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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  Professional Appeal - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Raymond L. Prevost - October 21 - 10:53 am

  I have had the vehicle about 6 weeks now, and I am very satisfied with the preformance it has given me in this time. The vehicle is used in funeral service, and it accomidates the need for what it was purchased for. The vehicle has a very professional look to it and it seems to get alot of attention by alot of people. I have of course a black vehicle with glass on the sides and rear doors. I have recently used the vehicle on a long over the road trip ( 10 Hours ) and the ride was "OK", I did not come out of the car with soar legs or a soar back, I must say it was comfortable.

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  Do not buy a Ford Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By bcorgn - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Took care of my Ford Windstar with regular maintenance and oil changes. At 69,000 miles, mechanic now tells me I need to spend $1400 dollars on replacing the head gasket...a "common" problem, but Ford has issued no recalls. Cannot belive there is not a class action law suit yet on this common problem. Do yourself a favor and buy a Toyota or Honda.

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  Still happy with it... - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By BUL - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this car. After almost 2 1/2 years, I still "look back at" the car every time I park it somehwere and people always ask "what kind of car is that???" I love that feeling! The brakes are incredible, the low center of gravity makes for incredible stability, and the sound is just great!

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  Junk - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By MJRaw - October 21 - 2:00 am

  After buying the Explorer with 18k miles, we have had nothing but problems. 3 sets of front hubs, 4 fuel pumps, vapor locked twice, 2 sets of brakes, starter, the list goes on. I will not bore you with all the details. The worst thing about it, the resale price drops so fast that I cant even get rid of it for a decent price (what I owe)! I will never own another Ford product!!!!

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  01 Explorer Limited - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By RDJames - October 21 - 2:00 am

  So far this has been the best vehicle I have ever purchased. I had this vehicle almost 3 years and have only paid for oil changes and othe scheduled maintenence.I have the V6 which I get 19.8 MPGs riding around the Orlando suburbs. The only problems I have is on long trips the CD player kicks out the CD and displays "to hot" after only 3 hours of traveling. The other problem delt with water seeping in through the back window, the seal was replaced under warrenty, and of course I got 5 new tires after only 5000 miles due to the recall of16 inch firestones.

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  Very Quality - 2002 Ford F-150
  By jake2109348 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  180,000 Miles, never been to the shop except for oil changes

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  Nothing But A Problem! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Glenn & Pamela Bates - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new in 1996. The gas mileage was awful from the start, and the car has been in the shop so many times Ive lost count! We kept it serviced regular,and tried to give it the best of care, and still gad to have a new motor at 60,000 miles. We contacted the local ford dealers as well as the Ford headquarters and recieved absolutely no cooperation, so needless to say we never want another Ford!!!! We had the new motor put in and it has still given us nothing but trouble! Noone can seem to fix the hunk of junk! We really believe the old ford joke now, "fix or repair daily!"

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  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By n2umr - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a Ford van fanatic and this is the first SUV I have owned. What a great truck!! I should have bought one sooner!!

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  high and low of Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By wyoming - October 21 - 2:00 am

  A great riding and fun to drive truck with something to be improved on in the design and dash layout.

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  Wish i bought a chevy - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By rob in ct - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a taurus when my 1994 chevy lumina with 235k miles started having tranny problems. since I bought this car I have replaced the brakes and rotors 3 times in 40k miles, replaced the headlight knob multiple times, and had it towed to the garage. the milage isnt great, the hump on the left side kills me. not well designed for people over 6 foot tall. I am really unhappy with this car but cant get rid of it becuase of the horrible resale value.