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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  Id better buy a Kia or a Lafa - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Windstart victim - October 1 - 2:00 am

  An awful car, weve gotproblems with : - electric accessories - brakes - transmission - engine We bought this car last year with 80K miles and there is no week without a failure somewhere. We tryied to sell it, but it seems that now the Windstar is well known now for these problems. Nobody wants it :-(

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  liked the 2000 so much got a 2003 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By maxsabby - September 30 - 10:00 am

  very reliable, good looking, quiet, great 4 wheel drive system. w/17inch tires, truck looks much larger, holds the road very well. never has to go back for any repairs when bought.

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  Super Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By REVMRBLACK - September 30 - 10:00 am

  this is my first ford, love it a lot, after i got used to it. would do again and plan to

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  Fun Car! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By av8or - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the Mustang is a great performer and very reliable.

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  Recall Car of the Year - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Zoom - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Fails to meet all the hype of car of the year. The numerous recalls took all the fun out of driving a fairly progressive vehicle design (among domestics).

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  Fun Driving Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By John Ping - September 30 - 4:40 am

  This SUV is fun to drive, easy to park, and provides a very comfortable ride.

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  Good Overall - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jahjr - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Great drive train power and response. Firm sporty ride for an SUV. Nice interior space and reasonable comfort.Get 4WD, the FWD spins tires alot on acceleration from stop in rain and snow because of overly responsive gas pedal.If they upgrade the interior I would buy another.

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  Not bad for a Ford - 1998 Ford Contour
  By cpk-se - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for a year now. I bought it used with 56k and now have 76k on it. It has been very reliable. I have only replaced brake pads and the battery. Its fun to drive and gets decent gas mileage.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By ARNIE - September 30 - 2:00 am

  THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT TRUCK TO DRIVE AND OWN.

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  125,000 trouble free miles - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By rrrust - September 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought it new and it has been the MOST reliable car we have ever owned (including Toyota Camry, Nissan Sentra, & Mercedes wagon). This was truly a reliable warhorse, hauling kids, pulling 1,500 lb boat/trailer, long trips or city commuting. The ONLY repair was replacement of failing brain controlling intermittant wipers. Van was totaled last week in 45 mph collision (no injuries thanks to airbags, despite teenage passenger NOT wearing seatbelt). Very sorry to see this one go.