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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  Good work - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By BOBleahy - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I really like the resuilt of buying this car. Even with 80000 miles it run really good, even the way I drive it with my foot to the ground of the foor almost all the time. The only problem is the check engine light is on only when Im in warm weather or drove to fast. I realised it could had almost over heated, to counter act that I just look at the rpms and try not to go over 3000 rpm. And it would be fine for hours. Its amasing how much I got to like it even more over time that I had owned it.

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  Satisfied - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By dmr - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Have had vehicle for 4 years with little or no problems with the exception of a front door clip breaking loose on the door. Power for body size is very good. Mileage combined city/hwy. about 22-24 mpg. No major mechanical problems. All parts or original. I would reccommend this vehicle for a family member/close friend based on my experience with the vehicle.

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  Edges out the competition - 2016 Ford Edge
  By Phyllis Gates - July 31 - 4:04 pm

  Look at the various packages before you buy. Combining them the right way can give you substantial savings.

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  Consumer Review - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Sagar - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. It has very good and sporty styling.

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  Air conditioning condenser POOR - 1999 Ford F-150
  By jusjoseph - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle drives well, hauls well, tows well. In fact the only problem is the air conditoning condenser is going on it after only 3 years. It is over the warranty so one is stuck for $1000.00 job every couple of years if you live down south. It will last longer up north. Ford hasnt returned any of my calls on this matter.

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  Buy with Caution - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Phoenix30 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This is not a vehicle to buy if you have no other mode of transportation. It handles beautifully in ideal conditions (i.e. dry roads) but is truly awful in all others. If you tend to punch the gas on take off, as I do, the tires will just spin if the road is anything but perfectly dry. Even with an extra 280lbs. in the trunk, it handled like a bobsled in the rain or snow.

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  1996 Ford Contour GL - 1996 Ford Contour
  By wmagon - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I originally thought that I was got a great deal on this car off the Ford B Lot, but am starting to question it. I purchased the extended warranty, which covered the total cost of the "blown" engine ($5500 at the dealer) at 58K Miles, but since then, there has been a vibration in the steering wheel (motor mounts ???). The car is in the shop now needing a new battery and accessory cable plus distribution box. Estimate given was over $1,000 for the repair. Overall though, its been a very nice ride and great ergonomics/human factors.

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  No frills - 1999 Ford Contour
  By mom of twins - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for 3 1/2 years. It is now being passed on to my twin 16 year-old twin daughters to drive. It has been great with gas mileage and has a sporty look my girls love. Ignition key sticks without turning occassionally and the brakes are always crunchy despite repeated service. Classmate of daughters was recently killed driving a Contour on a suburban side street. The car split in two pieces- safety is a major concern.

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  Still going . . . - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By itsjustmickey - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car a couple of months ago and after spending a ton of money on the suspension (previous owner rammed a curb) this car rides and runs like new. Im looking to replace some of the plastic molding and kick panels, mainly the plastic panels that go with the seats, that were pretty well ruined in the accident, but other than that it doesnÂ’t run or look like a car thatÂ’s 10 years old. 117,000 miles on it and according to my mechanic, the on board computer reports everything is withing 3% of spec. Not bad for a car this old.

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  Good Van - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By windstarok - July 29 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Windstar new in 96. Just before the 36K mile warranty ran out, I had 2 minor items fixed (tailgate struts and a side-view mirror) I had the transmission fluid and filter replaced at the dealer and the trans checked out a-ok. About 2 months later (after the warranty ran out) the transmission failed. Upon reviewing my case and service records Ford readily paid 90%. This was the only problem until 85K miles(EGR and Oxygen sensor) and at 90K with a cracked engine sub-frame (odd). Ive spent $900 in repairs (except routine maintenance)& 3 weeks in the shop for 6 years and 90K+ miles on a van that I saved $4,000 off a Honda or Toyota.