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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  Super duper FX4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By apollo3544 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Nice Ride!The FX4 is very comfortable and rides nice. the rack and pinion steering is great

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  one - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Trky - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Center console shifter is nice. Truck rides like a car.

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  Awsome Truck/SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Playboy - August 8 - 2:00 am

  What can I say its off the Hizzle fo shizzle my nizzle!

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  2002 Thunderbird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By JDavidM - August 8 - 2:00 am

  No problems whatsoever. LOVES to run at 80 mph! No leaks, no rattles! Ford hit a good balance between pure fun and practical - trunk not huge, but still big enough for a weekend trip or an ordinary trip to the grocery store, even with the top down. Seats could use a bit more lower back support, but are otherwise very comfortable. A/C is Great! Power tilt wheel is very convenient.

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  Avoid at all cost - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Angry Qt - August 8 - 1:54 am

  I purchased my Focus in 2001 with 33,000 miles and had no problems for the first 6 months from then on its been down hill. Recall on the rear wheel bearings, recall on the battery cable that also blew my alternator and battery, all 4 power window mechanisms have broken ($500), the brake job cost $500 because you have to get new rotors EVERY TIME -- they cant be machined, the cooling system needed extensive repair ($2000-$3000), the electrical control for the air conditioner broke ($379), the CD player broke, havent gotten that repaired yet, the ignition cylinder locked closed so I couldnt put the key in -- $1000 plus tow, and the trunk lock broke ($700). To make it short, over $7,000 in repairs thus far.

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  Escape Limited in Alaska - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Alaskan - August 7 - 6:13 pm

  Lots of research before purchase. Seriously considered Japanese products. Their quality is no doubt a bit better. None in class though, had the driveability and just plain fun in driving as the V6 Escape. The large wheels provide a most excellent ride and are optimum for Alaska winters. We bought a Limited with moon roof, leather trim heated seats and other creature comforts. Mileage is OK around town. Wed hoped for more but are all around delighted with purchase. Highly recommended.

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  Good so far - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By rls2882 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Ford auto Ive owned. Thus far no problems of a major concern. Service has been acceptable if your willing to wait long periods. Car is very comfortable to drive long distances with. Wife says its too big!

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  i own 5 of them - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Cabbie - August 7 - 10:00 am

  as part of my cab fleet i own 5 of these. just after 100k miles everyone of them needed a transaxle (transmission). at about the same time evry one of them needed a new rack (steering). The front suspension is very prone to wear, constantly changing ball joints, idler arms etc. Most of my vehicles go 500k miles before retirig at about 6 years old, these arnt making it. Suggest anybody that gets to 100-120k of normal use get rid of it quick. The Windstar actually taurus with a different body. Too heavy for the chassis and drive train.

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  Very Happy - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Ethan - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We bought our first Windstar in 1999, have since bought a second (2002), and will shortly buy our third. I cant tell you how happy we have been. The only time spent in the shop has been for the recalls and this seems to be a very small price to pay to make sure the van is running well. With cars from other manufacturers that I have owned in the past, this includes German and Japanese cars, I have had to make similar types of repairs, but I had to pay for them.

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  2003 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4WD - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By wbaries - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Completely new underneath, great styling and improvements, inside and out. Great handling and cornering. Plenty of space inside, especially with the power fold rear seat down.