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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  Disappointed Customer - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Fleeced - September 11 - 2:00 am

  For a vehicle that stickered at $42,400 the quality in workmanship is lacking. The ride is extremely unimpressive. In 50,000 miles Ive been through three set of tires (even though I rotate every 5000 miles), leather is wearing excessively, vehicle vibrates over 70 MPH (dealers cant figure out problem), windshield wiper and vent window motors failed. I dont expect these problems when I purchase a vehicle that approaches 40K.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Phil - September 10 - 3:13 pm

  After 21000 miles Ive had nothing but great driving. Put a little weight in the back and the truck drive super smooth although its pretty good over bumps with the bed empty - much better than the Silverado. The interior design in pretty good although there isnt much storage space, particularly in the rear seating area. The fake wood trim is ok but could be replaced/optioned with carbon fiber like in the Lincoln version. My wife likes the adjustable foot pedals and the addition of a telescoping steering wheel would be ideal for those lacking in height. Overall, this is a great truck and worth the buy.

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  Ford stole me away from chevy - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By MrChevyguy - September 10 - 12:10 pm

  I owned numerous chevys, including a 2004 Z06, but the mustang is an amazing car. I ended up trading my z06 in on it. I know the z was faster, but the retro feel of the car took me back to my child hood and reminded me of why I love cars. I just hope chevy learns from them and comes back with a camaro to compete. Thank you ford.

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  Buy a Trans before you buy the car - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Barneke - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I have not misused the car and I have performed all of the scheduled maintenance on the car. At 75,263 miles reverse disappeared. Needless to say a I need a new transmission. The cost of the work out weighs the value of the car. $900.00 for one out of a junk yard, not rebuilt and about 1000 in labor. I contacting Ford regarding the problem and informed them about the widspread transmission problems with the Probe. They are in denial about this issue and have informed me that their is currently no program in place to help me. This model car is a money pit, avoid it!

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  I LOVE MY GT!!! - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By vickysgt - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1967 Mustang when I was 17...I had always wanted another one and 2 years ago I finally got the chance. I have a GT coupe in Amazon Green. It is a beautiful car and so much fun to drive...especially when you have these young kids in their foreign buzz bombs try to mess with ya...they might get you off the line...but with in seconds they see nothing a green blur when I pass them! I call it Mommys Mean Green Machine! Has to be the very best car I have owned. It is a bit of a gas guzzler, but that is the price you pay for performance.

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  Pay attention - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Daily Driver - September 10 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive and sounds great. It catches peoples attention. Gas prices have hurt the pocket book, but performance is well worth it. Leather seats are sticky in summer, 5spd shifter is located to far forward and streaches arm muscles. When heater is on, engine sounds like air- conditioner turning on and off.

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  love my windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By K Meehan - September 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van in March 99 to replace an aging Mercury Tracer that our family was outgrowing. We have done long trips each summer that weve owned the van. The only annoying problem we have had is the passenger side power door. It will sometimes refuse to close and needs to be turned off and closed manually. Other than that, the ride is comfortable and it has been very reliable. BTW-this is a 4 door LX with one power door.

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  Hoping it lasts - 2002 Ford Escape
  By shelloaz - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I love the way my Escape drives and looks. I wish it didnt have so many little problems. This is my first time owning a Ford, I dont think I will be buying another one. I have had a problem with the check engine light coming on, fixed at dealer. A/C control knob broke, A/C is not very cold, having that checked in a couple of days, clunking sound coming from brakes when stopping. For a vehicle only 1 yr. old I didnt expect all these problems. My Toyotas always lasted 200,000 miles with very few problems, mostly towards the end. I just hope my ESCAPE makes it without bankruping us.

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  98 Contour SE V6 - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Alan_01 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  So far (67K miles) this has been a pretty good car. The power is wonderful and the transmission is smooth-shifting. The drivetrain has been reliable with no repairs to date. With regular fluid changes/maintenence these cars can go a long way. So far the only problems have been paint and power windows. The paint on the rocker panels flakes off, but that could be caused by driving through construction for much of its life. The rear power windows will temporarily quit working, then work again later. The interior could be better, but it isnt too bad. The plastics have a cheap feel and the stereo could be better.

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  Its all about the engine - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Ben H. - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is an OK value when it comes to used cars that is, until the car reaches 70k miles or so and blows a head gasket. I have never had a car that has gone to pot with so few miles on it. It was pampered by my grandmother for many years before I got it, so I know that it was taken care of. Since I bought it, it has done nothing to take care of me. I sank nearly $500 into it before I my mechanic informed me that it would need a new head gasket (to the tune of $1500), not to mention developing transmission problems (which could cost an additional $1500). What a lemon! Ill certainly junk it before I sink twice as much as its worth into repairing it.