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 Solid Vehicle - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Shelli917 - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We have had this vehicles for over 6 years and it has been a solid, reliable vehicle. The only thing that has ever gone wrong is that it needed a new alternator about a year ago and the rear differential sensor required replacement.

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  Safety - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By happytobealive - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Yesterday I was involved in a serious accident with my 1999 Expediation. If it wasnt for the fact that the truck was so well built and the handling was so tight, I wouldnt be here today. The drivers door took the full impact and the drivers compartment was not compromised in any way. Both myself and my husband (who was driving) walked away. The truck was totalled and I am going right out and buy another!! Excellent truck!

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  Always something - 1999 Ford Contour
  By JULIET - October 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst car. I will never buy another ford. Flywheel was going 2 weeks after purchase. Took 2 years 5 times in shop before it was repaired. Blower switch went out/air intake system always has a problem/poor shocks/wind noise.. Something always. Dealership is does not care and same with ford. Dash board replaced and engine light is always on. Does not accelerate well when taking off almost causing accidents

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  A mistake I bought it - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By phlbill - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Windstar in April 2000. After a couple of weeks I knew it was a mistake. The drivers seat position is uncomfortable. There is no place to put your left foot while driving except on the hump for the front wheel. Gas milage is terrible. It strugles to get 20 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in a mix of urban highway and city driving. Gas milage is almost as bad as a 68 Caddy I once had. But that had a 7.7 liter engine vs the Windstars 3.8. It has been for the most part a car that starts and gets me where I am going. I should bought a F150 Super Crew or a Caravan

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  1 month review - 2005 Ford F-150
  By mharrye - October 26 - 5:23 am

  Although I average 1,500 miles per month, I have put 4,000 miles on this one in the first month because it is fun to drive. Quiet interior and excellent handling have been pleasant surprises - I have never before driven trucks that came close. My other vehicle is a BMW 3 Series so my fun to drive comparison is not against something shabby. The only real reason I now find for using the Bimmer is fuel economy. Sure the F-150 cannot compare with the BMW on acceleration, but I cant say the truck is a real dog, something I had expected from reading reviews. Instead my problem is trying to keep it reined in. High speeds come quickly and unexpectedly due to the quiet and the ride.

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  TRUCK - 1999 Ford F-150
  By BOB MOORE - October 26 - 1:00 am

  I LOVE MY TRUCK, BUT HATE THE ENGINE CST ALU. BLEW A PLUG AT 45 MPH. DEALER WANTED 3500.00$ TO FIX. GETTING IT DONE CHEEPER!!!!!

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  best van ever - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By ford dude - October 26 - 1:00 am

  I,ve had dozens of cars and this is the best Ive ever had for service, comfort, reliablity and fun to dirve on the highway.

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  Dont buy new! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By J-master-J - October 26 - 1:00 am

  This was my first Ford product. I was lured in by the 0% financing and its great looks. I always drive V-8s and demand rear-wheel drive. The Mustang had everything I was looking for. I did have some fit and finish issues and I wish the interior didnt have so much plastic! I sold it after 2 years due to a job relocation. I was barely able to pay off my lien! The depreciation was unbelievable. I paid $25K new and sold it for $17K two years later! Oh yeah.....dealing with Ford Motor Credit is a nightmare! Buyer beware!

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  Mine was a LEMON!!! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Mine was crap! - October 26 - 1:00 am

  My EXPLODITION was in the shop for 28 days in one year. The dealer was of know help in getting it purchased back through the lemon law. They are programmed by FORD to do everything possible not to take these vehicles back. If you want to return it you have to get a lawyer.

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  Big But Great ! - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By MClerk - October 26 - 1:00 am

  This is by far the biggest thing Ive ever driven,I find it very easy to handle and it rides pretty smoothe.(the bigger bumps in the road are a little tough),but basically it is a nice ride. I never wanted a vehicle this big,but now that I have it,all I can say is I Love It !!!!