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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  Good SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Thomas69696969 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my very first car, and i only got my licence 3 months ago. I love the cars exterior design(its a lot better than the new ones), and it is the best small SUV on the market. The interior is good. The towing package is great as well. The only problems I have had is the transmission is flaky.

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  review of my 91 excort - 1991 Ford Escort
  By FoXyGrL969 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I am the second owner of this car, my aunt bought it brand new and took excellent care of it, and when i turned 16 the car became mine. I had no problems at first but since ive gotten it weve had to replace the alternator 3 times...going on 4 soon. the battery has been replaced many times due to the alternator draining it. Other than the alternator ive had no big problems with it.

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  My ZX2ner - 2003 Ford Escort
  By HTH9LY - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had my zx2 for over a year and have yet to have any mechanical problems. With a few minor engine upgrades it can kill hondas and acuras. It gets great gas milage, and handles very well. I would recommend this car to anyone looking to have a fun, fast car. It is also a safe car, believe me i know....

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  Review of my 03 ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By FoXyGrL969 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this car has been great, my previous car was a 91 escort, and just as that it has showed great potential. Ive had no problems so far, i personally find it a very comfortable car(no ive never had to ride in the backseat of it, haha), it is great with gas, and i think will last a long time. Not to forget... it was a great price, for being 17 trying to buy a new car, i think this was perfect.

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  Nice little car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By NorthFace - December 3 - 2:00 am

  For the price you cant beat it

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  The Greatest SUV Out There - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Jamal - December 3 - 2:00 am

  My experience with vehicle is is all good. it takes the road like it onws it. ther is nothing like the Excursion.idrove the sub. and the deni xl they dont even compare.

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  Do Not Buy a First Generation Vehicle - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Joe Blow - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I dont care if its Yugo or Lexus, NEVER buy a first generation vehicle (like I did). The engineers need time to improve the thing with a few design mods. I have had my car for 9 years and put 135,000 miles on it. Fun as hell to drive, but frequent warranty failures put me on first name basis with service department. Out of Warranty repairs minor, but agree the powertrain is a total pain to work on - even a simple thing takes patience due to extremely dense fit of motor in engine compartment!

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  Runs and Drives like a new one! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By cardawg29 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I reluctantly had to purchase a used van to accomodate the new addition to our family. I had a tight budget and had to find the best vehicle at the best deal. I acomplished both. This van is absolutely wonderfull! Extremely reliable, and the performance is surprising for a Mini van. We are very pleased. Ford built this one Tough!

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  Waste of money - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Unlucky - December 3 - 2:00 am

  We spent over $33,000 on this car new. It has had nothing but problems with the doors, stalling, horrible noises coming from stero speakers in the doors, steering has already gone as well as mulitple other problems. Brakes and rotors need replacing every 10,000-15,000 miles. Car died after pulling into traffic dealer couldnt reproduce the problem but I still paid a hefty fee for their diagnostic testing. Extended warranty we bought from Easy Care has covered nothing. Three years later, this cars resale value is only $9,000 what a waste of money! We will never, ever, ever purchase another Ford after our experience with this Windstar.

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  Love it - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Stacey hoover - December 2 - 11:44 pm

  1.5 years and still love it