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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  Not worth the money - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mark1983 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Needed a rebuilt transmission after 60,000 miles. Power steering repaired twice. This car was a grave disappointment.

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  Not a good family vehicle - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By mardecortes - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Replaced one ignition sensor at 1K miles replaced the steering pump at 19K miles the transmission stalls in cold whether when shifting from 2nd to 3rd sometimes the transmission does not shift from 2nd to 3rd so I have to turn the vehicle off, it looks like one sensor is not working (pay attention all of the ones that have had problems with the transmission) sliding doors "creek" when wet the A/C compressor was replaced at 37K miles the valves cover gasket started to leak at 10K miles sometimes the inside lights start to blink with no apparent reason (like a bad electrical contact).

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  only burnt once... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By mom of 3 kids in OH - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought Windstar based upon safety ratings at the time. Thought we had a great van- but the Check Engine light went on every time we drove on a trip over 200 miles. Ford dealer never could figure it out - or why we had rough cold starts. Now at 112,000 miles, already fixed the gaskets and now need a new transmission. Wish I had checked consumer reports before I had purchased. Going foreign, but only because they have forced me. Will never buy a Ford again!

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  Versatile 4WD SUV That Rocks! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By AirportDave - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our 2000 Explorer for nearly two years, and we really love it. Its very comfortable on the highway, and very capable off-road we use ours regularly to get to a Wyoming cabin at the end of a seriously rough, four mile 4-low climb. Even with four people and a big load, its great. Drive it slowly and correctly in 4-low and it does awesome. Although power was somewhat disappointing orginally, a 2.5" Dynomax cat-back exhaust and K&N cold air intake cured that. Overall, we love ours and plan to keep it a long time!

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  Owner Review - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Ponsik - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, very good body, highly reliable powertrain

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  Excellent vehicle - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By djdrake - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle for the age it has on it. It still runs very well and the comfort level is great.

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  Awesome SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By MarbleLife - June 15 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Exp EB used with 50K miles and we currenlty have 70K with no problems what so ever. Runs tight, no rattles or anything. My wife and I love the handling and the room it has. Really was the best vaule for the $$$. We looked at the Toyota but it is way over priced, we figure even if the Ford did give us some problems we would still be ahead from all we saved in price. Good truck!!!!

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  Love this Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By OlyVenture - June 14 - 6:56 pm

  This is quickly becomming one of the best cars I have ever had. Very comfortable and quiet, decent gas millage, great electronic features, tons of room and awesome in all weather. I got around everywhere in snow and ice when western Washington was hit with storms.

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  Heart BRAKER - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By surreal - June 14 - 1:26 pm

  I love the look of the vehicle, very sporty chic looking, Ive had it two years and have had to replace the brakes twice and the rotors once, which I believe to be sub standard from the factory, and now have my suspicions about the bearings as well! Im a female, miles are all highway, and I do not do heavy braking. Im getting a LOT of road noise frequently from the front end, when its checked, its the brakes or the rotor. Now Im suspecting the bearings are bad! For my driving style, this is unacceptable for a vehicle of this type/cost to be having so many wheel problems. If used as a mans truck, worked, it would not survive long I fear. Im worried, so I bought the extended warranty!

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  Love my Off-Road! - 1999 Ford F-150
  By doddhawk - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have a Triton 5.4L Off-Road4X4 and you wont find a better truck for the money! I use it to commute daily to work and on the rough side, I go 4- wheeling while ice-fishing and have been through the toughest(and deepest) mud holes in the outbacks of the Smokey Mountains...Ford tough is right!