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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  Reliable and powerful - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By cssharkey - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 96 Explorer used in 98. Only problem with it was a sticky gas pedal ($80 fix) and "Check Engine" light refused to go off until fixed by dealer. Other than that, for the past six years its been just regular maintenance. My V8s got plenty of power - but not having 4x4 has hurt me a few times. Its a bit too light in the back in the snow/ice. But for decent conditions, this cars done been whats been asked of it.

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  Great ride! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By timjf825 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Love the look of this year, before it became more angular. If youre going to buy a Mustang, why would you get anything less than the GT - V8 engine. This car has great power and is a blast to drive. One of the best convertibles in this price range.

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  Lost My Shirt along with My Patience - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dissappointed_buyer - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this van because of a growing family and its crash ratings. Fine for the first 3yrs/30K miles. At 35K: engine knock-$600 (warranty expired). At 38K: new transmission(dealership had bungled the Ford After Warranty Program that would have saved us $$)negotiated $1500, Ford Motor Co wouldnt talk to us. At 39.5K miles engine knock was back. Dealership est. $1300. Took it to a mechanic who spent 2 days - made "some" improvements for $300 and advised me to get rid of it. I did. Also had a few intermintant problems: cabin light flashing & warning signal sounding for no apparent reason. Good Ridence.

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  Some car dealer only wants to sell ! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By J Boniec - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The Brake Master cylinder had to be replaced during the first few months I drove the Van. The dealership I purchase the Van Could not do a sample rear mirror upgrade to my satisfaction so I never did return to Jordan Ford at San Antonio, Texas. I was told it would hold its value , after 16 months it is worth 45% of its purchase price. I will not buy another Ford product again.

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  Please Think This Purchase Thru Carefully - 2011 Ford Edge
  By MommaKathy - March 31 - 4:41 pm

  Yesterday morning I would have told you I love my Edge. Today it is junk. We bought our 2011 Edge used with 48,000 miles. It has been meticulously maintained and lovingly driven. We typically drive cars at least 200,000 miles and subscribe to the theory that if you take care of the car and replace parts when they need it, it will take care of you for a long time. Yesterday, two minutes after leaving my home, a light came on warning that my coolant was at a dangerous temperature. I had it towed only to discover that the water pump had failed and since it is internally located in the engine, it has destroyed my engine. I will either have to replace the engine, only to risk a repeat of this episode in 50,000 miles or so, or get another car. After researching this, I have found this is fairly common on the Edge, Flex, Taurus and F-150. Just to replace the water pump prior to catastrophic failure is over $2000 and they will fail at some point, folks.

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  Great All American Car - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By 2004co - March 31 - 4:43 am

  I purchased a pre-owned P71 Police Ed., Crown Vic and have never been happier! Anyway, this car is very solid and easy to self service, engine compartment is nicely layed out- great for self fixers. The car has a lot of pep, really great handling, fast braking, can easily go super fast and has pleasent featuers-- need to mention that the trunk is hugh. I am a EMT/firefighter and need plenty of room for both people and cargo. Ride is very comfortable-- w/secure feeling, outside noise is almost eliminated but the engine has a nice pur when bookin it! Handles like a champ!

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  American Muscle - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Cale White - March 31 - 2:00 am

  For those of you that are tired of looking at all of these "Fast and the furious" wanna bes the Mach 1 is the car for you. You know the cars that Im talking about. The Dodge Neon with the whale tail or the Honda Civic with a 3 inch pipe off the muffler so the car sounds like a motor cycle. The Mach 1 is a drivers dream. Its simple yet stylish interior lets you focus on what your there to (drive) not play with you navigation system or you duel heating zone controls. People will stair and ask you to start it up just to see the shaker hood in action. Its classic american muscle!

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  Get the Diesel - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By tracman in the world - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because i was driving a lot in dangerous traffic and wanted to be able to tow my camper. Since then i have taken all sorts of stuff in this car. With the diesel engine it has great pick-up and i get 18mpg average with 20 on the highway. turbo whine gives me that big truck feeling and lots of passing power. The 4wd drive feature is weak especially when you are still supposed to get out to lock the hub for serious off roading

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  cant complain - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Ben Smith - March 31 - 2:00 am

  i purchased this car from a family member with 105k on it. At that time, the car had never broken down, and ran like a dream (especially w/105k). Every 3k, the oil had been changed and all maintance recommendations were followed. I would average 28+ MPG, even while i was driving like an idiot. After 130k, the transmission begin slipping quite often and fuel economy began to fall off quickly. I cant complain about the cheap parts and quality when an escort makes it to 135k.

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  not so satiafied - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By RMOsborne - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The Taurus is lacking in head room, visability to the right of center suffers because the rear view mirror is too low. The rear suspension is very weak. The rearend squats with only mild acceleration. The rear sags when the trunk has anything in it or when adults sit in the back seat. The brakes arent very good, we had to have the rotors turned 3 days after we bought the car because of a pulsating brake pedal. The car is nice looking and it is fun to drive partly because it has a sunroof and I like to drive with it open. The stereo is awesome (Mach audio w/cd changer).