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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  Watch Out For The SOHC V-6 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Cibs - April 21 - 8:23 pm

  Bought my Explorer used with 70k miles on it and thought what a great deal I got until I found out that FORD has had problems with the SOHC V-6. It seems so much that FORD upped the warranty to 6 years and 72k miles and unfortunately I am just over the miles and years for the warranty. The problems are with the intake gasket and the cam chain tensioners so look out if your Explorer is a 1997 to 1999 with the 4.0L SOHC V-6. Love this truck for everything else.

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  Best Yet - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Cruisin90 - April 21 - 4:54 pm

  I am a member of a Taurus Family - weve all had one and I love it. This one is my second - traded a 2000 on it which was still running great at 70k miles. This is my favorite yet though. I have had no problems with it and I drive almost 60 miles a day. Taurus are great for safety - a family member of mine after getting hit by two trucks was still able to walk away though the car didnt. I would recommend this car to anyone. I must recommend the 24 valve engine and sports package because it is a great option for anyone wanting a little more power. I did a few things to the 04: Le Bra, tint windows. mud flaps, and am thinking about chip. Wish it had sunroof.

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  My Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By JME - April 21 - 3:01 pm

  The only complaint I have about the Escapeis the cruise control button shape, it has a pointed edge and got caught on clothing and popped off several times the last time I just gave up on fixing it!

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  I Love My Van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Martinezfam1126 - April 21 - 1:19 pm

  I purchased this van used and I love it. I get better mileage than I get with my husbands new Honda. My son loves climbing in and out of it. We have taken this van everywhere and it works perfect.

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  $2,300 in Repairs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Jennings - April 21 - 12:50 pm

  I purchased mine used in October 2004. Put 11,298 miles on it. I had freeze plug corrode out & my warranty would not cover them; they claimed I had improperly maintained the vehicle which I have documentation to prove otherwise. Anyway, I had something else happen right as I was leaving the mechanic from having the freeze plugs fixed & the motor blew within 1/2 mile. Had to put whole new motor in it out of pocket. Have been without the vehicle for 3 weeks now. Had been to a Ford service department in town in Aug. & they did not notice coolant was "rusty" when inspecting it. Make sure you keep an eye on coolant color, even if its not "time to check it" so you dont have costly repairs like me.

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  A great truck, power, price and looks. - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Phil mac - April 21 - 11:39 am

  This is my second Ranger. The 4.0L is a nice upgrade from the 3 liter. I have never had a problem with either truck and it is ten times more dependable than my Dodge Dakota.

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  good minivan - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By dalereid - April 21 - 2:48 am

  I have only had mine for a short time but I feel that, so far, it is a nice van at a decent price. The engine seems to have ample power with reasonable fuel mileage.

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  I Love My Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By K. Knolls - April 21 - 2:24 am

  I think imports are becoming very over-rated. I thought the Taurus handled great compared to the other models I tried and Ive had no trouble with it whatsoever!

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  More bang for the buck! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By nfshp - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I just leased the GT premium, and its a monster off of the line! If you are just looking for 0-60s, then get this car (better buy than the Pontiac GTO)! The new Mustang is a huge improvement over its predecessors...but when comparing it against the 350Z or the RX8, you just dont get the type of handling like those cars. GT will smoke the 350Z, RX8, and maybe a WRX STi; but it doesnt handle like them. GT is also gas, and be prepared to stop at the pumps frequently! I also had trouble with the front wheel barrels twice since i got it...but they fixed it for no extra charge (under warranty).

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  2005 Ford Mustang GT - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By partyanimaleric - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Be prepared for the ford enthusiasts to be chasing you down and asking questions. This model is arguably the best produced. Being the only one in my county to own one gets me ALOT of looks and ALOT of questions. This car definetly has no lack in power. If you dont like the pirelli P Zero tires just burn them off through first and second. The neighbors may not like the smoke but youve got something to accomplish. This interior has much more head room than past models (I know this for a fact cause I traded in a 99 Mustang). The 5 speed shift is also positioned much better and the stereo system has been improved vastly. No words can describe what it feels like to drive this car.