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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  joeys explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By BDBOY - August 9 - 9:43 pm

  I FOUND THE EXPLORER TO BE FUN TO DRIVE, AND VERY RELIABLE, SPORTY LOOK, AND VERY ROOMY INSIDE.

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  50000 miles and it stinks already - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By dont_buy_american - August 9 - 9:31 pm

  I bought this truck new, thinking I would get years of trouble-free service from it. I have only put 50K miles in 6 years, kept it garaged, regular oil changes. Yet it has developed annoying rattles. The MAF sensor went out on it last year. It runs mediocre and knocks on hills with regular gas. Currently it has another problem where it stalls on start and runs poorly with rough idle. Who only knows how much this will cost to fix. Save yourself some trouble and buy a Tacoma or Frontier. It will cost less in the long run.

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  Our 2002 Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By sumagra - August 9 - 5:41 pm

  Been very happy with the car. Brakes needed replacement at 38,000 miles and so did front tires. No other repairs. Gas, oil-changes, and go.

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  last of the Taurus SEL Wagons - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By chris p - August 9 - 5:05 pm

  Have had 30 days. Great features -- moon roof, MACH stereo, great ease of audio and climate systems. Good highway mpg = 27. Only issue -- at 900 miles appeared to have transmission fluid leak, but dealer said it was over filled at factory. Hopefully no more remaining issues.

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  Never again - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By rocq - August 9 - 4:32 pm

  Didnt do my homework, Ford would not replace the pawl pin in the transmission because it was a month over even warranty though the car only had 30,000 kms at the time. Rack and pinion faulty, Ford would not fix. Transmission replaced for at 120,000 kms for $2,600, no warranty. Emission pump failed - $800. Have spent over $1,000 on AC repairs and going in again or maybe I will just call a scrap dealer instead.

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  My 9 year review - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Mike - August 9 - 1:59 pm

  I ordered this truck in March of 96. Ive been the only owner since. It has been a great truck for me for the past nine years. Ive only put 2 sets of tires,1 set of brakes, 1 battery and 1 exhaust system on her. Im getting ready to turn 100K miles soon. I highly recommend this year Ford truck to anyone.

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  Good, Reliable, and Inexpensive - 1999 Ford Escort
  By ZX2Owner - August 9 - 12:32 pm

  I have owned my ZX2 since 1999. At that time it had a lot of horsepower and equipment for a reasonable price. It has been a good investment. At six years, the car has is still running with its original factory-installed battery. I replaced the tires (because I did not bother to rotate the original ones properly), but have I not invested a dime in repairs. It has been very reliable car. Too bad Ford decided to discontinue it, Escorts in general seem to be reliable cars. I am glad I bought the car and when ready to purchase another car, I will consider another Ford car.

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  Expedition - Comfort, Ergonomics & Value - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By tobermori - August 9 - 12:03 am

  Great truck. No racer, as you would expect, but I tow our 20 boat up 6 degree inclines in the Blue Ridge Mountains with no problems at all, and I have the 4.6 Triton! Comfortable on the highway. The XLT Sport is a great deal. XLT with bonuses! You have to have Continental tires on this SUV they improve handling and quieten the ride.

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  The last of the 5.0 - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Nosstang331 - August 8 - 10:12 pm

  I own a 95 GT Mustang. It is the 8th Mustang to sleep in the stable. After owning 6 foxes and a 4.6GT, this is with out a doubt my favorite of the bunch. It is extremely reliable, as all 5.0s have been for me. The interior is nice and comfortable. The car rides great and gets pretty good gas mileage. I usually get about 295 miles a tank with mine. And thatÂ’s with 3.73 gears. The only downfall I see with the mighty 5.0 is, in stock form, itÂ’s underpowered. ItÂ’s a good base to start with 225hp and there are plenty of aftermarket parts to make these cars scream. I have no complaints and highly recommend any one buy a 5.0.

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  Almost as much fun as my Stang was! - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By X-StangOwnr - August 8 - 8:28 pm

  I just took delivery of this truck on 8/6/05. So far I am very pleased with its capabilities and appearance. I traded the 2000 Mustang due to rising fuel costs. But having a brand-spankin new Ford Truck with good mpg is worth it! I really like the ride height and the 16" wheels wrapped in BFGs. Makes my 4x2 look like a 4x4. I also got the Dark Shadow Gray Metallic paint...BEAUTIFUL! As for value, I bought it under Fords Family Plan. The sticker was $18,788. I paid $12,620! If youre gonna buy a Ford ... DO IT NOW! AWESOME DEALS!