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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  glad they stopped making this car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Aaron - May 20 - 4:48 pm

  At first I loved this car. But it can only handle so much. It is an econobox. I replaced the wheel bearings, the head, one of the cams and tie rods. This car is great but it isnt made "Ford tough". It lacks power when needed and there is only one place to get "performance" parts for it. But still youll never get this car to go faster than most imports of the same class.

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  Worst new car I ever bought - 2006 Ford Focus
  By wiwany - May 19 - 11:09 am

  Six Flags on the road - thats the way this sloppy manufactured car rides. Suspension must be made of marshmallows. A pot hole in the way? just hit it - and sends you somewhere you would never anticipate beforehand ... I would even say: dangerous to drive!

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  Problems with 2002 Taurus - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Sherri Chaney - May 16 - 10:46 pm

  This is our 3rd Taurus. We thought we would really like it. It looks nice and handles well. However, Ford neglected to inform us before our purchase that it has an emission control problem which causes it to sputter and stall. Weve had ours for about 1 month. They tell us they are aware of the problem and are working on the solution. Hope they find it soon!

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  Not recommended for families - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By b austin - May 16 - 11:02 am

  The gas mileage is not good for the amount of comfort and conveniences that a van should provide. The rear seats are not very comfortable for adults. Seat belt reminders are annoying. Tire pressure gauges are very handy. The brakes are prone to glaze over. Maybe they are not equipped for the weight of The vehicle. This surprises me since this vehicle is designed for the "soccer mom". The expense of the vehicle, the cost of fuel, the constant brake repairs, and the cost of registration for the weight of this vehicle are not worth it for the amount of comfort or conveniences supposedly offered in a minivan. I would choose something else if I were looking to take a big loss on this and trade it in.

• 

  Watch out - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Steve W - May 15 - 6:59 am

  I HAD the 2003 Explorer and from the start I had transmission problems. First went out at 7,000 miles, next one went out at 21,000 and last one went at 36,000. Seems Ford has had problems with these transmissions and refuses to admit it. I learned that the 2006 still have the problems about 2 out of 5 sold come back with transmission problems. If you have nothing to do go sit in the service waiting room and asked the people waiting. You will think twice about buying one. Worst of all is Fords complete failure to help they refuse to admit to the problem and refuse to even consider a swap or favorable trade in. I was finally forced to turn the car back in because you guessed it. THINK TWICE

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  "97 XLT Ext Cab 4x4, 4.0V6, 5 Speed Auto - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Bill - May 14 - 8:22 am

  I have had this truck for nearly 9 years and have driven it 78,000 miles. Some drive train problems which can be expensive to repair at a Ford dealership. Not the greatest truck but fairly reliable and functional. Very stiff suspension which was softened in 1998 model year. First year for 5 speed auto which has worked fine. Gas mileage is poor at 15-20 and it only gets 20 out on the road. It has been great for hauling dogs and hunting. Seats are not all that comfortable. Even though it has a 4.0 liter engine it only cranks 160 HP and 225 lb/ft torque. Dismal compared to the newer engines.

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  Another Lemon - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By J - May 12 - 9:22 pm

  Replaced ball joints at 25,000 miles and again at 90,000. Radio stopped displaying at 60,000. Problems too numerous to mention. Gas mileage started at around 17 city is now down to 10-12 city and 15 hwy, and thats driving like a granny. Put more work into this truck before 90,000 than any other vehicle Ive owned. Trading it off soon, good riddance!

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  love/hate relationship - 2000 Ford Focus
  By AG - May 12 - 1:41 am

  I love my Ford Focus. I really enjoy the way it drives--that was what convinced me to buy it in the first place. However, I wouldnt recommend it. Not this model at least. Later years seem to be a bit more reliable. My car was three years old when I bought it, and I have now owned it for three years. I have put thousands of dollars of repairs into it. It has needed brake work on two separate occasions, as well as a new starter. This is not an old car! As soon as I can afford it I will be looking for a new car.

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  Lots of problems - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By ng - May 11 - 12:05 pm

  This is a good van to drive when it works. Ive had my Windstar for 60K miles and have experienced all kinds of problems. Recurring problems with the air intake system. The transmission gave out at 60K miles. I was told there are serious design flaws in both the air intake system and transmission. Power rear doors and power locks stick. The power steering pump gave out. Never again!

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  1997 2 Door Sport - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Rick McQuaide - May 8 - 11:30 pm

  I bought the vehicle with 99k miles on it and have done a lot of long distance driving with it. The truck is comfortable and has been very reliable since it has started every day! Gas mileage is horrible and the electrical inside of the vehicle is crazy like windshield wipers not working correctly and lights in the instrument cluster going out and lots of other problems. The door locking system outside the truck broke and is very intermittent, but for the money I paid it has paid itself off.