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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  Love my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By hiyall - March 5 - 5:38 pm

  Bought my Explorer new and have loved it for almost 11 years. It has performed like a champ on LA roads and in mountain and snow conditions. Recently, had to have radiator replaced 3x. It seems the new replacement Ford radiators are no good. They have each still been under warranty but the last one was only one day from being out of warranty. Sadly, I now plan to replace my Explorer because I dont want to chance having to replace the radiator again on my dime. This truck has really hauled everything for me and rides especially well when the back is loaded. If you are thinking of a 96 Explorer I say go for it. Mine still performs well & looks great inside and out.

• 

  Best non soccer mom van ever! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Jack - March 5 - 4:48 pm

  Powerful, nice looking, easy seat removal, holds resale value, 18-24 mpg was right on, tires wear great versus a lot of vans that wear out front tires. Lot of pick up and very comfortable. Radio iffy so replace with aftermarket. Otherwise a 10!

• 

  Better than your average econobox - 2000 Ford Focus
  By cwfol - March 5 - 12:46 pm

  My ZTS handles great. It corners like crazy. I drive very fast to and from work everyday, and am happy with its reliability considering this. I know there are a lot of complaints out there about reliability, but I wonder if my luck has anything to do with letting the engine warm up with 1-2 minutes of idling every time I cold start.

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  Ford Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By nyjetsus - March 4 - 6:47 pm

  Low mechanical quality makes this vehicle the worst Ford I have ever owned. Once factory warranty expired, the trouble began. Multiple breakdowns, including AC and transmission.

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  Value for $ - 2002 Ford Focus
  By MelD - March 4 - 6:06 pm

  Ford could do a better job of the quality of its workmanship. My car had a badly fitted fog lamp which the dealer replaced for no charge. There was also a slight wobble in the right rear wheel since I bought the car. The defect was a miss aligned wheel. However the service manager at the dealer accused me of driving the car over a pot hole and thus the damage. Had to shell out $37 for the repair. The car however is fun to drive and has a lot of zip in it. Good value for the money.

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  Love my Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Roxy - March 4 - 2:58 pm

  This Excursion drive and rides like a dream. It is great on long trips, what a cruiser. I like the looks of it. The interior is so comfortable and roomy. You can haul just about anything. Ours is a diesel and not 4x4 so our mileage is not too bad. The bet we did was 19.75 and usually about 18 mpg. So for a rig this big thats not too bad. It is not the easiest thing to park.

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  Original owner, bought new in 2006 - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Peter Buchwald Buchwald - March 4 - 1:05 pm

  Has been a excellent inexpensive reliable basic auto.

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  11 years going strong - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By No problems ever - March 4 - 12:38 pm

  I bought this van new and have had it to the mechanics only twice in all these years easy to fix carburetor problem just 3 years ago, and fan fix for back seats. Extremely reliable. Everything still works perfectly. Gets 17 mpg, better than the mid-sized SUVs these days.

• 

  Useful & reliable - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Boston driver - March 3 - 9:50 pm

  Bought this car new in 98. Its been very reliable and a great city car for maneuvering and parking and mileage. Decent pickup with the five-speed manual. Wet-road handling got better with new tires at 50k. The trunk opening is very small, but with the back seats down you can stuff a lot in. E- brake is starting to fail at 73k.

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  Crowm Vic LX Sport - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By johnjo - March 3 - 10:00 am

  A joy to drive, powerful engine pulls away as smooth as silk. Comfortable, and I prefer styling to the Grand Marquis. Big big stylish car, definitely go for the sport version. Excellent value for money