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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  1995 Windstar my Family Wagon - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By cxdign04 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good car. However, there are some specific problems with Head gaskets. Ford gave me an extended warrantee until 100,000 miles or 7 years. The head gaskets blew at 107,000 miles, resulting in a large bill ($2,500). I am fixing this car because I believe it will last many more years...I in spite of this problem this car has been good to me.

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  1993 MAGIC CARPET RIDE - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By WHO - December 5 - 2:00 am

  RUNS FANTASTIC HARD TO WORK ON NEEDS WIDE ANGLE REAR VIEW MIRROR SOUND SYSTEM EXCELLANT SHOULD HAVE MORE CONTROL OF ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS GREAT CARGO VAN WITH SEATS OUT

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  170HP rocks - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Spaceman Spiff - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle handles like a sports car, and has all the power you need. Even after six years, there is no engine noise to speak of.

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  Electrical Demons - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ttjunkie - December 4 - 10:46 pm

  Love my Explorer except for the electrical demons! The power lock on the drivers side only works when the car is turned on, the lights under the outside mirrors stay on for way too long, sometimes the brake lights and interior lights stay on after the car is turned off. All that being said, theres so much space and Ford did a good thing when they added the third row. Thinking about a 2006, but since the resale on the 2002 is low, dont know if I can swing it!

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  Fun Car Good Price -MPG - 2008 Ford Focus
  By red machine - December 4 - 10:03 pm

  I have a SES model with auto and sirius red with black interior. I did my research and if you compare to Fit, Yaris, Aveo it is better deal with the standard options it has including the rebate. Some magazines pick on the headrests (who cares) optional blue lighting (cant find one) and grab bars (who cares I am driving and have steering wheel). I have SYNC with satellite and the hands free phone and music is great! So far getting about 31 mpg with mixed city/highway driving according to computer. Focus is much improved from 2007 model like brakes,6 air bags,engine, MPG, SYNC, TPM system and fit and finish.

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  Never Again.... - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By jagarundi - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a SUV. The ride is hard, the electronics are unpredictable and the gas mileage is something like 10 mpg highway AND city. Theres always some kind of moaning, groaning, scrapping or rubbing sound going on as you roll down the street.The Ford mechanics are clueless when it comes to repairing this thing so they have taken to lying about repairing items that they have not.

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  Well Used and Loved - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By phill97679 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Great family vehicle - largest cargo area in class. Just throw EVERYTHING in the back! Great reliability...NOTHING has happened to it. Leased then bought cheap (bank did NOT want it back). Much better to drive in Oregon rain than our Honda Accord. Would buy a 2004 next, but they look like a mini-van. WARNING! Ford dealership service dept. is not good!

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  Ford tough - 2002 Ford F-150
  By jmdouglas - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Traded up 36 years, from a 1966 Chevy pickup to the 2002 Ford F150. Loved the old Chevy but wouldnt have traded for one a year newer. Ford has surpased GM many times over since the 60s as far as Im concerned. Very pleased overall with the F150, style, performance and the feel of a very solid vehicle.

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  85000 and counting - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By 2000stang - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in Feb 2000 and has been a great car. Still has original brake pads after over 85000 miles plus does not burn any oil. Nice and comfortable with plenty of pickup for passing.Looking forward to turning 100,000 next year since it has been trouble free since I bought it and will continue to drive it.Thanks Ford, this was a nice surprise.

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  Great truck !!! Electrical quirks!!?? - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By tom kleinfeld - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck new in the fall of 1998. I have 150000 thousand miles on it. It has been a good truck. I have had to replace the alternator THREE times and last month had to do the front struts. Not bad for all the miles. The front seat could be a little more comfortable for a bigger guy 6 2". But you cant beat the price and gas milage.