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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  barney car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Ray-Jay - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This has been a GREAT car. I bought this car with 28,000. Currently still driving it with 189,000. Wow ! I can put on the miles! No compalints from me. Just now did brakes for the first time. Only regular maintence...tune up, timing belt,plugs &wires. No trouble with a/c. Im a Happy ford owner!! Gas mileage a plus with all my driving. Currently car shopping for a newer car! Wish me luck!!

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  Great vehicle - 1999 Ford Escort
  By kca - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This was our 5th Escort, and like all of the others, it has been a great vehicle. Repairs have been minimal and more importantly very inexpensive. We consider these vehicles basic transportation, and they have delivered on their promise. The SE is much quieter than the other models and has been more comfortable to drive. The Escort has been available in the USA since 1981, but has a much longer history in europe (around 1960).

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  Big Fan - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By lefty3702 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned Toyotas and with a growing family an SUV was needed. Sequoias are still too new to find something in our range. I am happy with the overall performance and comfort in this vehicle. Bought used @ 40K and still nice at 70K

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  Bad Truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By S. R. Markl - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Stearing Shaft broke in half - crash Brake System replaced 3 times - crash Suspension parts not included unsafe when towing Plenty of cupholders tho

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  good job - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By matt dillon - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Poor mileage , But biggest most powerful around. turnning radius narrow . only complaints. dont know about realability

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  I love my Escort - 1993 Ford Escort
  By kifisia - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since it was one year old. It has been a great car and it would have been even better had I not taken it to som horrible mechanics. It is getting old now but it is so economical that I just refuse to let go. The dogs love it too. It is perfect for them.

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  2001 F150 - 2001 Ford F-150
  By phayungs - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. It has a good highway ride for a large truck. Pulls my 30ft camper without any problems. Interior noise is very minimal. After 70K miles still no rattles in the dash!

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  Unique Ford Aerostar XL Sport - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By S. Hauer - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this car!! It does seem to have a problem with the differential (a clunk noise. And the ignition switch is particular, but I can easily demonstrate how to line up the key properly. (Minor problem) The driver sits up high for good vision. Good loading space and a rack on top. The sport model.

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  What a mistake! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Derron Winfrey - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been nothing but problems from the word go. At 25000 miles we were putting on new tie rods, then again by 50000. Which is right after we replaced the transmission at 45000. Wiper motor brakes at 60000 along with passenger door locks, power sterring making terrible griding noise and diver side power seat has been repaired 3 times. Spark plugs have been replaced twice. We have 65000 on this car and Im affraid to let my wife take it out of town. Thank God for the extended warranty!

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  Road Trip King - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Copper - February 26 - 2:00 am

  55,000 trouble free miles in under 2 years, only regular maintenance needed and still on same tires. Lots of long trips 1000+ miles, kids love the VCR. Gas mileage is fine, van cruises great, quiet at 75mph. Only problem has been a stereo changed under warranty. Leather and carpets wearing well, exterior finish is excellent and two tone gold paint looks great.