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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  Affordable, Reliable, Fun - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Blaulang - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 91 Escort in 1996 with about 27,000 miles. Now I have almost 100,000 miles on it, and I have had very few problems with this car, only general maintenance (brakes, belts, etc.) The vehicle still runs great, and the body has held up wonderfully, no rust at all! Also, it has pretty good power for a small economy car if you opt for the 5 speed, and it has very tight handling. It gets around great in the winter and is good on gas, too. I would definitely recommend this car.

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  Reliable transportation - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Boyd - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Taurus now for 4 years and so far (72000K) have had absolutely no problems with it. This is my first purchase of an American car in 20 years and for the price I am extremely pleased. It has enough pep to pass when I want to and is relatively good on gas. I like the small things like cup holder 6 can comfortably fit in the car. Big trunk for my golf clubs ! Yes, I will definitely look at another American car the next time I buy.

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  Best Ever! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Ex281 - March 5 - 9:35 pm

  This is the most functional, reliable, roomy, comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned in 36 years of new car purchases.

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  MyContourReview - 1995 Ford Contour
  By contour95 - March 5 - 3:02 am

  Fun to drive car. Great handling and road feel. Good visibility. Comfortable firm ride. Some reliability problems that can be mitigated substantially by reading the techical bulletins and FAQ on www.contour.org

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  great car - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By ericscott - March 5 - 12:09 am

  Im baffled as to how this car got a 2 for a ranking. I love this car. I bought mine as soon as they introduced the new design and have loved it ever since. Not one mechanical problem yet with almost 50,000 miles.

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  Car buff - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By flyingbrad - March 4 - 11:52 pm

  The car is a disappointment in some ways. For instance, It does not have eithor memory seats or built in garage door opener. Which I think is shortsighted for this class of car. I do feel the car is drop dead georgious. It draws a croud every time I park it.. The hard top is too heavy It is difficult for two older guyes to handle. The proformance is great, although not as refined as I had hoped. OPn the whole I would give the effort a "B"

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  1993 Ford Range XLT - Owned Since New - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By elr- Cedar Rapids - March 4 - 4:07 pm

  I purchased this truck new in 1993. Since purchasing it, the only semi major repair has been the optional replacement of the throw out bearing went out after 4 years. The truck just had its first new set of spark plugs installed at 84,000 miles. The only complaint has been the rapid wearing of front tires. And an ABS light that went on, (and has stayed on) in 1996. The body is still in great shape with no rust. The paint looks as good as new and the interior has no signs of wear.

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  1 year with a Freestyle Limited AWD - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bob - March 4 - 4:03 am

  AWD was great after we got about 20 inches of snow! Very comfortable ride on long trips. Handles potholes and road joints with ease. I like the car and my wife, who drives it most likes it better than any minivan we owned. Now for the down side. PLEASE find a bigger motor for this otherwise great product. Around town its not bad, but try to pull into traffic or pass on the highway and its like old style turbo lag. The back hatch should have a remote power lift assist for the money spent. I would defiantly recommend this vehicle even without the needed improvements.

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  stamps review - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Stamper8 - March 3 - 10:08 pm

  Great car

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  Solid as a rock - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By adeluca - March 3 - 8:36 pm

  I have had this thing for 30,000 miles now. Until now, there has been no problems of any kind. It is now in the shop for a front end squeal/grinding sound, probably a "driveline problem" according to the service writer at the dealership. I will let you know how the repair proceeds. I have a feeling I am going to be glad it is still under warranty. Has anyone else had this problem?