If youre strapped for cash, but still want sporty little car to tootle around in, the ZX2 is a great option for the price.

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  Great luxury livery vehicle. - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Dennis Duggan - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Fuel economy is great if you drive it right. We took it on a 2,300 mile road trip the first week. Though it takes $64.00 to fill the tank with premium gas we averaged over 16 miles to the Gallon. Owning a livery company with Lincoln town cars averaging 18-19 miles to the gallon for the size of the excursion. I think its great!!!

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  Vroom vroom Candie the Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Pixie tha Racer - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my Candie the Contour. I bought her in Nov. with 69k mi. and have had many problems since. Within our first week together, she needed a new serp belt, new spark plugs,a new air filter, a coolant flush,and a new glove box. During the second week, she stalled like crazy and eventually wouldnt start cause she needed a new fuel line. Not to mention the humming sound when I turn the wheel to the right, or the big huge CLUNK! When I take a sharp turn. And after all this work, shes been mine for two wonderful months now and STILL the freekin coolant light and the check engine lights come on ALL THE TIME! AHHH!

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  Excellent reliability for the money - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By ozziem - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck used in 97 with 41,000 miles on it. So far the only failure has been a leaking heater valve, which only cost $15 at the dealer and took me 30 minutes to replace. No other mechanical problems. The truck now has 161,000 and its still going strong (1/3/03). The only annoying thing with this truck is the dome lights staying on for hours when parked. Also, except for the fuel gauge, all the lights in the instrument panel are out. This is not easy to fix. Ill probably keep this Ranger until it dies and that could be a long time from now.

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  Boppers Review - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Bopper - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I haved loved owning this vehicle. It has been very reliable for me...really nothing more than normal maintenance. I purchased it new in Feb, 1998 and I currently have 101,000 miles on it.

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  Boring but Very Reliable! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By tccoach - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this 1994 Taurus for 3 1/2 years and it has been the most reliable and useful family car that we have ever owned. We bought the car with 54000 miles and it now has 119000 miles. We have had to do very little to this car just the usual, brakes, tires... I am 63 and this car has plenty of room over many other midsize cars in its class. Nothing fancy in the Taurus but very good reliable transportation with a huge trunk for hauling all of our Stuff.

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  My first car - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jeremy Cassell - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Im 16 and bought this car from a friend w/ 156,000 miles on it. So far ive need to replace the headlight switch $150 (there has been a recall...i didnt find out until after i paid though), 1 tail light for like $225 (crazy!), muffler $150 (flowmaster baby!!!) and all this just to pass inspection. Well, it was well worth the investment. It rides great, feels great, and im very happy w/ it. I have had no other problems with it at all.

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  Cool car! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By David Nelson - December 30 - 9:34 pm