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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  Ergonomic Yes, Reliable No - 2000 Ford Focus
  By BT - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in September 2000 from award winning dealer. Brilliant design, exceptional ergonomics, fun to drive, versatile and large cargo capacity, but many recalls, brake problems, and air conditioner failed at only 29,000 miles and 6 months out of warranty ($1,500 to replace and only a 1-year warranty, so I wont do it). In Oct 2000 Consumer Reports rated the Focus second best of six wagons tested, and in April 2001 Consumer Reports rated the Focus the No. 1 small sedan. In both cases reliabity was not yet established.

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  Ignition Cylinder Locks - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Focus ZX3 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car in for the same problem 4 times. The ignition cylinder locks up and leaves me stranded, and the only option is to having it towed. 6months later back in the dealer same problem, old part number again. 3months later same problem but new part number.(as if a new part # really helps) They say the key is the problem and thats what causing it to lock up. Itll cost $150 to cut new keys. This of course isnt under warranty..If they had any custumer service this wouldnt be an issue and would of all been handle at the inital repair process.

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  Dont make a mistake and buy one of these - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dudewheresmylemon - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Never again will buy a Ford after driving the one I bought. Hundereds of parts have been changed so far. I think I have the all time record for most warranty work done to a vehicle and still doesnt run correct. Throwen out of dealership where AI bought it and have to travel 400 km to get warranty work done.

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  Another Great Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By f150man - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the first SUV I have ever owned. I have owned a Ranger, F-150, Mstang and now an Explorer and this veh. is great. A week after the purchase took a 1000 mile road trip. The ride was perfect.

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  GOOD LOOKING TRUCK - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By WELDON SIMMONS - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Have not had the truck but a month, but like the looks of it. At times I wish I had of brought the 4 door due to the inconvenance of the back seat passanger. Additionally I hate the gas milage with a passion. All in all not a bad truck, and I say truck because thats what it rides like, a truck.

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  Better than expected - 2001 Ford F-150
  By overkill - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Good truck. Milage is decent for size & weight (5.4L 14 City 19 Hwy SEE BELOW). Very comfy cab, could use more room in the back seat. 30K mi no rattles yet. AC rocks! Handling is good for what it is as well. Build quality is good, but dash and some ext trim looks cheap. Nothing has broke or quit yet, and it just went through UT winter.

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  ford tough - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Schidler - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY TRUCK. I bought it used with 79,000 mile on it, it now has 113,000 and I have not had 1 problem. I keep the oil changed and have a K&N filter on it. The only thing I would change is the center console does not lock in the down position. I call it my coffee launcher. If you have a drink in the center console and lean too much on the back of it, it launches the drink all over the back seat. I here they corrected this problem in the later models. I also wish that I had bought the model with the 5.4 liter engine. the 4.6 seems to be a bit weak for the gas mileage that I get (around 12mpg).

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  93 F-250 - 1993 Ford F-250
  By Thayer - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had this truck for 8 years and counting and this has been a great truck, mine has the 7.3L turbo diesel w/ 190 hp@3000rpm has been a great truck.

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  F350 - 1996 Ford F-350
  By dblumentr - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Very Reliable and stylish with the customize package. Lots of power and acceleration. Redesigned engine burns very clean.

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  The WIndstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By glhouk - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Windstar for about six years. It has proved to be a very good vehicle. Its ride is very comfortable and it is very quiet inside. It has most all the options I need and want and is very versitile. It has great cargo room when seats are removed. I have automatic lights and mirror which I appreciate and the electronic dash has all the information I want. I have driven many newer vans and still have not found one the equal of mine.