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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  96 contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By ptemplin7 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  To many repairs plus the dealership is as bad as they come. Way to many warrenty repairs. Selling tires and others had to be replaced only 30K miles in. As someone once rated this this is a poor quality car. Hopefully they have corrected in later models.

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  GET YOUR BRAKES CHECKED!!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Peter C. - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Just took my Escape to the dealer for the 30k checkup - they told me that the ROTORS were shot (WHAT!! after 30k?)...will be following up with Henry Ford on this one....so get your brakes checked often..apparently the Escape eats them up. Other then this little $500 blow-up the Escape has been good to me.

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  Windstar one of the worst minivans - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By minivanguy - July 15 - 2:00 am

  With exception to the Nissan, Kia, Mazda, and GM minivans, the Windstar is definitely the worst minivan on the market. The car has many electrical and mechanical problems, including: doors, engine parts, even the transmission having to be repaired or replaced. My friend who owns a heavily driven Chrysler T&C has no problems. As to Mr Cool, Chrysler have the #1 selling van on the market (Caravan), not Honda, who are way behind. I recommend a Chrysler most, then Honda, then Toyota.

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  Nice truck! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By JDP - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I have put 15K miles on it, used. Good: Love the look, shines up well. No breakdowns or reliabiliy concerns. Interior is comfortable (Im 64), great seats! Easy to mod (grill guard, stereo). Good offroad/bad wx. Strong engine. Bad: Poor gas mileage (bad as a V8 in city). Ride is rough unless smooth road (good shocks and tires help). Strange sounds from random places. Needs check-up often to replace poor OEM parts. Ding-magnet (Ive gotten 5 nice dings). Overall, I like the truck and the pros outweigh the cons. Find a low mileage model, an extended warranty (havent needed it), and have it checked by a good mechanic. I give the truck a 7.

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  towing great - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By jjones6211 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  We upgraded from the Explorer to the Expedition for its towing abilities. We discovered that it has much more to offer in the cabin also. It surpasses all other large SUVs that we have driven. We plan to take this one to the grave.

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  2004 Lariat Supercrew - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Paige kehrer - July 14 - 5:56 pm

  This is the best Ford truck I have owned in overall quality and ride. The gas mileage for the 5.4 motor is great (17.5-18.5 mpg) at 65-70 mph. My last truck, a 2003 F150 with a 6 cylinder only got 16 mpg at best.

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  All-Around Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By John - July 14 - 9:50 am

  I found my Freestyle a bit sluggish on acceleration, at first. But after the first 1,000 miles or so, that changed. Now when I accelerate from a standing stop..I leave everyone in the dust! For a 4,000 lb. vehicle I think the gas mileage is great. With the A/C on all the time, I get approximately 20 mpg around town and 27 mpg on the highway. It is roomy, comfortable and fun to drive. And it has a ton of hauling capability (with the seats down). My favorite feature is the handling. It responds extremely well and you always feel in total control, even on slippery streets. It is one heck of a vehicle!

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  Mustang LX - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By william Berkeley - July 14 - 2:00 am

  For being a little 4 cylinder it has quite a bit power.

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  01 EXPEDITION - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By lee rimbach - July 14 - 2:00 am

  The Expedition is a good looking, well made vehicle. I carries the whole family in comfort. The 2 a/cs really keep the vehcile cool in the AZ summers.

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  low initial cost and fun to drive - 2002 Ford Escort
  By struckhoff - July 14 - 2:00 am

  It is just a fun car to drive.