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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  Retirement service - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By indianavince - April 7 - 10:02 am

  I bought this 1995 4.0 5speed Ranger 5 years ago. It was cheap had 228,000 miles and I wasnt expecting much. Well its 2010, I replaced the rear spring shackles as they rusted away. I have over loaded it with gravel and fill dirt many times, pull my boat and change the oil once a year as I use it for around town hauling and mucking about. I pull my sailboat 60 miles at a time. This is the Ever- ready bunny truck. No issues other than those wiper gremlins. Body is NOT rusting. 4.0 V6 showing now signs of age, and the ABS sure works well in the Indiana winters.

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  I love this car! - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By mountainwizard - April 7 - 12:56 am

  Well, this is a wonderful blend of comfort and utility. As I am 6 tall I very much appreciate the easy access and abundant headroom. Front drivers seat has a great lumbar support and the a nice view of the road. The rear with the 2nd set of Captains Chairs has 6.5 behind them making it easy to shop or travel. Front and rear A/C & Heat, Nice stereo. I bought this used with 106K and it is now coming up on 120k. A bit noisy on the road compared to modern cars yet this van with the 4.0 has plenty of power when you need it. Stock tires are good yet it feels much better with a bigger 15/16" wheel and a lower profile tire. A really nice minivan. I expect to be driving it in 10 years.

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  Transmission slipping - 2010 Ford Edge
  By BobT - April 6 - 4:16 pm

  I have had the car back into my dealer twice now. My transmission slips and sometimes hesitates before engaging. It doesnt do it all the time, in fact theres no rhyme or reason to it. There was a service bulletin Ford issued in feb. to replace a module I believe. It was supose to fix the problem, but didnt. Im still working with my dealer to resolve this problem. However I dont want to hang on for so long that my warranty runs out before the problem is taken care of. I get great mileage and except for the transmission, really like the vehicle.

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  Love the size of this van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By DORIS WhITFIELD - April 5 - 10:09 pm

  Of course youll excited when you get a new car, but it was short lived, because the recall notices started coming. I think I actually took my car, about four or five different times. The last time i took it, they kept my car to long, causing me A big inconvenience. I loved the space of my car, and the fact that I could carry 9 to 12 passengers. Unfortunately at this time my car has so many problems, the thermostat with the running hot is a big problem.

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  Not your daddys Taurus - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By driver A - April 5 - 12:31 pm

  The new Taurus is not your fathers car. With the demise of the Crown Vic, it has become to flagship Ford and it deserves to be. I have had Fords since the 1960s and this one is a whole different animal. It has a few flaw, gas mileage could be better and there are two bad blind spots. However, The Lincoln MKS is the same car with lipstick on it and a price tag of 7 grand more. All colors are nice but the sparkling Black is super.The leather interior, heated seats, Sync system, Sirius radio, paddle shifters, keyless entry. Its a great product for a fair price. Most dealers have only a few on hand. Look around its worth the wait and enjoy.

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  It Has Been Great - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Annwyn - April 4 - 11:02 pm

  Bought the Windstar with 55,000 miles on it. Changed the oil and maintained it regularly but stopped going to Ford! Added 100000 miles of hard driving and lots of long trips. Brakes changed, transmission flushed on time, rotated tires regularly and would say this baby has been just what we needed. It has gone over dirt roads and been hit by a tree but has stood up to it all. Main problem? Rust around the bottom of the doors but then it was parked outside near the ocean and now in upstate NY. If the Blue Book didnt list the value under $400 I would put the $1300 in it that is recommended (including trans flush and new tire) and roll on.

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  Option Short Change - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Jack - April 4 - 11:47 am

  Ford has short changed options on this vehicle - NO FLOOR MATS as standard equipment! Other options are also missing too! Need to add some additional basic options, such as outside temp/floor mats/etc.

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  I luv my Ford - 2007 Ford Taurus
  By Bluebell - April 4 - 7:48 am

  This model starts up every time. Enjoyed driving it Winter of 2010. Good gas mileage. I keep up with the maintenance schedule. It runs smooth up to 80 mph with no shaking or trembling.

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  great ford - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ELAW - April 3 - 9:04 pm

  I bought the vehicle in jan. So far its been very dependable I enjoy the SYNC, 6 speed transmisson, exterior styling 6 disc changer. I own a BMW so I was looking for something with power and the fusion has just that. (sel v6 )

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  Terrible power plant and drive train! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By cyberdreams - April 3 - 1:27 pm

  I purchased my 2009 f150 lariat new for towing my track car. I have the tow package and 3.73 gears, the truck shifts like crap and has no tow power. It is constantly shifting through the gears like it doesnt know what to do. As of april 2010 I have 20k miles on it and am looking to sale it. I like the interior and all the features such as the nav and the ac/heated seats. Just driving around town with no trailer this truck struggles to find gears and is unpleasant to drive. It constantly shudders off the line and is very sluggish. I only wish I went with a diesel f250.