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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  Sport Trac - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By LDG - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle used with about 24,000 miles. I have not had any trouble at all with the vehicle, except due to my slight negligence in letting the front brake pads get too low and it blew the front calipers out. Other than that, no problems. One curiosity that I do have with the vehicle, is that when I have the rer window down, I can hear a squeaking noise coming from the area between the bed of the vehicle and the cab. This can get to be slightly annoying, but not enough to get rid of the vehicle or have it looked at. It has been there since day one. I read a review in Consumer Reports, and it was noted in there as well.

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  Good truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By SunLover - April 2 - 10:00 am

  With 04 persons loaded, this got also cargo behind for many stuff. this loading works very strong and easy steering in loaded travels

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  Good Little car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By tmoore - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This has been a good little car. Ive had one problem(wheel bearing needed replacing). It has 93,000 miles on it and Knock wood no other problems. Now my wifes 2000 focus on the other hand has been pain with mutiple recalls. Overall Im satisfied with the 99 Escort.

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  Nothing Special - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By PJM721 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Basically, no difference in the 2001 Taurus & 1999 Taurus. Same ride, almost the same look but for a respectable price.

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  Pretty good car for under $15,000 - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By jordan - April 2 - 1:13 am

  This vehicle is good on gas and has a pretty good acceleration although it the engine can get a bit noisy. I do a lot of highway driving and I cant complain.

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  Build It and They Will Buy! - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By MOES - April 1 - 10:06 pm

  Third one I have owned. Love it. Lots of room to haul 5 hockey players and their equipment. Great ride, lots of room, no major problems. I have 146,000 miles on mine, does not use oil, gets 19 miles per gallon in town and 22 on the road. I take my 18 lund boat fish all over, no trouble in and out of water. Back seats lay flat for soft camping bed. Does not feel like a mini van more like truck. Took back seatout and hauled sofa, 2 chairs, coffee table and 2 end tables. I have hauled several 4 X 8 sheets of plywood with the hatch closed. I you see one with low mileage let me know!!

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  1991 that I cant get rid of - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By james martin - April 1 - 8:16 pm

  I bought my 1991 from a person who took good care of it for 2 years. Before that, a soccer mom thrashed it. I got it with180k miles on it and now has 203K, and it runs as strong as ever. I have had tranny work done, but come on over 200K most 1st generation 4runners have had engine and tranny transplants. Simple mods like a K&N filter, exhaust, and other cheap mods give it close to 175 hp. I can burn tires easily! Great truck!

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  This is my 2nd Escort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Ford Escort Wagon - April 1 - 6:18 pm

  This is my second Escort, loved my first one, very reliable, both the drive tyrain and chasis was bulit by Mazda. Ford built the body. I had a 4 door 1.9 now a wagon 1.9 i seem to have lost a bit of power. The wagon only has 50kgs of more weight, but lacks of power accelerating. I would love a 5 speed but very rare. This car is very pratical and reliable. I love my Escorts. My 1991 had 250,000ks on it and was still going strong. Thats why I bought an another one. My opinion? Buy an Escort, good and reliable cars.

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  Not the best Ive owned by a long shot - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mj23cantona - April 1 - 4:57 pm

  I bought this car because I could get more features and a bigger engine for some $3000 less than I would have paid for a Toyota Celica. Now, five years and some $5000 more than the cost of the average Celica over this time, all I can say is it was a bad choice. Pretty much all that could go wrong did, coolant system twice, CD chager twice, A/C twice, clutch, thermostat, power windows, brakes need constant work, windshield sealant, trunk bounces back every other time, noisy. Its the last Ford Ill ever own. About a year ago I quit putting money into it, all I do is maintenance. Since then the CD changer and the drivers side window have kicked it, we now own two Toyotas. This one is errand car.

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  Reliable Thing- Still - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By ChampionDriver01 - April 1 - 4:09 pm

  My Taurus hit 100,000 miles today. It lasted that long. Everything from my last review still applies. I now have another problem to deal with. My low coolant light pops on about once a week. I will turn off the car, and it will not come on (with coolant tank full). My mileage went from 23 to approximately 24.3. The seat quality is still immaculate. I hit a pothole and it put a flat spot in the wheel. My front headlight is still fogged up. I have a good feeling that in 3 years this car will go to my son. Until then or until it dies, my Taurus for me. I will report back at 120-130K. Cant wait until the Five Hundred and Freestyle change to Taurus and Taurus X.