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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  good experience with ford vehicles - 1999 Ford Contour
  By cris - May 29 - 2:00 am

  its my 2nd ford. 1st was a 1994 escort wagon, 5-speed. i got it at 100K, drove it for another 40K, not a problem, except wear-and-tear stuff. the contour: i love its 6-cylinder engine + 5-speed transmission. its alos sport tuned. i got it at 46k, now has 62k and did not have any major problems. my oppinion: if you drive and maintain them right, ford cars are OK for the price you pay. sure, honda and toyota are more reliable, but guess what: thats why you pay almost twice as much on a used japanese car. so before buying a used car, do your research and decide what you want: a more reliable car for a lot of money,or a ford for less.

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  Trusty Steed - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By goodguy - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new and have never owned a more useful or reliable vehicle (22+ cars/trucks over the years). With over 146K miles it continues to look & perform very good, and still has no squeaks or rattles. The only mechanical failures Ive had were the front sway bar links (recall item) and an idler pulley at 105K. Over the past few thousand miles Ive noticed a very slight delay in the transmission engaging when I shift from park to reverse and occasionally hear a soft "thunking" coming from the front transfer case, but cant find anything else to complain about. I love this truck! Id highly recommend these older series of Explorers (95-00).

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  4.2 6 cyl. not the best ford has made - 2000 Ford F-150
  By bob cracthet - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I like the truck over all. At 48k the motor blew. Spun bearing, bent rod, and bent valves. Ford put new one in and it blew the same day under their care. I have had the third one in for about 1k and no problems yet.I have had to put a new catalytic converter and the cross member on the trans.The gears need to be lower especially in 1st. But if I buy another it will be v8 and auto. Good truck, still rather have a GMC!

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  my f150 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By gdc - May 29 - 2:00 am

  over 100k , the truck has required regular maintenance only. Has never left me on the side of the rode.

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  Great Truck!!! - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Adam C - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great truck! Honestly, I havent taken care of it like I should have & it needs a little tranny work but it still runs great! Its got 192,000 miles with the original tranny, front & rear ends, & brake calipers. It has great brakes & the manual transmission makes it a blast to drive. Ive been in newer ones and prefer my 93. Its just comfortable & fun to drive.

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  Ford Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By FordGuy9 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is built very poor

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  I love my SC - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By mscottyo - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Great, classic automoblie. Very reliable and great fun to drive.

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  Best selling model, but poor vehicle - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Kentucky - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This was a best selling model, and the sleak look and line of the 1994 Ford Taurus still looks good. But my vehicle simply did not stand the test of time for reliability. 3 transmissions and steering column issues later, I would not purchase another Ford Taurus.

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  1994 Ford Taurus SHO (red) - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By JerryW - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I was the original owner. It has been a joy to drive and is a very practical car on top of it. I love the performance. The red color really stands out nicely.

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  So far, so good! - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By FMSk8erGurl - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my 5.0 for about a week or so, but so far Ive had no problems (except that I need tires lol). I went from a brand new 02 VW Jetta that went in for repairs 6 times in the year that I owned it to my 1990 Stang. I loved my Jetta, but I couldnt handle paying $340 a month for a car that broke down every 8 weeks or so. My boyfriend has an 84 GT, and I love driving it, so when I came across mine, I had to get it. Its fun to drive (despite popular belief, not just in a straight line either), fun and easy to work on, and its fast, pure American Muscle :o)