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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  Tempo -rary - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By originalowner - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Over 100k, this has been a fairly reliable, american car. My list: partial tranny $700 80K brakes 40,90 window lifters 6 of them (that sucked) tie rod, susp $400 70 starter $125 100 radiator pending a/c small fix thing Anyone who rips the Tempo probably is expecting too much from life. Anyone who praises the Tempo too much is delusional. I agree with the review that called this a good cheap car. Good for your High School kid to ruin.

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  good old ford - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By cybercookie - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I found a great deal on a 1995 ford explorer with some miles on it (72387). I looked it over and saw that is was in OK shape so I took a chance. I spent money changing belts and oils and have had NO major problems since. This is my 3rd year with the SUV and I have 146678 on it now...I just changed out the front hubs ($800) and am going to do the same to the rear next month. Bought the ford for $9,900 out the door (cash) and besides my changing out the "tune-up" items and regular fluid changes/mantaince I really can not complain. This is a great family hauler/off road/ moving stuff SUV...it has always been able to do what I needed it too.

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  best auto that i ever owned - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By cousin vinny - October 19 - 2:00 am

  this was my first 4x4.the ride in rough terrain was a pleasure to experience.the controls are well layed out and easy to use..it rides like a truck,cause it is a truck.i owned this vehicle for 7 years and it never failed when the weather was bad..best truck for the money

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  Unhappy Owner - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Branden Mattson - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Very dissatisfied with the Ford Expedition. Front brake dust will drive any consumer crazy. Fuel mileage is below average for the rating, about 10 MPG. Quality isn,t there from the wind noise in the windows to the rubbing of the wheels when you turn sharp. Agree with the back trunk room and the groceries falling out when you open the back tailgate. Most of all the trade in value after only a short time.

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  Awesome Van ! - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By clare - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this van !! This is my 3rd Windstar/Freestar and I wouldnt drive anything else! It has lots of room, its great looking and my dealer takes care of everything I need.

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  Good and Bad - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By meridian - October 19 - 2:00 am

  After 46000 miles and 3 years I have had to have over $1200 in repairs not to mention dumping a $1000 a year into it every year since Ive had it. It just hasnt held up. While the exterior looks great, the engine is lacking, a lot of misfires and sluggish performance, and suspension problems now. Its a nice vehicle, the ride is fine, interior quality is ok, the build quality just hasnt held up well.

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  never stuck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By brickman - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my truck for 2 years now, & am still very pleased with it.I use it to pull trailers weighing from 1500- 8000lbs. The 4.6 with a 5-speed isnt the most powerful engine on the block, but it does okay, even when the truck is grossly overloaded. This truck is the best truck ever in the mud, with 32" mud tires it is almost unstoppable.

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  Fun SUV/Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By David T - October 19 - 2:00 am

  As a replacement for my extended cab Ranger Ive been very pleased so far with my Sport Trac. Inside its extremely comfortable and outside very functional. It really does offer the best of both worlds with the SUV interior and truck bed. I highly recommend the bed extender though for squeezing out the extra capacity from the bed.

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  Fun Car - 1992 Ford Festiva
  By Scott in Anchorage - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car I every bought.... In 1992 I bought it used, only 35 miles though.... A Lady won it in a bingo drawing.... tradeed it in for a different car...so I got a great deal,,....... I drive it in the snow here in Alaska,,... I put studed tires on all four wheels...and it goes great in the snow...as long as it is not over a foot of snow....... Never had a big break down......I loved this car....

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  2004 Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By J Bachman - October 19 - 2:00 am

  For about $25000 this is a lot of car.The engine and transmission are a joy.I love the 5 speed manual and the convertable.Even in the snow the car has good road manners.My two kids fit in the back seat with no compaints;plus they love being in a Mustang.The trunk is functional,holds my gymbag,laundry ,groceries etcetra no problem.You can have fun and reasonably practical transportation for 25 grand .I like the idea of avoiding expensive german imports like BMW 3series or audi and being in real American muscle that can take them out,and at half the price.