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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  2001 Ford Windstar LX - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Jactionville Marine - April 3 - 12:04 am

  I bought this vehicle used. The 5 star safety rating was the big attraction. It has performed well and is very reliable. Had to put 2 new tires on at 40k miles. Previous owner had knocked wheels out of line and never had them realigned. My van doesnt have all the options that some of the Windstars have but that will be less to break in the future. I had one problem with a fuel metering valve that Ford replaced for free. It was covered under a technical service bulletin. Id like better fuel economy but otherwise really like this vehicle.

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  NICE VAN - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By TREVOR - April 2 - 3:28 pm

  I found my van to be not like the reviews said it to be - nice interior and great gas economy, and way more torque than any other van. Third row seats fold flat into foor and the DVD system is great for the kids.The bottom line is the vans are all the same but the Ford was way cheaper the Honda or Toyota and I feel the Ford Freestar is just as good as both of those vans. My wife loves the van for it gives her a good view of the road and has adjustable pedals which no other company offers

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  Its gonna cost you! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By costmemoney - April 2 - 3:22 pm

  Purchased with 32K. Had Windstar for one year and felt a "thug" on transmission. Thankfully I bought an extented bumper to bumper 3 year warranty for $1,800. Tranny went at 37K! Would have cost me $2,300. Now the front windshield wipers work only on the "fast" setting, passenger seat belt doesnt work, electric side door has problems closing, interior lights go on whenever. Paint on roof rack peels, engine is loud. I bought this car for my family need the room. It looks nice and its interior design is interesting for the passengers. But, if you plan on buying this car make sure you buy a least a 3 year warranty. If you dont you will spend at least $2,000 in the first 18 months. Good Luck!

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  My little pony - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Faye Rotunda - April 2 - 12:41 pm

  Shop around for the best deal with the most extra

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  2004 Ranger - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Randy Tribble - April 2 - 11:15 am

  Had a few problems but nothing major. I love the truck. Have always had a 150 and stepped down to a Ranger and love it.

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  Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By cmario - April 2 - 9:17 am

  Big, spacious hauler with plenty of room for our three kids and two dogs. The Excursion is our main vehicle for our weekly trips to the ski slops in Vermont and there is no better truck on the road to handle the weather we drive in. The diesel gets around 16-18 mpg and stays about the same even when towing a 9,000 lb tractor. I am replacing this truck with an 05 Excursion. I had two Suburbans before this truck, and they did not have the hauling and towing capacity as this truck has.

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  Cobras - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Jeremy Stumbo - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I aboslutly love my Mustang Cobra. It runs good and is a fast car.

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  Awesome car. Dont stop making them! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By LoD728 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  My first new car.I have the auto and premium package.Its extremely fun to drive and has a good amount of power to satisfy me.I like the exterior/interior dimensions and inside panels.Its all driver oriented and lights up nice at night.Small and cozy inside. Back seats are fine.The mach 460 sound system is amazing.All it needs is an American flag on the back.

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  Awesome car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By avengerc4 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best car I have ever driven. I previously owned a 2000 v6 mercury cougar and love the focus a lot better. It is lighter with less pickup but a new air intake and exhaust put it right on track.

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  2002 Focus Review - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Leroy - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is very reliable and has a much better ride than I thought when I purchased it. The engine is quite petty and allows you to transition into highway traffic quite easily. The fuel economy is very good too. I plan to buy another one this year.