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:

• 

  1995 Ranger is a good bet - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By CLH - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck!A little under powered but will get you where you want to go and back. It has been VERY reliable and have very few repair bills. Just normal wear. The truck is a little light and needs some weight in the Snow ,But gets around good with about 300 pounds in the back. AC also works great and does not affect power on the engine. I recomend this truck .

• 

  99 Ford Windstar LX - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By chirpy1 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Windstar is a nice looking mini-van, but in our case not very reliable. The van has been plagued by engine and transmission problems. After this 2nd bad FORD experience, we are afraid to buy a domestic made vehicle again. Have had bad luck!

• 

  MY FORD IS OK - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By MELISSA - August 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS WAS OUR FIRST NEW CAR PURCHASE AND OUR FIRST VAN PURCHASE. ALTHOUGH I HAVE MIXED FEELINGS TOWARDS THIS CAR, I WOULD PROBABLY BUY ANOTHER

• 

  POWERFUL!!!!!!!!! Black GT - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Ouida Davis - August 19 - 2:00 am

  After buying this car, I joined a Mustang Club and proceeded to make modification upon advice of other members. My car stays garaged more of the time than not, due to Car Show reasons... Seldom driven in the rain. Modified Exhasut System, FlowMasters, Bassanni X-Pipe, 3.5 inch tips. Underdrive Pulleys, K&N Airfilter, Diablo SuperChip, 9MM SVO Racing Wires, Racing SplitFire Spark Plugs, Steeda Tri-Ax Shifter etc.... Love My Stang!!!

• 

  Satisfied owner - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By crummd00 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV. More than enough horse power. The Eddie Bauer provides all the extra bells and whistles to satisfy anyone. Very stylish - even today!

• 

  I will never buy a Ford again. - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Tanner - August 18 - 5:18 pm

  I have had this car for a little over 14 months and it has been a nightmare. In the beginning of the year, I began having intermittent transmission issues. The car shutters, hesitates and will not accelerate from a stop. I have taken this to two different Ford dealerships and "there is a normal amount of shutter for these vehicles". The dealerships keep telling me to bring it back if the problem persists. The problem is now happening everyday. I refuse to drive my car more than 10 miles away from my home. This car is very uncomfortable to drive, considering you and your passengers shake every time you accelerate; regardless if you have a heavy foot or not. This is a 2015, I should not be dealing with these types of frustrations this early into leasing this vehicle. Had I read previous reviews on this vehicle before, I would not have put a single dime into this vehicle. Within 14 months of my lease with 22 months to go, I am turning this in early and buying a NON-FORD product. I am very disappointed with this vehicle.

• 

  Ford nailed it on the new EXPY! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By AvMc - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Ford really got it right. This thing looks great and thrashes the Yukon I traded on ALL fronts. It has more leg room in the third row than the YUK. It handles much better and has no "roll" when taking turns. It handles more like a import sedan than an SUV. They say the YUK has more "punch". Well I cant tell it. This EXPY is just as quick and has much more torque than the Vortec.

• 

  Chevy man turns Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By CodyG - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Been a rabid Chevy fan for 25 years of driving. The last few years Chevy prices keep going up and quality keeps fallin. Test drove a 2003 Expedition and was IMPRESSED! I think the Expy looks classy an expensive compared to the 2003 Tahoe/Yukon. The Expy it drop dead quite, rides very nice for an SUV and handles WAY better in turns than a Tahoe. It also cost less and has more torque and towing ability than the Tahoe. If this Expy is reliable (unlike my Tahoe) Ill be a Ford man for life. Thats saying a lot for me since Ive been a Chevy fanatic 25 years.

• 

  Disappointing Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By waikhew - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Too many thing gone wrong on this "new" vehicle. It is like Ford has never build a vehicle before. This is something I would expect for a Hyundai or Kia!

• 

  Ford Does It Again - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ren - August 18 - 10:00 am

  What can I say this is my third explorer. I have had a 2 door sport , an eddie bauer, and now the xlt sport 4door v6