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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  Review - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Stangdriver - December 28 - 2:00 am

  A great car to drive when the weather is nice but it does poorly snow or ice.

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  This was a great car! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By yeah-yeah - December 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought this Contour (V6, AT, A/C, PW, PD, CC, AM/FM/CD, Alloy 15" Wheels, Keyless Remote & Anti0-Theft Immobilizer) to be our everyday driver. It turned out to be a great car, with a few problems. Before the 3yr / 36,000 mile warranty expired, we bought a 6 year/100,000 mile warranty for $1200. Good thing, too, because at 40,000 miles the transmission suddenly started "slam-shifting" and had to be replaced to the tune of $3,500 at the dealer. The extended warranty covered 90% of that, so it easily paid for itself. At around 85,000 miles the Check Engine Light started coming on -- all it needed was new spark plugs to pass its CA smog check (with flying colors).

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  A Great Car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By MyRoomie - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 5 years. Ive replaced the battery, the timing belt, the radiator (only because I never flushed it), the tires, and the plugs. Otherwise, this has been an outstanding vehicle to own and operate. I highly recommend this for a college student or teens first car.

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  Still driving my Probe! - 1995 Ford Probe
  By AkaAlly - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Probe since I bought it new in 1995, now has 91,000 miles. Have had some problems with the idling and had to have the air intake manifold gasket replaced. Other than that, just brakes and tires and routine maintenance.

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  bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By whiteout - December 26 - 2:00 am

  I like the truck, but it had some teething problems. The dealer took a lot of pushing, but eventually fixed most things. The hardest thing to get done was replacement of a warped tailgate. They wouldnt believe anything was wrong even when it wouldnt open 3 different times. They finally believed me when the welded seam on the passenger side of the tailgate let go (about 10k). Factory rep was not helpful with reapairs when I met resistance. Engine & drivetrain are great. Breathes better with K&N filtercharger.

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  Fully loaded hybrid - 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By charv - December 24 - 3:40 am

  My first hybrid coming from a Nissan Titan. Very surprised by the seamless handoffs between Atkinson engine and electric motors surprising power and responsiveness. I was expecting a gutless vehicle you scoot around it but it has exactly enough power for highway, city driving. My loaded Limited has navigation system, auto park assist for parallel parking, remote start were my added features. The leather interior is comfortable and loving the heated seats and how fast the heater warms up. I dont have a problem with the brakes theyre very good for me unlike the 2009 reports. Sync is outstanding bar none under rated how good it is.....way better than my Parrot mki9200 bluetooth.

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  Big Bad Truck not a SUV - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Edendp - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Had a Lincoln Navigator before but needed more tow power. The diesel is great and I am very happy with it (the wife hates it when I start it up in the garage....)I love the rumble and the power and the milege for such a large vehicle. The ride is very trucky but this is a truck and not a suv. It pulls my triple axle boat trailer and boat (40 long and 9000lbs) with ease. Launching is a pleasure. 4 wheeling is great when hunting but tricky on tight turns in the bush

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  3rd Crown Victoria - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By mrvalue - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best value hands down either new or used. Dealer often discounts to small car price range for the Crown Victoria and sister car, the Grand Marquis. Used examples are hard to locate in some markets as owners often drive them to well over 200,000 miles! This one is my 4th! The 1st.was totaled, then rebuilt and sold @ 229,000 miles. The 2nd was given to a relative and is healthy @ 155,000 miles. My 3rd will go to 300,000 per my mechanic barring any accidents. I love this car!

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  2004 2dr xlt Value supercab 4v6 auto - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By johnr2b - December 24 - 2:00 am

  the Electrical Plug for the Trailer Hitch should be a place you can easly see, Second, The external sound could be damped in the doors a little more. Other than that the truck is a sweet runing, great handling and lots of fun to be in any time of Truck.

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  Most HP for the money. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mlabee - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is definitly for the speed junky. Its a smooth cruising 390 hp stock. 40 more hp and ten thousand dollars less than the vette. If you you really want to fly, add the SVT Exhaust and the Lightning s/c pulley. With those two mods itll make approx 450 hp at the wheels. What a car....