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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  97 EB - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By TEAM Inc. - January 15 - 1:03 pm

  Bought new in 1996, approaching 200K. Overall reliable, engine leaks oil, 3 grand in repairs and dealer still cant figure it out. GREAT in snow, rain, sand! Lots of space for gear! Fuel economy poor, 12 /15 MPG. 5.4 liter is a must. Found it to be reasonably stable vehicle. Large tank means decent cruising range but filling up to the tune of $ 60.00 is not fun. Fortunately this is now a back up vehicle so miles and fuel are less. Overall this has been a good solid truck. As said in other reviews, it does take a licking and keep on ticking.

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  97 Eddie Bauer - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By TEAM Inc. - January 15 - 1:03 pm

  Bought new in 1996, approaching 200K. Overall reliable, engine leaks oil, 3 grand in repairs and dealer still cant figure it out. GREAT in snow, rain, sand. Lots of space for gear. Fuel economy poor, 12 /15 MPG. 5.4L is a must. Found it to be reasonably stable vehicle. Large tank means decent cruising range but filling up to the tune of $60.00 is not fun. Fortunately this is now a back up vehicle so miles and fuel are less. Overall this has been a good solid truck. As said in other reviews, it does take a licking and keep on ticking.

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  HOW MUCH? - 1998 Ford Contour
  By B Alb - January 9 - 5:17 pm

  Bought car used with 40K on the odometer. Good price. Drove fine for about a year. Recall city, couldnt put gas in it, recall heater blower went out recall. Cankshaft positioning sensor went out, transmission went, eats front tires like the Cookie Monster does chocolate chips. Service engine light on repeatedly. Loose connection with front O2 sensor. Has a funny surge problem when accelerating. Replaced water pump. Brake rotors and wheels front end very difficult to remove, They stick to the hub. I have not had any of the alternator charging system problems that others have reported. Although the garage that did the transmission said they will never do another Contour.

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  Fixed Or Repaired Daily - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Steffidips - January 8 - 2:13 pm

  This car was great for the first four years of existence, but soon began developing small problems here and there. Those small problems have now developed into large problems with the transmission, the flex plate in the shifter and the fact that I get a back massage each time it is at idle because the idle is so rough. Despite these problems, the car can still handle well through corners and can keep up with some of the most moderately priced vehicles. Great car for a new driver.

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  A Great Piece of Junk - 1990 Ford Aerostar
  By RustBucket88 - January 7 - 6:09 pm

  What an indestructible piece of junk! It has 160,000 miles. It has rust through the body, none of the accessories work, the interior is torn up, the paint is peeling and the suspension is shot, but it just keeps going. It needed a new transmisson, but that was due to the previous owners neglect. We drive it like we hate it. It needs a quart of oil every 500 miles and always needs coolant, but we maintain it and it keeps going. The only other items repaired were a broken brake caliper and door latch. This vehicle is used for dump runs, driving off road and is driven hard on the highway, but it keeps going. The gas mileage is terrible (less than 15 mpg), but it isnt driven economically.

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  Dont go there - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By FordMan - January 6 - 7:13 pm

  After approximately one year of ownership and 8+ visits back for various repairs I call it a Lemon. The dealer calls it normal for a Ford Freestar. In fact the Service Manager had one for a Demo and turned it back in because of problems. Im a Ford man and have owned them since my first one in 1974. This vehicle has shaken my confidence in Ford. Ford had a silent recall on the front brakes of the vehicle. You get a high pitch squeal and after taking it in twice the dealer admitted that the calipers and their brackets had to be replaced. I own a 2000 Mustang with 40K+ miles it doesnt have any rattles and has never been into the dealer for anything. Dont buy a Freestar.

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  JCs 95 Probe - 1995 Ford Probe
  By J Coyne - January 6 - 3:32 pm

  I bought this car used in 97 with 28,000 miles and its been a really solid vehicle. I had no major repairs to make until 170,000 miles, when the automatic transmission went out. At around $2000 to repair, this is the last of my Probe. But its been the most reliable car I have ever owned.

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  Dont buy this car - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Teena - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Escape in the shop 6 times in the first two months that Ive owned it! Ive had problems with the starter on 3 occasions. The radio, after 6 service visits, loses channels. The service dept found the radio defective, the antennae defective and a loose wire in the starter. Fuel economy is horrible. Even with driving it conservatively, It only gets 15 mpg.

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  Dont Buy A Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By No More Fords - January 1 - 9:31 pm

  I bought my Focus new. I am also very good with the maintenance. Nothing but problems from the start. Rotors and brakes were a problem from the manufacturer. Then came sensor troubles. Too many recalls. Next was the 4 times I had to have the stereo replaced due to a battery that was going bad..it took 4 tries to figure that out? Then went the air compressor at 36,000 miles only to follow 2 months later with the evaporator core in the air conditioning. ($1,000.00 each!) Next went the faulty alarm system. Lastly, if you turn the radio up loud enough, you cant hear the horrible vibrations! The worst part is the fact that the car has NO value!! Going shopping for a Honda now!

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  Satifsfied, would buy another one - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By John - December 30 - 10:34 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used in 1997 with 36,000 miles.. It has been a reliable vehicle overall. It now has 138,000+ and still going strong. It doesnt use oil, Transmission is still original (serviced every 40,000 miles). New radiator this past year and waterpump. Had a problem with water temp. gauge in 2003 new circuit board fixed problem. Only complaint is auto hubs went bad (plastic components) and would cost approx.$800.00 to fix from Ford dealer. Had manual hubs installed for half the price.