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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  2000 Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By JOHNPIERCE - January 24 - 3:42 pm

  The heated seat on the drivers side went out at 36,000 miles. 6 way CD player was replaced under warranty. Ball joints replaced at 29,000 miles, was just out of warranty 3 weeks dealership replaced them free. You expect something like this at 100,000 miles, not 29,000. stabilizer control links were just replaced at 42,000 miles. This is the 2nd Explorer I have owned. My 1994 never had suspension problems like this one. I do not drive off road and maintain the car to manufacturer recommendations.

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  4WD Aerostar - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Robert - January 24 - 3:38 pm

  This 4 liter 4WD Aerostar has been a very dependable and very versatile vehicle for our large family.

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  I love it! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By lgot - January 24 - 6:06 am

  I bought it at end of March. Had to contact 17 dealers to get a GT convertible,with a manual transmission. People are always staring and telling me how much they love this car. I never thought a car could make you more popular but this car has. It drives great, The top is very easy to manage, the pickup and speed are great. This is truly a great Mustang. If you can go for the convertible, and V8. My wife and children used to say I was starting to drive like an old man. They cant believe how Ive morphed into a speed fanatic. I would buy it again it I had it to do over. So far no mechanical problems or bugs to work out. Thats about it.

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  # 5169 - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Forchek - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is definately a hot ticket. Extremely fast, quick, and very stylish. If your looking to purchase a used GT this 01 is worth locating. Most of these will be in good shape too because of their collector status. However, these cars were meant to be driven.

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  Great in the snow! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ATC - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This Expedition has performed magnificently in the recent snows here in the mid-atlantic region. We have driven in 3 seperate snow storms, and there has not been a single missed- step....We feel very safe inside. The interior finish is actually better than the Sequoia, which I wanted to be my choice, but when I test drove the two, the Ford won out.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer owner - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought in November and it runs great. Ford service is excellent (in my experience). The 4.6L V8 is very powerful, but you can almost see the gas gauge moving. Smooth ride compared to other trucks and SUVs Ive driven before...even with the tougher suspension of the off-road pkg. If you can find it, I highly recommend the traction control system. It really comes in handy in wet, icy, or snowy conditions. The interior needs some work...leather seats only on 1st two rows, and appears only to be on the seats, not on door trim. The dashboard computer is great...tells you gas mileage, miles till empty, oil life remaining, and other engine status.

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  Dont Buy! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By DDan - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The automatic transmission had to be replaced before the truck had 3000 miles. The four wheel drive is not as good as the competitions. The engine lacks power and the fuel economy is poor.

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  Ford doesnt back up product - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By gregvicwill - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our second(and last) Windstar minivan.Our vehicle has been plagued by a pervasive and enigmatic problem involving the complicated traction control and theft deterrent system. This problem causes the vehicle to fail to start up at random intervals leaving us stranded. Ford seems helpless to find or fix this problem despite over a month total time in the shop since purchase. Two Ford engineers have examined the vehicle,each in turn declared that the problem was found,reproduced and repaired,however the problem continues to this day. Trade in day! and not on a Ford product.

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  A good little SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jaychuk - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for a bout a month now, and I still love driving it. We also have a GMC Jimmy in the family and I like driving the Escape even better. It handles great on ice and snow (which is very important here in the Great White NOrth).

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  This Thang Aint No Joke - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Cherbox - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle Sept 2000 when they first came out. I have driven in the snow, but the snowstorm of 2003 proved to me "This Thang Aint No Joke". I had no problem pulling out of piles of snow and I have to drive on the prkwy and I put this sucker into 4x4 and made it safely home.