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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  Cal Fun - 2005 Ford Focus
  By calisun - December 12 - 3:40 pm

  Always had a love for hatchbacks for their design and practicality. Owned an 87 VW Scirocco 16V, but VW currently doesnt have the aggressive design I look for. For the price/features ratio, Ford Focus ZX3 is a great buy. $13.5k (+ taxes, registration, etc.) for a top-of-the- line 05 ZX3 says it all.

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  reliable - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By bobby9988 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Only owned it for 2 years. 220,000km on it and have had next to no repairs. Muffler was only problem, body starting to look a little tired but it still gives me no trouble starting, and surviving harsh Canadian winters.

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  250,000+ miles - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By jacksoneagle - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I think this is the Ranger model I had. It was a standard Ranger with a 5 speed transmission. I drove the hell out of this truck and would still have it but I it was declared a "total" after a wreck. This Ranger was ordered with a long bed from the factory. I got ownership at about 80,000 miles. My ranger was a delivery vehicle twice, so it took a ton of abuse. I only had typical repairs such as fuel pumps, batteries, alternators, fuel filters, and so forth. Nothing major. The clutch was about to go out, but what did I expect after such abuse. I had the 3.0 V-6 and it was peppy without sucking down the fuel.

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  Cute, comfy and quick - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By conlaw - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I have found my 95 Ford Aspire to be a very reliable car. It runs great, does every thing a small car should do, hauls a lot of stuff, and gets good gas mileage.

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  Nothing stops a Contour - 1995 Ford Contour
  By NivekTS21 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 95 Contour with over 160,000 miles on. No major repairs done whatsoever. I push that thing to its limits every single day, and it doesnt seem to mind at all. Ive been in two accidents, both of which where the other vehicle was badly damaged, while my Contour has minor chipped paint and scatches. I ran over a median, popped two tires, bent two rims, but not a single other problem. The car didnt even need a wheel alignment. Its amazing what my Contour has put up with. I think my next car will be an SVT Contour.

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  Still going ... ! - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By BooFred - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 93 XLT with 157,000 miles on it. Im up to 211,000 with absolutely no problems. Even with 7" of lift, 33" tires and alot of performance and handling upgrades, she still screams. Those 4.0L motors wont quit.

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  Thunderous Torque - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By SkidMark - December 10 - 2:00 am

  My Super Coupe cruises at speeds well over the dollar mark silently and with seemingly no effort. It feels like its concealing a huge V8 under the hood when the clutch engages but then thats the beauty of its supercharged and intercooled 3.8L V6. Handling is remarkably neutral and predictable but the ride is a little stiff and bumpy over rough roads. The power-lumber and power-side-bolster seats and are very comfortable, even on long drives. It’s difficult to think of many complaints. There are a few minor squeaks and rattles and the interior materials dont win any raves. But I still look forward to getting behind the wheel every time.

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  Good Truck.... - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Jesus - December 8 - 2:16 am

  Truck runs pretty good. I got mine used but it runs very well. The only thing is that its too sluggish when it come to accelerating from being stopped when compared to, say the Toyota. After its starts moving it moves. Design-wise its pretty good, thats why I bought it instead of getting the Toyota Tundra which has a plain interior design. The right is really smooth and quiet. I wish that they would of put in an engine with more horsepower to make up for the additional weight.

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  Hey Eddie - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By MANDINGO - December 8 - 2:00 am

  A strong dependable go almost anywhere vehicle. Goes like a Mule and drives like one, as long as maintenence is kept up it will continue to go. Other than the electric rear window.

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  Sensible Muscle Car - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Black Beauty - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of the first CV Sport Models in 01. It is comfortable and sporty. Some women like it and some hate it. Being single I would prefer women like it. Its forboding and I get kidded about it looking like a police car. But what do they know! It is a very sensible car and I consider it a muscle car not unlike a Mustang although most women would perfer the Mustang. Rides great and handles well with fair gas milege.