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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  Love my stang - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By mickierae - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a just plain fun to have and drive car for one or two people - forget the back seat - its only fit for a small dog. It does not cost a fortune to buy or maintain. this car is a keeper!

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  NOISY CAN"T HEAR YOUR SELF TALK - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Philip Costantino - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The only bad thing I can say is,TOO MUCH NOISE FROM THE TIRES cant here your radio or some one talking.

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  HELP - 2002 Ford Escape
  By STANMONT9919 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  BROUGHT BACK SEVERAL TIMES TO GET ORDOR OUT OF VENTILATION SYSTEM, NO LUCK TO DATE. SMELLS (MOLDY) LIKE "STINKY FEET" OR "ROTTEN EGG", HORRIBLE. ALSO WHEN COMING TO COMPLETE STOP, FRONT END (BRAKES) MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND. FORD ENGINEER STATES THAT COMMON TO ESCAPES??

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  Great Family Car! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By KDJ1220 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is such a great family car especially if you have animals too! It is so functional. You have the convenience of a SUV with the capacity of a truck for your visits to Home Depot! You can seriously do it all with this vehicle. We are very thrilled about our purchase and wouldnt be surprised if we buy another a couple years down the line.

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  Do not buy this vehicle - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By neveragainford - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I heed warning to anyone who is interested in a Ford Windstar. Make sure you look around before you make your decision. This is a nice vehicle at first, until you start looking at what you can get for your money at the other brands. I think the best minivan on the market today is the Dodge Grand Caravan / Chrysler Town and Country! Where else can you get industry exclusive infrared climate control that is automatic, Power sliding doors with obsticle detection system, and a power rear lift gate standard? You cant even get them elsehere as an option. These are by far the supreme minivan on the market!

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  Dont rollover - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By matt0700 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  While we have had no major problems with our Explorer, I am too concerned about the rollover issue and will not replace this vehicle with another Explorer.

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  Worried - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Carol S - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I was very pleased with my 99 Taurus until we noticed a nice rattle about a month ago. Have discovered it to be one of the two catalytic converters is breaking apart. This is outrageously priced to fix. The part is expensive, plus...the mounting bolts are almost unreachable for some mechanics--one exhaust shop wont even work on it because of the mounting. I bought the extended warranty; however, it does not cover this. WHEW! Thats a load off my chest.

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  2006 Explorer -- reinvention and perfection - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jon - September 29 - 8:26 am

  Smooth running 3V V8 has very long legs, with an endless flow of seamless power. Smooth acceleration and braking. Interior quality on par with the F150 though the door panels could be designed a little better as the handles are hard to reach when opening the door. Very impressed with the overall quality of the interior though it does not compare with say, a BMW M5. The ride is very compliant, much better than previous years and the chassis seems much stiffer and quieter. It seems remarkably nimble for such a large vehicle, making it very easy to drive. The 2006 Explorer is head and shoulders above previous model years. It is the best Explorer yet, and is nearly perfect.

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  Best auto I have ever owned - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By goldilox - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Best auto ever owned...reliable...never once in the shop except for reg checkups.

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  The Explorer Just Keeps Running.... - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By clarkbaker - September 29 - 2:00 am

  We have owned our Ford Explorer since 1998. The model we bought is a 1992. We purchased it with approx. $75k miles on it. The only thing that has gone srong is an $80 fuel mix sensor. The car is reliable, well designed and has never left us on the side of the road. The car is now 12 years old and has proven as reliable as any car I have owned in the past. The 4x4 capabiltiies have been stronlgy utilized in Lake Tahoe and Reno areas in Summer and Winter. The car was also used to tow a light motor boat to and from the San Francisco Delta area. Ford made a great car that is easy to service and I expect to last into the 200k miles+ range easily.