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:

• 

  Fun to drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By robh - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive ... 170hp and great handling. This car does not have a very snappy engine but when in the power band it pulls well. It also loves to be thrown into the corners. (had to replace a wheel bearing once). The exhaust is still original and I just replaced rear rotors and pads after 55 000 miles. The front disks still look Ok. Things I had problems with: Paint on hood crazing (dealer would not fix) wheel bearing (my fault) recalls air flow sensor a/c expansion valve

• 

  Northern adventure - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Lawrence Lawson - July 8 - 9:44 pm

  Prone to rust in rear quarter panels.

• 

  Northern adventure - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Lawrence Lawson - July 8 - 9:44 pm

  Prone to rust in rear quarter panels.

• 

  Ford Aerostar - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Kevin Kurtz - July 8 - 2:00 am

  No major mechanical problems, very reliable. After going 90,000 miles, I have not had to do any maintenance other than oil changes.

• 

  Good and Bad - 1996 Ford Contour
  By mikemc - July 8 - 2:00 am

  The Contour I purchased has great mileage and the car is extra clean however there are some problems worth mentioning.The Contour has a history of blowing the timing belt around 80,000 miles as well as air conditioning problems around 50,000 I havent had thse problems but I did have to replace the relay,radiator,and fan in the motor before ever driving the car.The other problem that I had was the design of the cup holder in the middle console.It broke and now Ford is replacing the whole item with a new item for 80.00

• 

  Fun to drive - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By MarcB - July 8 - 2:00 am

  A great summer car that rides and handles very well. The V6 could use more power but that can be cured with dual exhaust and intake upgrades. This car seems prone to electrical problems. In the past 8 months it has had 2 major (vapor canistor sensor, ignition coils)and 1 minor (cruise control) electrical problem. Harmonic vibration at around 60mph/100kph.

• 

  Not too bad - 2008 Ford Escape
  By harleyhoney - July 7 - 11:26 am

  Ive been pretty happy so far with my purchase, its loaded with everything, it handles great on icy and snowy roads, stereo is OK, could be lots better, comfort isnt too bad, seats could be softer, I did have problems with a exhaust sensor, and the roof rack always rattling, got that fixed great small SUV

• 

  Seats - 2008 Ford Escape
  By tlrogers - July 7 - 11:10 am

  I am having problems with my front seats. They are spotting and turning from black to gray. The dealership says they have had complaints, but there is nothing they can do except clean them. They wont replace them, only clean them. Ive had my Escape since March and have had to have them cleaned already! I did some research and found out these seats are made from some type of recycled material. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Other than that, I love my Escape.

• 

  Focus Hatch 5 speed manual - 2012 Ford Focus
  By wgreen3 - July 7 - 6:02 am

  Ive had the car for a month; it replaced a 2007 Mazda3 and I also previously owned a 2007 Focus. This car is worlds apart from the 2007 Focus. The shifting is buttery smooth; good power, good fuel economy (averaged 36 mpg on recent 800 mile road trip). The car feels "stiff" and this is a good thing; it holds corners amazingly well, very little sway. This actually takes a little getting used to if you havent driven a car that handles as well. Its very quiet, much quieter than the Mazda3. The drivers cockpit feels like it wraps around you. A very well thought out, good performing vehicle, especially for the price point!

• 

  sweet truck - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By adema - July 7 - 2:00 am

  very nice truck would recomend it to anyford buyer very afective in off road situations