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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  gcsonf150/2000 - 2000 Ford F-150
  By strickland - April 30 - 2:00 am

  2000 F150 has lived up to my expectations from having owned several earlier ford products. Minimal repairs required todate. Gas mileage could be better. Comfortable to drive on long trips. Good creature comforts.

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  Good Ride - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Garry - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Still runs good no problems with engine. Had to replace front pads and rotors at 23000. Cloth seats need to be a more durable, drivers side shows ware. Base modle needs 16" wheels. Still looks good, as of yet not dissapointed I bought one.

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  Pretty but lacks attention to detail - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By topher - April 29 - 2:00 am

  A blast to drive, but it lacks the attention to detail and convenient group items of other two seaters that are in the same price range such as the SLK/Z3/S2000/MR2.

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  dependable - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Hunt - April 29 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought our 96 contour with 45k and drove it to 98k in 2 years. The car was dependable but seemed to have a ghost, blinker blinked fast occasionally, interior lights sometimes worked, died if went in reverse and braked quickly sometimes, the front wheel popped when turning all the way a direction, rear made a rubbing noise over bumps, med/hi worked on blower if turned slowly. Shifter coming out of drive into park was rough. No major problems just routine things.

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  Good Vehicle - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By penrose - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Have had the vehicle for about 8 months, bought used with 27,000 miles. Now have 34,000 and I like it very much. Very comfortable, good power (5.4), looks nice. Lately it unfortunately has been at the shop. Had a fan belt pulley repaced, radio had short in it, power drivers window broke, and now it has been in shop for 3 days because of a bad smell coming from A/C area. Technicians are stumped. Other than that I like the vehicle.

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  TimeWillTell - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By researchpays - April 28 - 8:21 am

  The only reason Im rating it low on comfort is the seats. Hard seats, even with leather. But all the cars I test drove had hard seats - Subarus, Toyotas, Hondas. C-Max Hybrid is a great little zipper. Overtakes other traffic easily. Ease of entry and exit - no banging head or knees. Good storage space (but no, this is not an SUV). I hope the C-Max will prove to be a great decision, as I spent the better part of 5 months reading articles, driving cars, comparing all aspects. My last car - Nissan Murano-2004 traded it in, before that Nissan Pathfinder 1996 and still running. My first ever Ford, so there is a lot at stake here - the Ford reputation. Ford, dont let me down now.

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  I cant believe I own a FORD - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Beefer - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1996 Taurus Sedan. When I first got it, it had around 150K km. on it and it was running great. Its quite comfortable to drive and it feels roomy but doesnt appear too big on the outside. I have to say that the BRAKES are quite bad, it cost me quite a bit of money to have them all replaced because the car would shake so much (4 disc brakes). Now at 185 thousand kilometers I think the transmission is on its way out. It has trouble shifting when passing or going up hills.

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  Trusty Taurus - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Bob Mc - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 94 GL when a job change required an 80 mile-a-day commute. I was sceptical about buying a car with 74K on it, but am happy to report that Ive added 28K (now 102K) in just over a year and, besides tires & brakes, have spent a total of $150 bucks on repairs for a new tention pully and serpentine belt. The car gives a nice comfortable ride and I get 25MPG back and forth to work, and 30MPG on the highway! Everything on the car still works too.

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  Good stuff - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Fred by the lake - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with my XL long bed. It has always been reliable, with nice interior, relatively smooth ride. I have also had probs with the dome light and door chime staying on from time, particularly in hot weather. Ditto the check engine light. If someone has a good solution, pls e- mail.

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  What a car! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Mr. Stone - April 26 - 2:00 am

  By far the best car for under $15,000. Better performance than the Civics that were priced several thousand dollars higher. My only complaint is the relatively small amount of storage space in the glove box, etc.