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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  Never Buy a 2 Door SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By jemiller4golf - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Explorer Sport new and found that it did not handle well on wet roads and curves. Besides a hefty transmission repair bill, I have had issues with the ABS system, air bag indicator light, and keyless remote system. Before I purchase my next vehicle I will review any Technical Service Bulletins and Recall notices on the National Highway Safety website as I saw a number of issues listed for the Explorer that I am experiencing.

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  Not bad - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By BSmith - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Im not crazy about my Ranger. The biggest problem I have is that the 3.0 liter engine is underpowered. I would suggest buying the larger engine.

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  Economical Car - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Festiva Driver - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a few years ago as a high school student. It has turned out to be a very dependable car, having incurred no expenses other than routine brake pad, tire, and oil changes. The car gets good gas mileage, and is cheap to insure and plate. While the car appears small on the outside, it is actually fairly comfortable on the inside, and has a useful amount of storage space. The interior is simple but durable. My biggest complaints are that the car tends to get a severe lack of respect on the road, and I wouldnÂ’t trust it in a wreck. Im not comfortable with taking the car over 70 and even that is pushing it on a long haul.

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  Decent people hauler - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By DaleH - March 14 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical problems. Expected some based on reviews. At 85000 still running fine. Always had problems with interior lights staying on after going through car wash. Mechanic said to spray WD40 on contacts. V6 engine has plenty of Power for the mountains in Colorado.

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  lemon - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By RIckJ - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been back to dealer 17 times for recalls or problems. The same problem came up after warranty and FORD would not stand behind. Last problem exhaust mainfold bolts rusted off with major repair exspense. Ford will not stand behind product. This will be my last Ford product and the last for my company which purchases many vehicles. I approached thess problems as a individual client not thru the company. Because of the treatment Ford has lost a lot of business.

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  1992 Super Coupe - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By PClark - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Decent car but been known to blow head gaskets and it did. 2 of them in 70,000. If the engine could hold together would be a decent car. Owners might want to be machanics so they can repair the heads on their own

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  cant win for losing - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By schwoop - March 12 - 2:00 am

  with this car you just cant win for losing.every time i turn around this car has something else wrong with it...would list them all but my fingers might cramp

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  its okay - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By clint - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my explorer about a year ago when it had 94,000 miles. Now it has 104,000. It makes noises when you drive. I was told to replace the shocks so I did. It help somewhat but mad the misstake and put rancho shocks on. Supper rough ride!! I bought leather seats for it and realy like them. Engine seems like a good one except when below 25 degrees, then makes funny noises when started. I would recomend, but trading in, in the next week for a pick-up.

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  Good and Bad - 2003 Ford F-150
  By jcpf250 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I had a 97 f-150 4.6 ran great but traded it in for a 03 f-150 5.4 because the 97 had 210,000 miles. The 97 never had major problems. The 03 I have pretty much sucks. Motor knocks on a cold start, tranny shifts funny, and the rear diff "grabs" when making a sharpe turn. Needless to say the 03 is for sale.

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  Average Describes It - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By TaurusNC - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle out of a rental fleet. Perhaps that is the reason I had constant problems with mechanical items. Heat, waterpump, radiator had issues from day one. Ride and handling were nice when the car was up and running. Ended up donating to charity after waterpump blew at 85,000 miles.