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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  Big fan of the Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Big Rig - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Having just dumped my problem-plagued Windstar for a Toyota Sienna, I was very concerned about the quality of Ford products. With four kids and all their stuff, I wanted a large SUV that could had our difficult winters. Ive been very pleased with my truck. At 43k, Ive only had minor warranty repair work completed. Would like better gas mileage and a softer ride. The stereo sounds great. The side mirrors and rear sensors give you great vision around the vehicle.

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  "Taurus" Cant get much worse - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By shootingstar - November 17 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Taurus started its life as a half way decent car, but at about 6 months into ownership it was one problem after another. It might not be "Fix or Repaired Daily", but it has been averaging repairs about every other month. No other car I have owned in the last 20 years, domestic or foreign, has been as unreliable as this clunker. If you buy one, be prepared to have the breaks replaced about 3 times or more a year, along with some other expensive surprises. JUNK!!!

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  Great Car, Great Depreciation! - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By HardinMan - November 17 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new 4 years ago and it currently has 80,600 miles on the odometer. The car has been exceptional! With the DOHC engine, it really moves when you want it to. The lumbar seat with leather are so comfortable on trips.Gas mileage is acceptable at 28- 30 mpg. Only repairs we needed were to have newbrake pads. The big drawback is that the depreciation is extreme.

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  stay away - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By nomorefords-25 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought from local ford dealer with 30,000 miles on the odometer. He gave us Fords bmpr to bmpr warranty for 4yrs or 48,000 miles at cost...why? I now know-at 40,000 miles the tie rods went, at 50,000 miles the transmission went. Since new rear speakers work at their leasure and buy bulbs for the rear lights by the case, you will save $$ in the long run, they go every 3 months. Our van is loaded with 4drs, rear heat/ac, 10 disc changer,alloys,abs,etc- the van has depreciated $8,000+ in the last 14 months-there is a reason. Not worth the $$, there are better alternatives- find them.

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  It likes lots of attention..... - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By Tempo Owner - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the radiator hoses blow on me twice, the air conditioning has been repaired, the brakes have had work. only two of the four power door locks work, the trunk spring doesnt hold up the trunk, the heater core was just replaced as it was filling the passenger side floor full of antifreeze, oh and the cruise control went two weeks ago. The engine just goes and goes though and it has only stranded me once when the radiator hose blew (I was able to repair that myself) I bought it for 750 and Ive put about that much into it in repairs in a year. I think that the next time it screams for attention Ill send it to the bone yard instead.

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  Johnnys Review - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By 98Explorer4x4 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Check for recalls and make sure not to get one with Firestone tires. Overall its fun to drive on- and off-road.

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  JUNK - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By RICH LUNDELL - November 17 - 2:00 am

  FOR MOST OF MY LIFE I HAVE DRIVEN TOYOTAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND WHY I LET MY SON TALK ME INTO THIS PIECE OF JUNK IS BEYOND ME.THE TRANSMISSION WENT AFTER 5 MONTHS@60,000 MILES. I GUESS THEY DIDNT MENTION IT WAS A 2400$$ EXTRA

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  Why I love my Ford Explorer Limited V8 - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By look171 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Limited Edition Ford Explorer. I kept the first one for ten years. I have never had to do more than change the oil. I traded in my 1990 Limited for the V8 in 2000. The V8 made the car more even fun to drive. I even test drove the BMW X5 and still chose my Explorer. I believe my car is, flat out, the best SUV on the market and no where near the most expensive. I have driven this car for fourteen years and it still puts a smile on my face too this day!

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  GT Convertible is a blast to drive - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By carlosp51 - November 16 - 11:56 am

  This is an awesome car. If you love Mustangs, you will be a fan. I have owned a 1971 coupe, 96 GT Convertible, and now this one. No other Mustang has been quite as satisfying. It drives smoother, feels roomier, and has a lot of "giddy-up." The lines of this car are phenomenal, with or without the spoiler. The interior is very satisfying, although you wont get a lot of the European/Japanese fancy features that can be very nice. It is a muscle car and it feels like a muscle car.

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  from sports car to station wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By AustinMD - November 16 - 9:06 am

  With a third child in the last 4 years and a wife who manages my practice out of our home, it was clear we needed my car to be able to do some of the kid hauling. I looked for 9 months at all the options, including BMW, Lexus, Cadillac & Lincoln Mercury sedans, the Volvo XC90 (tied for my favorite with the Freestyle, but not worth the extra $20k), the BMW SUV, the Lexus SUVs, and we already owned a Ford Expedition. Many of these driven for 24 hours, and the Freestyle won out (despite my desire to avoid getting what comes eerily close to looking like my childhood Chevy station wagon). The AWD locks down on wet roads like glue, and has GREAT acceleration. It just needs better lumbar support.