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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  96 GT Probe - 1996 Ford Probe
  By David - December 1 - 1:14 am

  I got my Probe GT 08/2007 and Ive put over 40,000 miles on it only having to change the oil and put gas in it. But it does only get 17 or 18 mpg and its still running like new still to this day

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  Not satisfied - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Joe - November 30 - 11:50 pm

  I like the style and interior design of the vehicle, however, the performance is terrible. Im almost afraid to enter highway traffic not to mention the gas mileage; it seems like as a four cylinder the use of gasoline would be terrific. I also have a six cylinder car that does better on gas. The vehicle sounds and feels like it constantly struggles.

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  Had this one a while - 1996 Ford Contour
  By big rick - November 30 - 10:36 pm

  Bought this Contour in late 1997 with 18,000 miles, and had it ever since-2L four and 5 speed manual makes it a fun- to-drive econo car. Replaced battery and alternator at 43000 m and valve cover gasket and spark plugs at 85000 m. Mine gets great mileage and never has left me stranded. These cars might fall apart if they are flogged hard, with light construction and 2750 lb curb weight. But mine is still fun to drive and has cost me next to nothing to own.

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  F-150 - 1996 Ford F-150
  By AJ - November 29 - 11:29 pm

  Truck is solid. I bought this truck as a toy and put long travel with coilovers and have beat the heck out of it. Now it is used to tow my trailer and has never left me stranded. This is the best truck I have ever owned and have no negative comments. The only time this truck has been in the shop is to diagnose the check engine light which ended up being the faulty JET performance chip, do not buy one.

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  Its A Keeper - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By one_asylum - November 29 - 12:45 pm

  We were at the end of our lease for this car and after pricing and researching new vehicles not to mention I finally looked at my lease end agreement and found I could purchase it for $12756 it was a no brainer especially since it only has 28000 miles on it. From checking current selling prices with all the options I have on mine retail seems to be anywhere from $14,000 up. I do wish the gas mileage was a little better, were fairly easy on the pedal and still only average 20mpg. Have not had any problems and it still is fun to drive.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Emilee - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Going from a Honda Accord to a Ford Explorer raised some questions from people around me; however, I was and still impressed with how different the Explorers are from a few years ago. I have proven my theory that they were beautiful cars, inside and out, and the gas mileage is not all that bad (excluding uncontrollible rising gas prices). I am really impressed with the whole package and I did not realize that Ford had come such a long way. Having only owned four cars: Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Mustang, Honda Accord, and now a Ford Explorer I have to say that I am completely satisfied. Needless to say, I love my 2004 Ford Explorer Limited.

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  Very pleased! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jsmith_41 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle a short time now, Ive traded in my Expedition for it. What a fun car to drive! Its SO smooth! Ive really been enjoying it! It has great pep, design, comfort & options that make it very luxurious. The 3rd row seat is very comfortable & easy to get in/out of, considering the size of the Explorer.

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  EXCELENT FUN & EXCITEMENT - 2004 Ford Focus
  By joe drake - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my focus! My wife had a 2001 zx3 when they came out with the svt after driving the zx3 three I new this was something I had to drive. I loved the way the zx3 handle and it had a nice amonent of horse power. When I new i could aFord a new car. I had to test drive the focus svt. I was in love if i could get a so called nicer more pricy car I would have to pass. This car moves on demand the only thing I would ever drive is a more powerful focus. I didnt just buy a svt zx5 but also bought a zx5 for my wife to replace her zx3. Because now we have to kids the focus svt zx5 gives me the fun of a sports car and the comfort to carry my to kids in style.

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  Keep on rolling baby! - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By doratheexplorer - November 28 - 10:53 pm

  212,000 miles. Doesnt leak or burn oil. Just hauled a 4,000 pound trailer from VA to NC at 70 mph with no problems. 4x4 works great. Have had to replace door handles twice, and headlamps finally got so bad I needed new ones. Besides that its been batteries, tires, oil, brakes and a kiss every now and then. I love this truck and will have it till the wheels fall off. But then Ill probably put them back on and just keep rolling baby!

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  Reliable little car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Kevin - November 28 - 10:06 pm

  Bought this car way back in 2000 and it has never ever left me stranded. Looks nice, has good interior room for the driver and front seat passenger. No big repairs, just the usual cost of ownership stuff. The 5 speed is actually quite sprightly, and takes off very fast from a stop. Handling is very nice, Ive driven it in some of the most cornersome roads in the Oregon mountains and coast and its been great. Even had this baby on dirt roads/forste roads. Tough as nails. Its got 208,000 miles now and still starts every day. Pity Ford no longer makes these or I would buy another.