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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  I love my mustange - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Bradsmama - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I think the performance is great. I love the looks I get when i drive it.

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  ford - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By ana - August 26 - 2:00 am

  In general works fine, needs power steering fuel,done some work thru the years

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  My Review - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By sdw1363 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable seats a family of 4. Plenty of room for luggage.

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  Great SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By GregS - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My Explorer has been quite reliable, never had anything break on it. Got rid of the Firestone tires, now happily running Michelins. I used to live in Colorado, and the 4WD worked fine there, though the front wheels were skittish when making tight turns with 4WD engaged. Here in balmy Southern California, the sunroof is always open and the air conditioner works well. Im starting to have wind noise around the drivers window. Also, the front left speaker drops out now and then when I go over a bump. Overall, its been a great SUV, a huge improvement ofer the 86 GMC Jimmy it replaced.

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  I LOVE my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Don M. - August 25 - 11:13 pm

  The Freestyle is a fun to drive, classy looking, crossover that boggles peoples minds. I find the acceleration more than adequate for my needs. The fuel mileage is pretty good for an AWD vehicle with traction control. The vehicle handles well, the braking is superb, and the ride is awesome even when fully loaded. Six people have ridden in this vehicle and were amazed by the comfort, and really couldnt get over the stadium type seating. To think that I didnt even consider this vehicle when I started looking for a new vehicle, I feel that for the cost of this vehicle, I just might have purchased the best vehicle Ive ever owned. This little gem provides a lot of bang for the buck!

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  My First Ford - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Bryan13 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I was always a Chevrolet man until recently. I became a pretty good shade tree mechanic thanks to a 96 Silverado I had. So this time around I decided to give Ford a try. I am Very Happy I did because it has been the best riding truck I have ever owned.

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  Love my truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Boatfrk - August 25 - 2:00 am

  The truck is s smooth as glass, I like the enterior a lot better after I took out the Mickey Mouse jump seats. seats are 60/40 I probably should have gotten the buckets.Gas milage is not as advertised!

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  I feel sorry for the next owner - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Last one - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Ride and comfort level is good. The wheels on the GL rattle (theyre half hub caps, half aluminum wheels). The a/c cuts out for no reason, the ABS was repaired once and seems to have another problem now. The transmission hasnt gone-out...yet, but something isnt right. Door "ajar" swithches will drive you nuts when out of adjustment. Ford has some problems and they show-up in this van. The worst part about owning this vehicle is the "re-sell" value. Its worth nothing in no-time flat. When compared to my 2001 Honda Accord (with 46,000 miles and no service requirements), Ford clearly has their work cut-out for them.

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  2001 Ford Windstar Ext LX - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By munchkinohio - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a smooth ride,it is very comfortable, there is plenty of legroom in the back seat,lots of space, nice to have privacy glass also

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  No problems, Yet? - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By contented customer - August 25 - 2:00 am

  So far, no problems. I have heard horror stories about this 3.8 engine blowing head gaskets, hopefully they have fixed that problem. Vehicle is everything I thought it was supposed to be, being a minivan and all. Dual auto- sliding doors make it useful with 2 little ones. Dont think there is one thing that has gone bad in this vehicle, other than the VCR for some reason wont pull out. Not that it matters since Id rather it stay where it is. The rear reverse sensors do get annoying as it does beep alot even when nothing is behind the vehicle. I just hope that everything continues working as great as it has been.