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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  Look A Windstar RUN! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By windstarhater - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst auto I have ever owned. It has been in the dealership shop at least once per month since I purchased it. The engine sounds like the valves are clattering all the time. its had 6 new pistons,The transmission rebuilt 3 times, the interior lights turn off and on by themselves. The lifters have been replaced 1 at a time for over 2 years. The doors leak. instrument panel went out and that controls the theft and ignition system. The intake manifold has been replaced 4 times this is normal for the intake to warp Im told. this is my first and last FORD.

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  Just as I was gonna give up on Ford - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By JustinSki - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This van is a bear. I cant kill it. Ive doubled the milage on it, it taken every bit of abuse I can throw at it. This thing is tough. I bought it from a friend who apparently is clinically unable to change oil in a vehicle and he put 120,000 miles on it with no major repairs, and now Ive run it up to 220,000 with no repairs, worries, squeaks, rattles or concerns. Im in the process of selling it (need a full size) but it breaks my heart to see it go. Ford shoulda never killed this one off. Especailly to relace it with that garbage Windstar.

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  nice but unreliable - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By AlexVishnu - April 6 - 2:00 am

  purchased used with only 57K. Very roomy and comfortable. Steering and suspension built excellent for long interstae rides - the driver does not tired, the front passanger can read or sleep. Therefore poor handling on twisty mountain roads: you need to react earier than usual, but I got used to it. I didnt like the seats. but again no seat is comfortable for everyone, my wife liked it. Head gusket failed at 63K, a disgusting knock in the engine emerged soon after that. Starter died at 75K. Now (98K) there is a problems with either driveaxle or differential. 18-21 MPG city, 22-26 highway. Average for 6 cyl in 94

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  fun and practical - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By dundonrl - April 6 - 1:36 am

  This is the 2nd Explorer that Ive owned, the 1st being a 01 XLT 4x4. So far I have put BF Goodrich A/T in 31x10.5x15s on it, installed a hidden hitch front mount and have a Warn 9.5ti winch on a mulit-mount to get me out of places the All Terrain tires wont. Its fun, gets decent fuel mileage and with its small turning radius can get into some pretty tight trails when going off road. Future plans are rear Detroit locker, front air or electric locker and a 4" lift.

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  2002 Ford Explorer XLS 4WD - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Damon Powell - April 5 - 2:46 pm

  This is the first Ford Explorer I have ever owned and have been quite impressed with it. I was surprised at how easily the 4.0 liter engine pulled my boat and utility trailer. The Explorer is also quicker than I had expected. My only complaint (however minor) is the comfort of the front bucket seats on the XLS model. Otherwise, I find the Explorer to be a great value.

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  Brakes-Brakes-Brakes-Brakes-Brakes - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By WV MAN - April 5 - 9:30 am

  I just finished putting on the third set of Ford factory rear brake pads and rotors. My car has 81000 miles on it. Something wrong with this picture. Its not the calipers replaced them the second time.

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  Good Truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Redcycle13 - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I had 1999 Chevrolet Z71. This truck is better all around. Rides better, more power, sits higher, etc. The only area it gives up ground to the Chevrolet is in off-road performance. That is mainly due to the rear locker that was standard equipment on the Chevy.

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  was the truck of my dreams - 1999 Ford F-150
  By read this - April 5 - 2:00 am

  In june 2001 I bought a 99 modle with only 17000 on it . Since then I had to have 2 coils put in under warr. In 03 for some reason the gasket around the rear sliding window sank in but the dealer would not replace it. and the extended would not cover . again in 03 the trucks drivers door started tearing the meatle at the bottom of the window at the rear corner. The dealer said it was common. not covered under extened warr. now the odometer comes and gos the dealer will fix it if I pay another $50. and it is one of the warr. codes in their computer.There is a drive train vibration from rear. the automatic transmittion sucks and truck dosnt handle.

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  2001 Ford Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Greg Shattuck - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am pretty satisfied. I bought the truck new in 2001. I looked at Dodge, Nissan & Toyota compact trucks but felt they were too expensive and not as handsome as the Ranger. The only problems I have had are the rear doors rattling over bumps, also I wish the seats were more comfortable (lumbar support, head rests?). But everything else has been great: I currently have about 33,000 miles on the truck and have experienced no major problems. I like the 4.0 V6 power but the gas mileage suffers a bit (will there ever be an eletric hybrid pickup?). Have taken the truck off road a bit and it seems to do well.

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  Excellent value - 1996 Ford Contour
  By NMRN - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 4 years ago from owner.. Been a Ford expected a lot of issue. So far only one minor issue. Front power window actuator broke. Wish I had the larger engine, but even with the 2L (Shift stick) it is fun to drive. For what I paid for it, It was plesent surprise, especialy performence and handling, but alos reliability.