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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  Back to the Drawing Board - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Bill Wilson - June 23 - 10:41 pm

  The Freestar is a let down compared to the Windstar I traded in on it. Ford has been trying to play catch up with Honda and Toyota for years and fell flat on their face for the Freestar. I have returned to the dealership 9 times for quality related repairs. 3 of which are a non fixable brake squeal that will bring you out of your seat when you hear it. They manufactured a kit that adjust the pads so the squeal is quieter, but the pad braces keep breaking because they are made from cheap thin sheet metal. The rear captains chairs threads are even coming apart at the seams and they are only used 1% of the time when I have someone riding in the back. I have purchased my last FORD.

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  Loving Explorers - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Cristi - June 23 - 11:46 am

  This is the second Explorer we have owned. My husband drove his 1991 to over 200,000 miles before it puttered out. My 1995 is at 209,000 and still running strong. Any repairs on this thing have been minor and relatively low cost. I would definitely buy another Explorer.

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  143,000 miles since 2011 - NO ISSUES - 2011 Ford Edge
  By NanoSk - June 23 - 8:20 am

  My 3.5 L V6 Edge Limited AWD gets 23.5 mpg average, no matter how I drive. I am averaging about 28 k miles per year. I have put lots of miles in on the highway, but also in stop and go traffic. Only replaced oil, filters, brake pads, wipers, and tires. PTU in rear trans replaced at about 118,000 under warranty. 85,000 miles out of each pair of Michelin tires (still on 2nd set). Great handling in the New England snow too. I will buy another Edge, and really think it is a great vehicle. Another Ford home run.

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  Best SUV in its class - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jazzy Jeff. - June 23 - 4:13 am

  After one year still love driving it. Nice power, rides lke a car. Not good on gas, but the ablity to use of low octane helps.

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  The Last Ford Product Ill Ever Own - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Rocko - June 23 - 12:46 am

  The problems with this 4 door 4wd XLT started exactly 2 months after the warranty expired. First I took it back to the dealer for a recall on the back window. They replaced the rear window and when I went to pick up the vehicle the back window exploded into a million pieces. Since then the rear wiper motor, front wiper motor, drivers power window switch, front brakes, and 4 tires have had to be replaced. All the repairs came out of our pocket. The dealer and Fords "Customer Support Center" were a joke. Ive had Nissans before this and it looks like Im going back.

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  Stay Away - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tim - June 22 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased this vehicle and have had a lot of issues. Pieces of plastic keep falling off the car in different places. The seal around the doors falls off and leaks. I also had problems with both the CD player and the speaker system. Do not buy the extended warranty it is a joke. I was sold an extended warranty on a vehicle that was 5 years old and had over 40,000 miles and was later told that the warranty expired after one year. The dealership told me I was covered up to 100,000 miles, but it was completely untrue. Also, there is a deductible for everything.

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  Need more thought into interior design - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Big Bubba - June 22 - 4:53 pm

  The SUV itself is ok but needs more interior design like A/C ducts under dash and the gear shift handle is in the way to supply air to the driver. The SUV has running boards that serve no purpose.

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  One Sweet Ride - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Woodbyrne - June 22 - 1:52 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used with 38,000 miles on it. Traded in my 04 Escape because we needed a bigger vehicle to haul the kids around. Never thought Id be driving a minivan, but this Windstar is perfect for us. Our 3-year old loves the VCR Entertainment System. Our 3-month old enjoys looking out the huge side windows. We were looking for something with enough room for a third child one day and something that was safe. Our Windstar is jet black with chrome trim. Reminds me of MTVs Pimp My Ride, which I think is a good thing. We knew the Honda and Toyota are rated higher, but they cost too much and would have come with tons of mileage. The Windstar is a great deal and is recommended.

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  Problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By buckeyebic - June 22 - 1:48 pm

  With 47555 miles, the V6 4WD has lost the torque converter says the dealer. Also the sun roof quit working and the dealer quoted over $1600 to fix it because the factory sun roof is the only option available. The left front wheel bearing is gone and the front right idler arm needs replaced. Seems too soon for these types of failures for a SUV that has never been off road and used on the freeway mostly.

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  Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By clayton - June 22 - 1:04 pm

  Pretty reliable. Only had one instance of "down time" when a wire to the oil pan came off and truck wouldnt start. Cost $300 to fix because the local repairman charged $80 to say "I dont know". Took to dealership who fixed it in one morning. Only other problem is with ABS brake light coming on when it rains but ABS braking system is still working.