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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  Awesome Taurus Upgrade - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jcd302 - February 12 - 12:09 am

  We just replaced our aged Taurus with this van. High mileage doesnt bother me because my last few Fords had 178k, 182k, the Taurus had 123k and my 94 Ranger has 146k and no problems. Ford did it right with the Windstar too bad I dont like the new Freestar, otherwise I would have bought one of those. The Windstar is supposed to be able to tow 3500#. We will see when we go camping with our 2000# pop-up camper this summer.

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  Only 1 regret - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By jcd302 - February 11 - 11:55 pm

  This is my 3rd Ranger and my last one lasted to 182,000 miles. I sold it 4.5 years ago and he is STILL driving it. I have HAD to do nothing to her, but I did convert the 3.08 open differential to Traction-Loc & added a trailer towing package. 146,200 miles and only done 1 wheel bearing. I get 22mpg in the summer and 17/19 in the winter. I love it and will buy my 4th Ranger when this one finally dies, but my 9 year old daughter is planning on it being around when she gets her license, so maybe in 7 more years. I should have over 300k on it by then. Ford only rates it at 1200# towing capacity, but I have towed my 2000# pop-up camper with no problems and even taken a trailer w/ 2800# of trash to the dump!

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  Great College Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Ben Reed - February 11 - 3:32 pm

  I bought my 1999 Escort with 90,000 miles on the odometer. I was looking for a late model car that would be easier on my wallet than the Pathfinder I had been driving. I average about 37-38 MPG on the highway, but have noticed a dramatic drop in city driving. The car has enough power to move it down the highway at speed, but acceleration, even with the 5 speed, is somewhat lacking. Road noise is minimal, and the sound system works exceptionally well, considering the rural environment I live in. My only complaint so far is a scrubbing/grinding noise when the brakes are spplied. I suspect either the rotors are warped or the brake pads are worn. Easy fix in either case.

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  The SUV you can count on - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By John - February 11 - 12:43 am

  This is my 6th SUV, all Fords. I continue to buy them because they perform very well and continue to do so. Im a big man, so driving comfort and room are big factors. Ive driven other SUVs but none drive like and have the comfort of my Explorer XLT.

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  coming out of a VW GLI - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Gregg - February 11 - 12:38 am

  all around poor experience with this car. performance is terrible with the small 1.5 liter motor pushing 3500 lbs. from a start probably one of the most anemic engines Ive ever experienced- only when the turbo kicks in does it finally get up to speed. pitches and rolls entirely too much entering and exiting an onramp. poor tire and brake wear ( at least compared to cars I have experienced in the past). The car has had a continued water leak in the truck which the dealer cannot figure out. The car is too big for a midsize. This isnt the easiest hunk a junk to park in the mall parking lot next to your Civics and Audis which are all a foot or more shorter.

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  7700 package 5.4liter 4x4 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 037700XL - February 10 - 8:58 pm

  Seats uncomfortable on long hauls. Front of bucket seat too high for me. Click on acceleration, maybe u-joints. 4WD floor shift works, but sometimes have to drive a fair distance to engage once it wouldnt till put into 4low, then clunked into 4x4. CD/radio went completely dead for 2 hour highway drive then came back on and hasnt done it since. Surprisingly smooth ride considering heavy duty package.

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  No more Fords 4 me - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By spring4888 - February 10 - 4:55 pm

  Had to replace intake manifold and tie rod ends at 45K miles, transmission at 62K, power steering rack& intake gaskets at 67K, power steering hose and fuel pump at 70K miles. In addition to the routine tires, brakes, flushes and numerous minor things like liftgate hydraulic, CD stuck in the player, sliding door that wont click closed, brakes and 2 alignments. We just cant afford keep this van any longer. The car has taken more "vacations" than we have! We just finished paying it off.

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  My Taurus - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By mccamp - February 10 - 12:26 pm

  Although car had been used as a dealer demo, I have found it to be reliable, comfortable, good mileage and an all around excellent buy. The interior has held up, the exterior has done very good and the handling is great. I dont speed or drive recklessly but do travel. I have the oil changed every 3,000 miles and believe that has a lot to do with its longevity. It is comfortable, I appreciate the electric seats being a shorter person. I find the adjustable steering wheel an added bonus. The "lumbar" on the driver seat is great! The electric seat is great for short legged people. Electric mirrors a REAL plus when big trucks pull too close - shine lights back at them from mirrors.

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  Best of the Small Econs - 2008 Ford Focus
  By buhwana - February 10 - 11:10 am

  I compared the Civic, Corolla and the Focus. Drove all three and the Ford was quieter, more comfortable and offered more standard features for less price. it was the only car that offered traction control, and ABS brakes. The new body style, though not as sleek as the Civic nor refined as the Corolla was a great improvement over the 07 model and that it was the deciding factor. I would have paid 3K more of the Honda or Toyota. The sync is neat (I dont own an ipod yet) but the bluetooth is a true safety feature. I trade the cheap compressor and bottle of green slime for a spacesaver spare since my last three blowouts were on the sidewall and no slime will fix that!

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  my new car! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By shelly - February 10 - 10:00 am

  When we were looking for a nice, roomy affordable car ....... well We Found IT! This is a great car. Having three kids and needing a lil room for them to sit and to be affordable and good looking were all important to us. This is a good car for a small family or like ours not (so) small. I am happy with my Taurus! The people at Paris Ford were excelent in there patience and were very informative. I will always own a Ford!