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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  Our 2001 Windstar - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By minivan marv - August 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I recently rolled up our sleeves and ventured into the uncharted territory of minivan ownership. We immediately fell in love with the smooth ride of the Windstar and both felt that we would gladly sacrifice cornering prowess for a smooth ride. In the end, we couldnt get the Windstars ride or reputation of safety out of our minds and have no regrets about our decision. With lots of power, great visibility, a smooth ride and almost no road noise, we feel very comfortable bombing around town or heading out on a long trip.

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  Will never own a Ford again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By hate ford - August 21 - 2:00 am

  this is my second ford, and the last one. the windstar compared to the taurus doesnt have as many minor continous problem (thus the name Fix Or Repair Daily) but I had to replace the transmission twice in 50000KM, a/c electrical problem, BALL JOINT, Tie Rod every spring...How can Ford be in Business.. Just bought a 2003 CRV bye bye Ford

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  Perfect Colorado Family Car - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By wwadams - August 21 - 2:00 am

  We haul everything everywhere with this van. Despite warnings about potentially faulty automatic transmissions, weve not had ANY mechanical system problems. We bought the Aerostar because we wanted 4WD and we liked the fact that its built on a truck, not car, chassis. When pulling our 22 sailboat or horse trailer (we only pull one horse, since two is on the hairy edge of this 6 cyl engines capability), sometimes the AC cuts off going up a hill. But at 5-9,000 feet altitude, we think thats acceptable. With a carload of kids, I like the dependabiity and knowledge that my Aerostar will get me safely and predictably to my destination.

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  Strong Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By fordfan - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This explorer has great style and power with its v8. Its great fun and very luxurious.

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  A Few Modifications =Great Car... - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By RevMatt - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, great sound, perky performance & "in the breeze" option make this a great car... a great rendition of this icon! With a few performance modifications, improved suspension and better than "OEM" tires make this Convertible GT the car to own & drive. I could not be happier with it! Negatives: lacks headroom when the top is on, the neck support on the front seats are poorly designed and the car lacks cargo space. Biggest positive: the high performance, dress-up and aftermarket resources to personalize this car are ENDLESS!

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  Ford-500 plus for a family vehicle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Lpowell - August 20 - 9:00 pm

  Ive enjoyed my 500 very much! I travel 150-200 miles a day. The comfort and ride are excellent. I intended on purchasing a Mustang but due to limited back seat space (I have 2 children - 13 and 6), I really needed more room. Salesman suggested I look at the 500. I fell in love when I sat in the vehicle. I am VERY satisfied with my purchase. Window tinting and a spoiler give it a nice sporty look.

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  EXELENT - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Tommy Boy - August 20 - 2:16 am

  Great truck all around.

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  Great car for the long run - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By WGM - August 20 - 2:00 am

  We bought ours with 26,000 and have been most pleased. The only reqd work has been maintenance items. The only minor complaint is a squeak in the power steering but only in the summer (hey, you would squeak too in Texas heat!). I have read some of the other reviews and consider myself blessed to have found a good one that we intend to keep a LOT longer. Sure there are minor things to keep up with but nothing makes me want to trade it at this point. Would recommend anyone looking for a value in used cars to look at a Taurus - great size, features, and reliability at a reasonable price.

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  Probe review - 1991 Ford Probe
  By butaflychica - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but reliable. Very well running and great to drive. My car has 115,000 miles on it and runs like its brand new. I couldnt be happier with this purchase.

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  Excellent Engine -- Poor Suspension - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Sweep1120 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  The 4-cylinder in the Contour seems to be excellent -- 114,000 miles and no problems. And tremendous get-up and go for such a small engine on the freeway. However, the suspension and body construction problems (can no longer open gas cover from drivers seat) are troublesome. And no one seems to be able to correct them.