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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  Reliability is Horrible - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Patrick4 - June 29 - 6:23 pm

  We have a 2000 Windstar which we bought new. The transmission has gone out twice (60K and $70K miles). Everything breaks on it. The paint is peeling around all doors and on the roof, the electrical doors locks have broken, and the rear window water spray broke after about 3 months of ownership. My sister had a 2000 as well and the transmission went out on hers also. This is just the beginning of the problems.

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  Nice car, bad battery - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By James - June 29 - 6:20 pm

  Have had mine since I bought it new in 02, other than a couple of cosmetic issues which the dealership fixed the only issue has been that the battery shorted out. Wondering if this is a known defect with these batteries.

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  Love my silver - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By LS - June 29 - 6:19 pm

  I LOVE THIS CAR. This is my second Tbird ... the first one was dark green and loaded. This one isnt loaded but comfort and power (v8) blows away most of my friends cars. Bought it as a used car 5 years ago (its a 96) and while reliability has been fantastic, its time to start thinking of trading my baby in. My check engine light has been on for 4 years. Funny - must be a design/electrical flaw. Also rolled my green one during an ice storm in MI (wont miss the real wheel drive in winter). Ah, fond memories. I think I cried when the last one rolled off the assembly line a few years ago. Now what am I supposed to do? :)

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Bob from Hubbard - June 29 - 6:17 pm

  We were looking for a vehicle with some power. We still have teenagers at home so a truck was out and we already had gone the van route. I didnt even know that Ford made such an animal. We test drove Chevy Suburbans but nothing in our price range performed like our X. The X (affectionate name Excursion owners have for their vehicles) is not your average grocery getter SUV. It is made with a purpose that suited ours perfectly. Ours also has the 4.30 optional gears as well. It pulls our travel trailer with plenty of power to spare. My wife had already driven vans so the mirrors were no problem. This is a big station wagon with lots of guts. Other than the fuel economy, this SUV rocks!

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  Ford 500 a disappointment - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JG - June 29 - 6:06 pm

  A real disappointment inside. Front seats are very uncomfortable. We did a six hour drive with two stops; both of our lower backs were sore. The seats are hard and dont support your lower back correctly. Driver side seat is not in alignment with the steering wheel. Drivers side has no room to extend left leg, passenger side has same problem - cant extend right leg because the front wheel wells are in the way. Very uncomfortable to drive any distance with your legs bent all the time. CVT transmission noisy, has outside wind noise over 50 mph like window open. Steering problems, rear doors at bottom by rear wheel wells paint chipping. Traded in a 2000 Ford Taurus. That was a better car than this 500.

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  Escort great! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By fweenut - June 29 - 5:26 pm

  This has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. The mileage has always been great and I have not had any major repairs that werent covered by the warranty. Economical - Yes! Efficient - Yes! Would I buy it again? Yes!

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  Great car for the money! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By E H King - June 29 - 5:13 pm

  My friend purchased this model a few months before me. I loved it so much, I went out and bought one. This has been the best car I have owned. For the money, its hard to beat. Quality, durability, and its fun! Total in almost 6 years of owning for all/any repairs: $350.00. Minor work done. Just now had to change brakes. Other than oil changes no up keep!

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  Livin large - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Got Gas?? - June 29 - 4:37 pm

  You just dont buy one of these if fuel economy is an issue to you. I will comment on all the diesel lovers that keep talking about their mileage. I bought my V-10 01 Excursion used with 50k miles on it for the same price as a diesel with 120K miles. The diesels run about $8-$10000 more on the market. They get about 5 MPG better than my V-10. One could buy a lot of gas for $8,000. Other than a few bugs to work out CD didnt work, 2 door actuators needed replaced -- all else is fine. I love the truck, Turns heads. Is very comfortable for my 63" frame. Hauls all our stuff to the lake in style. Havent towed the boat yet but I am sure it will perform better than the Tahoe. The ride is appropriate.

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  Great, fun, trouble-free car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Avi - June 29 - 4:24 pm

  Im very pleased with the Focus, and would definitely recommend it. The design, handling, comfort, and "fun-to-drive" factor are all first-rate. So far (I only have 25,000 miles on it) the car has held up great, and Ive had no problems with it. My only complaint is that my car gets substantially lower than the advertised gas mileage ... I get about 20 city/30 highway, compared to 27 city/30 highway advertised.

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  Iffy! - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By tom - June 29 - 4:15 pm

  Good vehicle, but Ford could have made better motors for the windows and locks (they went out in 2002).