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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  i want a new car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By luckymi - April 27 - 2:00 am

  my taraus has been the most expensive car i have owened. there is a new motor, new head gasket times two, 4 new struts, 4 new coil springs, water pump, and a lot of front suspension work. now i am faced with needing a new trannie. im not happy

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  Run Away Fast - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By buy another car - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but problems.Oil leak under chain cover ($525) Transmission ($2500) Steering column broke ($310.00) + 2 recalls, & many little things. Disappointing vehicle. Never buy Ford again. Will buy Toyota to get a real car. Mechanic who fixed steering wheel said Ford told him that the Fords have alot of problems with this steering wheel problem. I went to turn off my car and my key just flipped around & then it would not turn off my accessories. It was not my starter it is Actuators and Assy Bracket. My suggestion is buy another car.There are many more out there that are better than the Ford Explorer and Ford all together. Gas mileage stinks to.

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  This is my last Ford.. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By drifter - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I dont know where to start.With 68K miles engine died (chain tensioner failed),paint is allready chipped and faded,running boards are all rusty,hood lootch broke off recently, drivers seat frame and seat latch broken too,rear differential makes horrible hissing sound,front bearings and ball joints failed also,radio LED is blinking all the time,one of the control panel lights died,check engine light coming on and off constantly,had to replace lower and upper intake gaskets and idle motor(engine wouldnt start in cold weather,faulty headlights switch,terrible gas mileage and the list goes on and on...This is my lesson, last Ford EVER.

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  I hate it, husband loves it - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By maiya - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Am I the only one that hates driving this vehicle? I feel like Im driving a school bus because its so huge, and when I go to pump gas, it kills me. I long for the compact car where I can jump in and get my moneys worth. Also, I know cars depreciate but I didnt think it would be 18,000 less in 2 years. I finally convince my husband to trade-in to a car that we can both love and save money on. After this car,..Im looking into a hybrid. Overall, I wish I saved my money and bought a Lexus. Worth the price and depreciate less.

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  Be Cautious - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Date83R - April 20 - 2:00 am

  We bought ours new @ 60K. It was great until last year. When it hit 100K the fur hit the fan. We have put well over 3000 into it in the last 9 months. Everything from tie rods to all sorts of electrical problems. The problems just keep piling up though. Even the techs at the dealership were scratching their heads with the last one. Were trading it in for a Caravan tomorrow.

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  ford tempo 90 - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Harvey Winter - April 19 - 2:00 am

  fairly dependable and gets me where Im goping (most times)

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  Might want to steer clear of this one... - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Wig7 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 80k on it and it was good for a while. Tranny is very problematic as are sensors. Replaced water pump and serpentine belt. Front bearings and alternator twice. Ford transmissions seem very crappy. Vehicle always stalls at stop lights, even in neutral. Might want to try something another car.

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  Squeeze the Lemon - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Keeler1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  ABS and Advance-trac have been repaired 3 times. Drivers seat was totally replaced for bad seat motor. Front rotors, calipers and pads replaced at 13k. Now the Door Ajar light stays on after re-closing all the doors to make it stop. This is one big Lemon!

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  Never Again - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jram - April 17 - 2:00 am

  After having many problems with a 97 Explorer, we decided to trade it in and try again. We have had a host of problems from rear wiper motor malfunction (2x), rattle that the dealership still cant find, and a host of electrical problems from dash board lights that go on and off, check engine light that stays on, O/D off light that comes on at any time and the radio/cd lights that have not worked for almost 2 yrs. Dealership and service has been horrible and useless and drove me off the road when they did not fix my brakes properly and they did not work on Interstate 85 in Norht Atlanta, not the place to not have brakes. My Dad was a Chevy man and now I know why.

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  T Bird 5.0 - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By David B - April 16 - 2:00 am

  had a while travelled from canada to Fl,rear wheel drive in snow in this car is sweaty palms stuff.At @75k had to replace almost everything but the steering wheel,but I still like the car,and lets be fair, most domestics fair the same.