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:

• 

  Im VERY satisfied - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Lance V - June 7 - 8:06 am

  I owned a 2000 Explorer and I expected the 2006 to be somewhat similar but I was wrong. The 2006 is light years ahead. This vehicle has all the comfort you could ask for with more power than you can imagine.

• 

  aerostar - 1991 Ford Aerostar
  By apollo - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Its a great vehicle for hauling...used it in my furniture business. The interior is giant! Lots of head room! I bought it with 60k on it, and put another 100k on it. Really fun to drive,so roomy great if youre a tall person. Only problems-I now have a tick in engine!? Very hard to replace oil filter yourself. Lots of power though in 4.0 liter....As far as other problems,just normal things.

• 

  Ford Escape XLT 2WD Premium - 2002 Ford Escape
  By antarctic_traveler - June 7 - 2:00 am

  This has been a relative trouble-free vehicle to own/maintain and drive. Very minor adjustments needed. Handled by dealer painlessly. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in this size SUV

• 

  Its Almost Perfect - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Deej - June 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this expecting to have all the room in the world. I do! The only thing that takes some getting used to is the stiffer ride than I had in my F- 150. With the V10 I have all the power I want and then some and it gets the same mileage no matter what. Towing or touring it is consistant. Including its huge range, it is a really good buggy.

• 

  Didnt Learn - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy in TX - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Weve had the Windstar 6.5 years only 55K miles. No major problems until 54,400 miles. Transmission disintegrated the internal differential came apart and spewed pieces all over the inside of the trans. A re-manufactured trans was installed. Thankfully, the $3600 bill was covered under a third party warranty. This van was not driven hard by any means. Had a 1988 Taurus wagon. Same engine (3.8 L), same trans, same result (trans died at 60K miles). I didnt learn. Im sure the head gasket is next. I have friends with similar stories about Windstars. No more Fords. Our other mini-van is a Venture.

• 

  Great - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jack Handy - June 6 - 10:30 pm

  Great Vehicle

• 

  Edge, Kudos to Ford - 2007 Ford Edge
  By tilly2 - June 6 - 10:23 pm

  I bought my Edge in Feb. 2007. Bought it without a second thought or test drive. One look and I was sold. Love, love, love the Edge. I get many compliments on it and its a real head turner driving down the road. Ford you really did it for me this time. Have almost 6,000 miles and no complaints and dont anticipate any either. I have been a Ford buyer for more than 25 years and have yet to be disappointed in anything I have gotten from Ford. I am an American and drive an American icon and couldnt be more proud. Quality is superb, I have never questioned the quality of American cars. Ford will always be #1 for me.

• 

  My 2005 Mustang Coupe - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Janet Richardson - June 6 - 3:33 pm

  What a beauty! I have never seen anything attract more stares, than this beautiful screaming yellow Mustang. Great gas mileage, runs smooth, reliable, etc. This beautiful retro version of the 1969 Mustang has the appearance of the 1969 dashboard, that is a real looker. Old and young alike are buying these cars, and if you can find one, buy it!! I understand that Ford has quit making them and they are getting ready for the 2006. I hope they dont copy this one. It is an original and a beauty. I find people taking pictures of it wherever I go. I am going to car shows soon and "cruise the gut" with old friend, in my retro mach Mustang. It has brought a lot of joy to my life!

• 

  Awesome car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By nixmom - June 6 - 10:23 am

  This car is awesome! We traded our Toyota Sienna in for this car. At first I thought I would regret it because of the difference in space, but my son loves it (especially the moon roof) and I love driving it. It is so comfortable inside, the seats are soft and the material is like no other I have been in. The interior dash and lights are great blue! I cant say enough about this car! Perfect, and excellent gas mileage! I would highly recommend this vehicle!

• 

  Safety/Security that they talk about so. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Salmas - June 6 - 10:00 am

  DOES NOT HAVE AS A SAFETY FEATURE dusk sensing headlamps, auto delay off headlamps, which are a very important saftey feature for woman at night, also does not have daytime driving lights, which I thought all vehicles must have.