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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  Dont waste your hard earned money - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Michelle Younger - April 20 - 6:59 am

  Ford made a bad car and knew about it when they put this out on the market. Ford has a class-action lawsuit against them right now for the transmission going out before 80,000 miles, also can go out while driving it. This car was bought new off the lot in 2007,and has been in the family and taken good care of, the transmission started a "helicopter" noise at 79,000 miles drove it till just over 80,000 miles when we figured out it was the transmission. BTW (80,000 miles it when the warranty expires on it.) Now at 82,000 we take it in to the Ford dealership we purchased it from and they "never heard of this problem" yet Ford has a Class-action lawsuit on them for this problem. I have always been a Ford person, I now I have No trust in the name or the people that work for them. All that could store my trust in them is that they do the right thing and replace all the transmissions that are affected, and the other problems with the car. Over all the car was a nice ride, luxury car for Ford, but since I only got 80,000 miles out of and purchase price of $30,000 dollars I give it a low review.

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  Disappointed 2 - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By rollo - April 20 - 2:38 am

  Very disappointed in this vehicle. The EGR valve has went out several times. The automatic ride control including the compressor went out at 90k miles. The estimate from the dealer was $1,500 to fix (I had the the air shocks ripped out and put regular shocks and new leaf springs on it for $500). The climate control went out at 110k miles costing over $1200 (heater box and actuator). Antenna doesnt go up & down, cant unlock the hatch with the key and cant lock or unlock it with the back switch. Cruise control on the steering wheel broke off and the hood wont stay up by itself. Many other small repairs have been needed. Now I cant even sell it for more than I have in it in repairs.

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  Built Ford Tough - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Happy - April 19 - 3:05 pm

  I have owned this truck since it was new in 1994. It currently has 210K on it and still runs like new. I have replace consumables i.e., water pump, battery, alternator. Nothing major until I replaced the suspension last year. This two wheel drive outperformed many on the trail, in snow storms and through rivers and stream beds. No complaints, Id do it again.

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  Why Didnt We Do This Sooner? - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By oldmanriver - April 19 - 1:00 pm

  Surveys tend to indicate that virtually all SUV owners wish they had more room. It was this logic that led us to the purchase of the 2005 Excursion - sporting restyling features that put it over the top for irresistibility. Once you easily adapt your driving habits to accommodate the characteristics of the Excursion, you will never look back. Its a very social vehicle that lets passengers get comfortable and enjoy being together. Out of nowhere, amidst the line of mostly GM SUVs at her school during dismissal, my young daughter proclaimed: "I carry pride for that grill!". They ought to use that slogan in a Ford TV commercial.

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  174 k and still like it - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By WL - April 19 - 6:02 am

  Bought it used for cheap off a Toyota dealership lot, with 100k already on it. Had to be talked into buying it by the salesman, and have never regretted it. Drove a 6 cylinder prior to the 8 cylinder. Grandma wont get on the freeway with the pathetically weak 6 cylinder. but the 8 cylinder hauls! Bad gas mileage, hard ride (as expected from an SUV?). Lots of features, the 3.73 rear-end (read:traction) even got me around on Texas "black ice" as good or better than the 4WDs were doing. Tows a 3500 pound boat ok too. Tranny rebuilt at 120k for $1600. Overall, could be a little more reliable I guess. Buy one cheap and replace the parts when they go bad. A good deal for the money. Havent been stranded yet.

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  No Problems after 24000 Km - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Rob R - April 19 - 3:00 am

  Ive driven my 2004 Freestar Sport for nearly a year and have clocked 24,000Km. Its never been back to the dealer for warranty service - probably the best new car Ive ever owned. I owned a Windstar previously. The ride, quality of interior materials, handling, brakes, transmission shifting - all much better than Windstar. Only gas mileage is worse. Overall, a great vehicle at thousands less than the imports!

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  Great Truck! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Cheeseflyer - April 19 - 2:00 am

  What I Love: Fun to drive, powerful, great in the snow, great payload for hauling cheese, rear seats fold down flat. What I Hate: I leave the lights on all the time - The truck "dings" for 30 seconds before turning off the lights - very annoying!, poor gas milage (17-18 in the city, 20-22 on the hwy, disapointing) Overall - I LOVE MY TRUCK!!

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  Many mechanical problems - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By f perez - April 19 - 2:00 am

  A year after purchasing my Windstar was in the shop for over a month ( 5 different occasions) Once they sell it to you it is your problem. I have purchased 5 fords (4 taurus before this lemmon) I will NEVER buy Ford again. They have gone back to the 1970s with built in obsolesence! When I went to return the car on a lease return, all the told me was that I should go into another lease because I did not want to own a car with 40k mi because it will most likely break-down. No Thanks. 3 yrs 36k is too little Ford does not stand behind their product. I am going to shop Honda Toyota tomorrow. If you are considering this van DONT!!!

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  Not Bad - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Big Willie - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought my sporttrac in June 2000 and like it more as the time goes by. Looks very sporty and still get accolades from acquaintances concering its style and functionality. I commute 100 miles daily and this vehicle can hang with the best of them. Im certiantly well represented driving my Sporttrac. I did have to put on a set of brake pads and turn the rotors at 55K miles. Visibility is poor when backing. Turning radius is rather large.

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  Great First Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By futuremarine16a2 - April 19 - 12:45 am

  Good little car. I was more interested in something with a big engine v6 or v8 but my parents made me test drive this one and as soon as I pulled back into the dealership I looked right at my mom and told her to sign for it. Good gas mileage.