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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  Sadly disappointed - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By boizmom - May 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Windstar we have been afflicted with. The first was a 1999 and we finally got rid of it because in the heat, the rear sliding doors would pop ajar. This new one has also had issues with the sliders ( the same issue). Now, I am finding plenty of little things going wrong. I am just tired of spending my time in the dealership. We have also discovered that the rear heating system is poorly designed. There is a vent aimed at the drivers seat. So, when the kids are cold, but the driver is warm, too bad for the driver (or the kids)- the driver roasts while the kids still shiver.

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  91 Festiva L - 1991 Ford Festiva
  By KR2 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  These cars are great! Ive had 5, if you count Fiestas, all purchased for less than $1000. I drive them a year or two, they get a major problem, and I throw them away. Cylinders have blown on two, and the front end went out on a couple. Fixing them would cost more than buying another, so I bought another

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  not happy in cali - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mary coates - May 3 - 2:00 am

  i used to own the 2002 expedition and it was much roomier in the seats and the 2003 are much small and really drives like a truck and to be honest i cant wait until i can trade it in.

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  Escort... possibly the BEST Ford vehicle - 1997 Ford Escort
  By CPL - May 3 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle used from a Ford Dealer with about 50K kilometers (30K miles). We still have it. The car is now just under 200,000 kilometers and runs like a charm. Other than the regular maintenance (oil changes, flushes, brakes..etc), we have put in less than $1000 in unusual maintenance over the 5 year period. I would still recommend anyone to purchase the escort used.

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  ZX2 is a great coupe - 2000 Ford Escort
  By rainbow - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car 4 years ago back in 2000. I have enjoyed having this car around. It is a fun car to drive back and forth to work. I have had no problems with the car. It has been a very reliable car. I would buy another one if given the chance. Out of all the compact coupes I would say the ZX2 is a great coupe. I spend most of my time around cars, so yes I know what Im talking about.

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  Happy so far! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By jjkmlk - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Quiet, reliable, solid performer. Best mileage I can achieve with the 5.4L is about 16 mpg. I tow a 4000# boat with no problem (12 mpg). 19,600 to date and no problems - "knock on wood."

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  LEMON with NO AID - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Audwea - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Within the first year, due to or because of the poor quality parts, the interior back seats began rattling/shaking;the back seats a very rarely used. The console rattles and shakes. At 40,000 miles and a year later, I now experience major transmission problems. The automatic transmission doesnt shift smoothly from first to second gear. Within 15 minutes the more exaggerated and predominant the shift, eventually throwing the vehicle out of overdrive on its own.

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  Shoddy Brakes - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Sybilicious - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I was very disappointed to find out Ford makes lightweight rotors designed to be replaced with EVERY brake job. Ive never had to replace rotors on a car before, as long as I changed the pads early enough to forstall any brake problems, but the Ford Focus rotors are junk! Go buy some decent rotors and pads from NAPA auto supply, and use those instead- they will perform better and last longer than the dealership parts. Ford Focuses (Foci?) are not built to last. A prime example of built-in planned obsolescence. I am also disappointed in how fast the resale value plummeted.

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  WOW - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Polestar9205 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I was hesitant to purchase the Focus due to initial reliabilty reports on the 2000 model. The test drive and Fords quality improvements, which have been large, persuaded me to buy the car. This is the most fun American car I have ever driven! The ZTW wagon (only 10in. longer than the sedan) handles like a sports car( 16in rims/low profile Pirelli Tires). Power from the Zetec engine is smooth and consistent. The sound system ( 6 in dash CD) is superior. Ride is quiet and predictable. Styling is Euro and handsome. Lots of cargo room.

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  Fun affordable European Sport Wagon - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Polestar - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This aint your momas wagon. TheFocus ZTW Wagon is only 10in. longer than the sedan and uses the same, well tuned suspension. Power plant is the smooth running Zetec 2.0, 130HP engine. Drivers seat has up/down and lumbar support adjustment-very nice. Extreamly roomy interior and excellent sound system. Styling is totally Euro ( Get the CD-Silver)