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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  BBS TRUCK - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By BILL - March 10 - 5:52 pm

  This is my third Expedition and I love them. Handling is the best. For a large vehicle it handles great and parks very easily. Towing is no problem and the new 5.4 engine should solve the only complaint by improving gas mileage while adding power.

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  Cute, Fast and Fun - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By FiestaInMotion - March 10 - 5:00 pm

  Ive had my automatic Fiesta for 3 weeks and I love it. It is way more fun to drive than its 120 hp would suggest - maintains highway speed effortlessly, passes cars easily, and I dont feel like potential road kill in it. Nothing feels cheap or sluggish, and the seats are really comfortable. Even in high heat when Im blasting the AC all day both ways, I still average 30 mpg. On cool days when I can drive with windows down I get over 40 on the highway.

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  Buy it again - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Raymond Allen - March 10 - 4:31 pm

  I bought this car from my parents 4 years ago. I have put over 80,000 miles on it without anything more than normal maintenance. The only problem Ive had with the car is the brakes. The rotors warp after 8,000 to 10,000 miles, faster if driving in mountainous regions.

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  Good Used Vehicle Purchase - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By cooperstar - March 10 - 3:48 pm

  Purchased my Aerostar as an in-between vehicle. Recently had family addition and needed room for family of five. This was a quick purchase without much thought. Have had to make several repairs since owning but have grown to love the vehicle. Replaced front axle, lower control joints, brakes, resealed windows, thermostat, water pump, shift control cable, middle bench seat, third door panel and radio. Even after all that it still cheaper than purchasing a newer van. With the exception of a pesky oil/transmission leak, which I will take care of soon, we have come to appreciate the van, especially the full time all wheel drive.

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  I hate Ford. No more American cars. - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By gantnerg - March 10 - 1:07 pm

  This car was great until around 50,000 miles when the transmission started acting up. It surges between 2nd and 3rd gears. It still works with no repair but still surges. I can deal with that. But now at 65,000 miles I had to have the intake gasket replaced at a cool $1,000! I was even sort of ok with that but now the 4WD HIGH and LOW lights are flashing. I am sick of trouble codes with this SUV!!! I knew I shouldnt have given up my Camry. Why cant American car makers build a reliable car like the Japanese?

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  Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By scott - March 10 - 2:08 am

  It is a very good car for towing and hauling people. It is very roomy. The diesel engine has very good power and the tow transmission is very good for holding back large loads on steep grades. My only complaint is the steering and handling was not good. It wandered all over the road. We could not even pull our travel trailer over 45 mph but our dealer was very good about fixing it (Ford company was not!). They had to bring it to a specialty shop to have the front end shimmed correctly and a new steering box installed and replaced the stock shocks with a truck style shock. Now it drives great but I am very upset that Ford let a car that is made for pulling leave the factory so unsafe to drive with a load.

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  Not a fan of the look, LOVE the rest - 1998 Ford Escort
  By MikeMG - March 9 - 1:38 pm

  I bought this car last September. I was originally looking for a ZX3 but this one was CHEAP. I test drove it and bought it the same day. The performance is unbelievable for a stock car, if only the aesthetics could be comparable. If youre young and want a tough, quick car, then this is it. I cant seem to break it, which is hard to believe. Parts are cheap too ($25 Cdn for a wheel bearing). Service it regularly and this car will last forever.. And if you live in an area where salt is used on the roads, undercoat it every year.

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  Trade before 140,000km! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Lynne - March 9 - 12:36 pm

  I have to admit that my ZX2 has been a good car. Bought it new in 1999. Safe and solid (i hit a tree and walked away). So Ford builds tough thats for sure! However, it seems no one tells you that around 140,000 kms that your automatic transmission will blow up. Oh heres the stinger - $3000 to fix! I had to take out a loan to fix it. I talked to the dealer and they laughed and said they knew this would happen when the sold it to me.

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  My 1st Mustang ever - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By jaosalla - March 9 - 10:15 am

  I got the 40th edition model 04 Mustang & so far Im very happy with my purchase. Plus I got a great deal on it. Prior to my Mustang, Ive always been extremely satisfied with every Kapanese automobile Ive owned (3) and seemed to lean towards Japanese automakers, but this time I wanted to make a leap of faith back to the domestics. I really like the recent Mustang body styles, especially the new 2005. The ride is very smooth and the cabin is quiet cruising both city & highway. Its fun to drive and it has excellent acceleration for a V6, but then the fuel mileage Im getting is lower than I originally expected. I get about 240 city & 300 highway to the tank.

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  Love the get up and go - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By 65mustang - March 9 - 6:13 am

  This little unit really goes and I love that. I guess the trade-off is poor MPG. It is a disappointment there is no space under the seats in the back for storage. Bench seats not so comfortable for long rides. One of my other favorite things is that is doesnt beep when you lock it - I HATE that! I bought this because the Flex is about the ugliest thing Ive seen but I like being up higher and dont like SUVs. The Tauras X provides pretty good visibility all around. I will also miss the read heat controls of the Windstar I LOVED. I dont like the gear shifter where it is but if it provides a much higher level of safety, I will adjust.