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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  4 door limited V-10 - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By AutumnSkye - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this SUV for me, with 4 kids I hate to be the MOM in the Minivan, did that hated it!!! I love my Excursion, I put the loudest kid in the back, turn up the radio so when they fight, I cant hear it.

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  2004 F-150 Supercrew Lariet 4WD - 2005 Ford F-150
  By robo14 - December 5 - 3:20 pm

  Rear differential has whined since new. Rear differential had to be replaced. Battery junk making vehicle unreliable. Ford said there was a bad plate. Charged the battery and refused to replace under warranty. Stranded 6 times. Finally, dealership replaced battery. Windshield has stress crack running all the way across. I have owned many new Chevys, Dodges and Fords over the years. I am not impressed with the quality. I dont see where the customer service is anymore.

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  A Best Buy for the money! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By AKC - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I had a 97XL Expedition and yes I had some trouble in the first few thousand miles. However, Ford worked diligently to fixe every problem. After a year of issues, they upgraded me to a 99 XLT w/ leather and the payment stayed the same. Now I have a 00 XTL (loaded) and Im about to get a 03. Overall, I am very pleased and you will too if you have some patience and expect that all vehicles wont be perfect. My wife has a Lexus IS300 and weve had just as many problems (and thats a luxury vehicle).

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  Great Reliable Little Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By goldencrazy - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck for two reasons: looks and usefulness. I really like unloading a few bags of horse feed or several bales of hay without having to climb up into the truck to get the items out. This truck handles well, looks great and is a ball to drive. My other truck is for real - a F-350 dually turbo diesel - but this little guy is too handy to dismiss!

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  Simply Amazing - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By AntMan78 - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my third mustang. I went from the standard v6 coupe, to the v6 coupe premium convertible, to the now v8 premium convertible....which is no other way to describe than Simply Amazing. The v6 is good......but once you drive the amazing v8, you will not settle for anything less. If you can afford the extra cash I highly suggest opting for the more agressive v8.

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  Pretty Goode - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By brkluy - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had a 5 different windstars since 98. I get one for a company car and buy one for a personal car every few years. I have had very few problems. I currently own a 2000 and have a company van 2002. I put around 30K per year on my company van. I has never left me stranded. As far as my personal van, it has rarely been in the shop.

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  Very pleased - a great van - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By edsunder - December 5 - 10:00 am

  The van has been a pleasure to drive since we got it. Its got lots of room and is comfortable for our family of 6.

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  Very Happy - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By boochnj - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I was very happy with the 4.0 liter engine, although it was a little taxed when hauling a heavy trailer. It seems perfectly matched with the smooth- shifting transmission. The 4wd performed well in winter and the AUTO mode kicked in when required.

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  Skeptical at first, but VERY happy - 1996 Ford Escort
  By escort owner - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, intending only to keep it for a few months. Well its 2.5 years later and im still driving it. I have over 160,000 miles on it and it still runs great. Only things ive replaced have been tires and the serpentine belt, regular oil changes and 1 tune up. This is a great college car, its cheap to buy, run, and maintain. The 5-speed has a lot of pickup after 1st gear, so its a nice ride. Good in the winter and rain, no complaints, i would recomend this car to anyone who doesnt mind driving an escort.

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  Always Runnin - 1995 Ford F-350
  By James Rebello - December 5 - 2:00 am

  In April of 1998 I bought a 1995 Ford F- 350 with 95,567 miles on it. At the time we were looking for a truck to pull our 5th wheel trailer. We had looked at other trucks before but none of them compared to the F-350. With its 460c.u.i.n. V-8 it did the job for us. We purchased it with the aftermarket Sherrod package. As of today the truck has 141,000 miles and still runs like the day we bought it.