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:

• 

  XLS 15month 33k mile update - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By tomx15 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Own a XLS V-6 w/Auto for 15months with almost 34k miles. Front seats not comfortable. Interior/exterior great design. Mileage is 17MPG none better w/70% hwy miles. Warranty service: replaced anti-lock brake sensor; crack in half tailgate under Ford logo - Whole rear window of tailgate is going to be replaced! Hope this thing lasts..

• 

  My FooFie car - 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Tammy Moore - March 20 - 2:00 am

  My 1996 Crwn Vic was a preowned vehicle, garage kept and in EXCELLENT condition! At first I was skeptical, I drove a Ford Explorer and I was very attached. It took a couple of weeks and I was HOOKED! The power, comfort and quite ride was wonderful, unlike my 94 Explorer with 197,000 miles. I Love my FooFie car, I will never own any other model. We have 3 Fords in the family, all of them have over 100,000 miles. Now that is FORD TOUGH!!

• 

  Satisfied but with reservations - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JimAmIsl - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This has been a fun vehicle to drive. I wanted a small SUV for short distance driving and this has been the perfect auto for my purpose. Back passenger seats fold down easily making room for plenty of cargo. Major problem at 24,000 miles...the auto transmission started to slip between gear changes. The dealer replaced the transmission and all appears to be fine. I believe there may be a technical bulletin by Ford for transmission problems with mileage over 20,000 for problems like I was experiencing.

• 

  Quality is job....what? - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By txarmadillo - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Windstar used in Dec. 99 with 13000 miles on it and have loved it. I currently have 51300 miles on it with numerous problems. My check engine light came on so I took it to Honolulu Ford and spent $150 so they could tell me that my repairs will cost over $1100. The intake has to be fixed, one of my valve covers has to be replaced, 2 injectors are bad, spark plugs apparently need to be replaced, vacuum leaks, my right front wheel bearings are just about shot, and my tranny is acting funny. It has been in a few times for recalls. Other than that, the van has been good to us. I am so thankful I bought an extended warranty with my van.

• 

  SportsTrac is the perfect car/truck - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By superman1000 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our SportsTrac to compliment our Audi A4 and WOW are we impressed. The SportsTrac has a luxury ride, quality interior and is the perfect size for my 53" wife. She loves to drive this new addition to our family. Go get one - you will enjoy the perfect truck that drives and rides like a car!

• 

  My Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Chihuahua Beth - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable to drive, adaquate leg room in back seat. Good manuverability. Snappy take-off response. Like the carribian blue body color w/Rich Fords Thunder 40th Aniversary Edition customized paint job. Excelent gas millage for a truck.

• 

  Superior to my Ferrari in Every Catagory - 2005 Ford GT
  By David - March 20 - 12:06 am

  I purchased a slightly damaged GT with 1400 actual miles, and had Saleen redo the damaged front end with perfection with replacement parts on the paint line prior to closing. It is fast, reliable, and solid compared to all my other sports cars including BMW 8 Series and Ferrari TR512. Neck snaps back with the push of the pedal and you pray not to see the rear end in the windshield. Almost spun out of control several times...seems there are many wrecks in the first 1500 miles...right when the drivers feels comfortable in the car and pushes the envelope. The car starts more conversations and is the source for many to take photos while driving by. Draws crowds wherever parked. Love It!

• 

  Truck of Steel - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Superman - March 19 - 11:36 pm

  This is the third truck that I have owned and it is by far the best. I have compared the F-150 with the other trucks in its class and it really is the best built truck. The F-150 has a frame that is far superior to any of the competition. This truck also has vented brakes which allows them to cool down faster. The ride is very comfortable and road noise is minimal. I have been getting better gas mileage than what the sticker states (15 in city and 19 highway). So far my average in the city is 17 mpg. Not only is this truck a work horse but its also a great family vehicle. This F-150 also received one of the best crash ratings which gives me peace of mind when driving with the family.

• 

  A Piece of Junk! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By BR - March 19 - 5:56 pm

  Brake rotors warped (dealer says normal), brakes grind (dealer says normal), cruise quit working, brake lights come on by themselves, sun roof leaks (dealer says normal). Rear end sounds like it is about to fall off everytime you hit a bump or rough pavement at low speeds (dealer says normal for this car). Absolutely no soundproofing materials in the trunk. This car is a poorly built piece of junk.

• 

  Excellent until things start going wrong - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Bern - March 19 - 4:31 pm

  Was working fine (power, mileage) until motor started to stall (and die) in the middle of the freeway (not fun). Ford dealer has no clue. Had 4 recalls performed, including a fuel delivery module replacement, and none solved the problem. Had to rent a car for 1 week while Ford tried to find the problem. In the end I bought a Toyota. Ford Focus 2000 is NOT a reliable car.