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:

• 

  Ford Folly - 1997 Ford Contour
  By PimpinGT - March 15 - 11:15 pm

  This car seems to go through front tires at an unbelievable rate. The damn cup holders are junk, one broke and the other one is extremely hard to get up (cheap plastic interior). The next problem was that its battery light would come on whenever I accelerated. Then it died altogether. Finally, every time that I would stop at a stop sign or stoplight, the car sounded like it was going to stall. I wouldnt recommend a ford to anyone for any reason except to put it in a demo derby (hell, it may come out running better).

• 

  1998 Ford Windstar 3.0 L Passenger Van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Barry Riordan - March 15 - 10:49 pm

  This van was my company van since new and its been a very reliable vehicle. I bought the vehicle from the company at 148,000 miles and havent regreted it.The only thing major that went wrong was the fuel tank went bad. The vehicle now has 194,000 miles on it and has the original motor and tranny in it. I change the ATF fluid on a regular basis and also regular oil changes. Motor does not use a drop of oil between changes. Original front brake rotors did have to be replaced at 75,000 miles. We have taken numerous trips in the summer from PA to South Carolina with no problems whatsoever.

• 

  My Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By J.P. - March 15 - 9:06 pm

  I have owned Cheverolet Dodge and now Ford, trust me 3rd time is a charm. I drive on average 16000 miles a year and have experienced both quality and reliability in my F-150. I receive many complimentson how it looks and drives.

• 

  Bang for the buck - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mrdestefano - March 15 - 8:48 pm

  Driven it for 6 years with no major problems. For $14.5k new, it was a great deal. I have the manual transmission and it is a fun car to drive. You wouldnt believe some of the things I have fit into it with all the seats down. I am pretty good about checking the mileage and get 24/28 for city/hw.

• 

  Good Car - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Tom - March 15 - 4:37 pm

  Well, the good thing is we bought the car used, July of last year. Since the car has been around for a while the few problems we have had, we could find the solution easily over the internet. Anyways we got the car for $2,800 and it has paid for itself 10 times over since then. It has a very comfortable ride, and its safe. This car has given us less problems than the 07 Camry we bought last year.

• 

  There is no other pony car....period! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By 03 GT 04 Mach1 - March 15 - 3:44 pm

  Waited 30 years for the experience! I bought her brand new 5 years ago, never regreted a day. The mileage is fine for this kind of car. Just add on some simple bolt on parts and the power picks up even more. It is a premium GT Coupe, so the leather seats make it comfortable on long trips. It has been totally reliable...even the battery is still original. She is pampered..yes, but it takes all I dish out, the (Traction Control light) comes on a lot. That tells you how hard I can be. 25 miles highway, 20 around town. After all these years I love driving it everyday. We love it so much we also now own an 04 Mach1. Keep those new Camaros and Challengers coming out, theyll make a splash and disappear.

• 

  My Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By CHIP STANLEY - March 15 - 10:19 am

  I absolutely love my "King Ranch"! The only drawback is gas mileage is and has been from the start only about 13.9 mpg! The leather is awesome and the ride is perfect!

• 

  Good Car for the Price - 1999 Ford Escort
  By DavidbytheMouseHouse - March 15 - 10:00 am

  It is a very simple car. It isnt powerful. It isnt very comfortable. I can feel almost every bump in the road. The A/C works like a dream on freeways but not very well at a stop. I put 58,000 miles on the car and have had to put it in the shop twice. In both instances, it was for a bad alternator. If everything I have said seems negative, keep in mind that this car ran me $11,000 out the door. For the money, this is the BEST car I have had. If your purpose for purchasing a car is a cheap, fairly dependable, vehicle that will get you where you need to go, then the Escort is it.

• 

  Great Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pdsccs - March 15 - 10:00 am

  Well I have only had my Explorer for 2+ weeks now. But I have had no problems with it at all. It works great I have about 1500 miles on it already. I have been getting about 20+ miles on the highway with it and about 18 in town.

• 

  Good bye, Ford - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Steve - March 15 - 8:49 am

  Purchased new. Even though it only has 100,000 miles, its on its 4th set of tires. Its noisy, the front end clanks, and has since new. The door ajar problem has existed since it ran out of warranty, along with various and sundry check engine lights. The transmission is on its way out now, so its time to get rid of the thing. The passenger seats are nice. The front buckets are terrible. Im glad to see it go away.