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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  Should of got the Suburban - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Dustin - February 28 - 7:53 am

  Bought a brand new Excursion diesel. Transmission went out before 8000 miles had to get a new transmission replaced (warranty covered) had power steering and brake problems. Radio and DVD player had to be replaced. it took them over 2 months to fix the radio, two weeks to fix the transmission. Spend 56k on this car, wouldnt expect these kinds of problem on a car of this price. Also, now having problems with the heater not working. Wife doesnt trust this car, so now it sits in my driveway collecting dust. Trade-in value not that great. Ford service is not great, always waiting.

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  The leather seats need to be recalled - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Frost - February 22 - 6:41 pm

  Overall I enjoy my Explorer, however the leather on my seats is cracking and worn. The interior looks a lot older than a 2005 suv. It looks more like 1994. This is a problem for me because of my line of work and the clients I drive around from time to time. My exterior is always nice and clean. The cracking leather seat take away from my style.

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  "98 Ford Escort Wagon - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Shey - February 20 - 8:17 pm

  A/C not working but has been a very reliable car.

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  It is what it is! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jason - February 20 - 7:43 pm

  Im not a minivan fan, but for our family outings its what we drive. As far as value for the money I think its hard to beat this Ford. Its comfortable for 2 adults and 5 children ages 2 to 11, but I see the need for something larger as our children get older. We average 19-21 mpg and have had no major mechanical problems in our first 47000 miles. We have had minor cooling system problems, and a nuisance problem with a door indicating its open when its actually closed. Both problems where repaired reasonably by a local private shop. All in all I think itd be tough to beat this vehicle for the money.

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  Mechanical Failure - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Norm - February 18 - 1:24 pm

  My Expedition is almost 6 years old with 71,000 miles. With just less than 36,000 the engine needed replacement. Last July 2005 with 67,000 it needed a transfer case. This past week in February 2006 the transfer case needed replacement with only 5,000 since July. At the same time Ford needed to replace the rear end. Quality is Not Job One. I would not recommend this vehicle.

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  Good but could be better! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By winchesterp - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3rd minivan we have owned. The other two were Mercury Villagers. The Windstar is more trucklike in both ride and feel than the Villagers. It is also much roomier than the Villager, and the remote electric door opener feature is a nice touch. Also like the styling of the Windstar, and the dashboard is a little more ergonomic than the Mercury.

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  Happy but not thrilled - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Bill S. - February 17 - 12:11 pm

  This is a great truck for someone like myself. It is my primary vehicle, but comes in very handy for hauling things from the hardware stores. This is my first truck and I can see how folks get hooked on owning a truck. I still have to get use to the heavy jittery ride of a truck. I cant throw it into a corner like a car. Way too much understeer. Especially in the wet.

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  Poor Quality Control - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By San Cooper - February 17 - 1:05 am

  Ford SUV was my 9th new var, first American car and first SUV. Initially I was very happy with the purchase. After the first service, It is one of the worst buys I have ever done. -Transmission cracked - Brakes failed (replaced pads, rotors resurfaced) - Leather of the seat replaced as it cracked. Number of miles on the SUV is 5800. Will never ever buy FORD vehicle. Very poor quality control.

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  So-so - 2005 Ford Focus
  By John Doe - February 16 - 1:30 am

  Im a bit disappointed at its performance and fuel economy. I have a full-size sedan which is thriftier and performs much better. The fit and finish inside is much better than outside, where panels dont line up neatly and some stamped parts are not even. The paint is good though. Although the steering wheel provides telescoping besides tilting, it should telescope farther. At 65", I find the feet position uncomfortable. Yet, its got a hard-to-beat price.

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  2003 Ford Taurus SE - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Paul - February 16 - 12:22 am

  Surprisingly good suspension and handling. Even better on winter Michelin X-ice tires than on original Continental Touring Contact tires. However, old but reliable OHV Vulcan engine lacks the vigor of modern OHC engines. Additionally, the transmission has been mated to the engine for economy and upshifts too eagerly, what robs the car of dynamics even further. Sufficient and well modulated brakes stop this heavy car with confidence even with drums at rear. Body fit is below average with poorly designed hinges and locks. I had to spend a few hours just to adjust all doors to my standards. Overall reliability seems to be good providing that a basic maintenance schedules are being kept.