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:

• 

  Like it except for harsh ride - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Andy - June 17 - 7:20 pm

  I like the way the car handles and rides on the highway. Unfortunately, the ride is very harsh on real streets, meaning on bumps, potholes, manhole covers, etc.

• 

  love/hate relationship - 2001 Ford Focus
  By silentzero - June 17 - 2:00 am

  ive had my zx3 for 2 year this month. its the hottest little car for what i paid for it. im a big guy (6-2) and i have plenty of room in this car. fuel economy is OK, considering i drive about 400 miles a week. its rather quite (with new tires), but roomy!...the only gripes is that my focus was in the shop after 5k and 6 times after that, now its got 28k

• 

  The 1992 F150 truck - great investment - 1992 Ford F-150
  By gwevans - June 17 - 2:00 am

  The F150 experienced several problems (transmission shifting poorly, 4WD wont engage, fuel tank indicator and shift indicator broken) that occurred with the first three years and were all fixed via warranty. The truck has been very reliable. Since the warranty expired, Ive only replaced the alternator & battery. 4WD works great. Brakes are my only complaint - theyve always felt mushy, no matter what Ive done.

• 

  1995 Ford Mustang 2Dr STD Coupe - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Soccerdefense00 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I like my Mustang. I bought it used with 42,500 miles. It was only 5000 dollars.

• 

  I can drive for miles and miles...... - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Ross69 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a 65,000 square mile sales territory in the southwest and have had excellent service from this vehicle. It has no rattles or squeaks. It has never let me down, I change the oil every 3- 4,000 miles and it does not burn any oil. The timing belt ( give me a steel chain please) was replaced at 90,000 miles. The spark plugs have never been replaced. I have been looking for a replacement vehicle but am very reluctant to give up this reliable workhorse.

• 

  Floyd F-150 - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Floyd - June 15 - 2:00 am

  For an inexpensive vehicle this one has performed well, over 200,000 miles with an inline 6. A/C has never quit, easy to maintain. Manual Tranmission however does not allow for quick accelaration.

• 

  Almost Perfect - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Bill A - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck new, and now have about 82K miles on it. It Drives, and rides well, and is still tight after all these miles. I have the 4.6 with a 5 speed manual. The transmission needed main bearings at around 70K. This was the only problem Ive ever had with this truck, but it was expensive to fix. Gas mileage averages around 17mpg with a mix of highway and country road driving. There are no rattles, the steering is tight, the brakes are smooth, and the transmission shifts well. The build quality is very good, materials seem of high quality. This truck was screwed together in the Norfolk Va plant which is know for its assembly quality.

• 

  Good dependability even with annoyances - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Carter - June 14 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Contour used in 1997. It has been dependable overall. The feel and performance is good. Even with 110,000 mile the 4 cyl engine has some pep. Majority of problems have been electrical in light switch (recall), heater blower switch (recall) and bad door light switches (on third one so far) to name a few. Other items was broken front coil springs (again a recall) and annoying belt squeal that wont go away even when replaced. Ford has been very good at identifying and replacing recall items. Ford needs to establish a better electrical design team to eliminate the vast electrical problems. They fester as small but annoying items.

• 

  amazing car - 1991 Ford Taurus
  By scrumdiddlyumptious - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have a 91 Taurus with 213000 miles and it still runs great. It passes real well, gets 20-28 mpg, comfortable,easy to maintain, reliable, and it has just been a great car. One thing is that it looks and handles like a grocery getter, and it pretty much is. A great goup of cars, just look at the miles I have.

• 

  She Finally did the Roll Job... - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By SWillibr - June 13 - 2:00 am

  OK vehicle. Lacks Japanese interior comfort qualities. Reliable. REALLY bad breaks! Front suspension bad (I- Beam). Good cargo room. Medium quiet ride. Rolls too easily. Great safety restraints... My family is still alive.