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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  Looks are deceiving - 1994 Ford Probe
  By jfm - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive until everything under the hood needs replacing. Today I am trading my car in and the dealership is giving me a value of 1800.00. I am coming out great!!! In order to fix this vehicle the cost is probably little over 3000.00. The repairs are more than the value of the car. Good luck to anyone that buys this car.

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  True Blue The Roaming Ranger - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By cakinsey - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck has deleverd pizzas, pulled crew-cab longe bed duellies out of sand and moved me around the great state of texas for more that three years. Just now rolling over 166,000 miles I am starting to have trouble with the second clutch. I must say that this little truck is one of the best investments I have ever made. I have collided head on with a wood post metal rail guardrail at 45 mph and just broke the supports to the guardrail. I have taken the motor over 5500 rpm countless times while spanking small import cars with flashy bodywork. Only small repairs, such as a waterpump at 145,000, and the normal tune up and brake jobs needed.

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  Hard to say goodbye - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Nort - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I think it says a lot for this vehicle that other than the fact we have abused the exterior over the years, there is no common sense reason to let her go.

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  Mixed Review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pjl275 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Nice riding SUV, very roomy compared to others in class. Handles very well and love the independent rear suspension. V-8 has good power, with lots of V-8 noise on acceleration. Transmission tends to bang when slowing to a stop when going downhill (tries to upshift). Too many rattles, the doors and entire cargo area seem to rattle. Will take to dealer soon, perhaps hatch is rattling. If it did not rattle so much, I would recommend. Runs on reg gas.

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  Fun car, but unreliable - 2014 Ford Focus
  By D. Martin - September 28 - 3:35 pm

  I love the size, handling, styling and interior. At 35,000 miles it needs a new clutch pack and strut bearing. The dealership has been nice about it, but this is ridiculous.

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  2001 Windstar LX - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By jfm166 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  decent car. noisy, but reliable. virtually no mtce in 55K miles. some fit/finish problems.

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  Junk Burn your money first! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Stonerat - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble. Ford bought back my 1996 and traded me for a 2001. This Van is no better and Fords Customer Service is a joke. Dealers can fix problems and are no help in getting Ford to help. Escalating the problem higher in the ford coporation is just a waste of time. They will make will try to convince you that the failed to please only in your case. Make your life simple Stay away from Windstars!

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  Windstar from Hell - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By aRCE - September 25 - 2:00 am

  At 60K miles vehicle literally fell apart. Vehicle repairs were $4,000 in one year. Vehicle still does not run right

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  inexpensive? i think not - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Lysabet - September 23 - 2:00 am

  the transmission in my 94 probe se failed at 80k, and cost 3k to fix it, which is more than the value of the car. other than normal maintanence ive replaced the O2 sensors twice, the entire exhaust system, and too many engine parts to write the air conditioning is the only thing in my car that has been reliable. plus, i have a clean driving record and the insurance is expensive. its an inexpensive "sports car", however the repairs and parts are super expensive. unless you can do the work yourself, or have an awesome mechanic, youll be spending lots of cash to keep the car on the road.

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  Escape - Not a Ford - 2001 Ford Escape
  By TWC - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Things to consider berfore buying: 1.Re-sale - Carmax offered me $18,000 for a 2002 XLT 10,000 miles with every available option (list new was $26,000). Resale is affected by recent poor crash test results in which Hyundai Santa Fe fared better. 2.Mini-spare tire on an SUV is stupid. 3.Drum brakes on rear (its not 4 wheel disc brakes) so braking is not one of its strengths. CR-V and Santa Fe have 4 wheel disc brakes and real spare tires. 4.Overall cheapness of the Escape. 5.Uncomfortable seats. 6.Thin paint Ford has become noted for. Obviously cost-engineered to the max by Ford. Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!