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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  It EXPLODED! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By denise - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I HAD pretty good luck with my Explorer...until yesterday. I was literally just driving (NO BUMPS) down the road yesterday and the whole back window EXPLODED into my truck. The metal the encases the window was also completely bent out. I will now be without a car for at least a week and a half with no real solution for getting around. The dealership claims that they have seen this problem a lot recently and that its a design flaw. How about a RECALL? Someone could have been seriously hurt if they had been in the backseat!

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  OMG ITs a Ford - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By JCS - March 24 - 2:00 am

  It has 130,000 miles on it and has been reasonable for repairs. Some quirkiness in the electronics such as lights and chimes that wont deactivate when they should. The tranny is groaning a bit even after service. 4wd system is excellent and the ride is comfortable. Just dont try an Indy car moves on the roadway or you will roll the beast. The brakes are expensive to replace. Seems that everytime it needs a brake job the rotors are toast. I am a very easy driver on the vehicle. I paid 28,000 for it in 98, used with 12,000 miles. They dont hold their value that well because according to Edmonds its only worth about 8,000 for trade.

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  Was good for a while, but... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By smilingbrownbear - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this program vehicle in 1997. Had 22,000 miles and now has 120,000. Was very good (although it had some irritating electrical problems) until it hit 100,000 miles. Needed a transmission - surprise! Got a remanufactued one for $2,400. New tranny is fine. Terrible electrical system now requires trips to the shop every few months. Also has some problems when just started and idling.

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  I will never own another Ford - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By fordhater1 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Ford Windstar used from a reputable dealer. After having it for 10 months, the interior and exterior lights began to dim. The fan blower began to surge and the dome lights would flicker on and off at any given time. A days later the battery was dead. Something id draining the battery, but 3 Ford dealerships cannot find the root cause. The van has been in the shop for the last 6 months and counting. We my have driven it for 3 weeks out of the last 6 months. Never buy a Ford product.

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  Head gasket - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By 99EB - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck was purchased used with 56K, now has 62K and everything is starting to go wrong with it! Head gasket is now leaking oil ($1500 repair). Heated seats have been replaced already ($370 each), rear door molding is defective, wiper/turn signal switch defective-wipers go on whenever they want to, Gas mileage is VERY POOR for this vehicle! We are now getting rid of this and going with a Japanese SUV, hope you do to! Dont waste your time on this car if you dont like going back to the dealer every 3 months.

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  Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Pito Perez - March 21 - 2:00 am

  this car could be a lot better, and it could be sold for a lot less, and it could hold its values better. Ive only owned it for 1.5 years and its already lost 47% of its original purchase price!!!

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  Has sides like butter - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Tia Chang - March 20 - 2:00 am

  The transmission on my car went at 50,000, and the dealer wouldnt replace it. One person ran into it (just with his body, not a car) and left a big dent in the side. The air conditioning went out at 75,000 miles. The salt on the roads has eroded the muffler and loosened the catalytic converter cap, no matter how often I get it replaced. On the plus side, it gets great gas mileage, and you can fit a surprising amount into it. Also can park it in very tight spots.

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  Falling apart from day2 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By euspml - March 19 - 10:00 am

  4 weeks into this. Day2 engine stumbling and missing upon engine start. After two visits = computer reprogram (we had to insist). Day8 the pass-door low trim split-off at the front & dealer says door re-alignment is needed when the new panel comes in. Day20, dual mode AC only blows cold air on pass side/warm air on driver side. Quality & Ford seem to have gone separate ways. The dealer has been poor itself with service being apathetic at best (had to resort to lemon law just to get action). Our new SUV which seems to be falling apart faster than we can drive it, ensures we will never buy a Ford product again.

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  k - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By wingnutkev - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the truck like ride and hieght of the vehical. I also enjoy the capacity for toating everything from dogs to my work equipment. I dislike that Ive been through 3 transmissions and that the engine lacks power and acceleration. My vehical has over 200,000 miles and only so much can be expected. It had 120000 miles when I purchased it. It is easy to work on. A few quirks here and there but there hasnt been much on it go that I havent been able to fix myself.

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  Decent Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By mmark869 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Received car basically as a gift with 65000 miles, only catch was it needed a new tranny, car has 70000 miles now with new tranny. The car runs well, has a soft smooth ride, handles O.K. This car is not very good on gas, and like many american cars the steering is too loose! Very comfortable to sit in and the controls are right where they should be, for some reason I Love the strange looking round control panel. The stock radio is nice and the climate control works great, good trunk space too.