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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  Quality Sedan - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By joshua forlard - May 23 - 9:36 am

  I have enjoyed the ride and the tight response of steering and quiet cabin.

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  WORST GAS MILEAGE IVE EVER SEEN! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By 7774u - May 23 - 2:00 am

  We have the V-8 XLT in 2WD and it seems to only get 8-12mpg (if we are lucky). The ride is stiff and unpleasant for long trips. Over taking a car on the California freeways becomes a chore with this SUV, it makes more noise than it speeds up. Most of the plastic trim on the interior seems to look cheap as the dash seems to not fit together after a while. I will admit I like the trunk. It does give you more than enough space with out folding down the rear seats. The rear heat, air, and stereo controls are perfect. Head room is also a plus. The feeling of the brake pedal becomes one with you giving you a sense of great stopping power.

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  Very Good So Far... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By MadManMike - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought used in end of 1999, with the 3.8 Leter engine. Never had any major problems. First Van even owned and love it. But there are electrical problems galore but fortunately none have lead to a significant problem: Engine light comes on and stays for months - mechanic cant find anything wrong, thus resets. Interior lights frequently dont shut off after closing doors for up to 30 minutes at a time. Occasionally, the Door is open alarm does not shut off after the door is shut. Door is open light indicator seemingly always shows that one of the doors (or rear hatch) is open when, in fact, they are all closed and double checked.

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  Ranger 2wd 3.0 5M - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Review - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck new - 5 years and 60,000 miles later I have nothing to complain about. Mechanically it has been completely reliable. I am getting 21-23 mpg, which I think is very good for a V6 pickup. Interior materials and exterior paint are holding up very well. Everything still feels tight, no rattles, etc. Feels like it going to be a solid truck for a long time.

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  This is a hidden gem! - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Escortfun - May 23 - 2:00 am

  This gem is fun todrive, very economical (38mpg in hwy450mi one tank). Costs nothing to maintain, other than the oil changes etc., and it is reliable and practical (it easily fits my bicycle). The manual I own is peppy and accelerates with the 5th from 55 to 80 very quickly. It can go (tested recently) over 110 mph! I have driven this baby accross the US (it has 140K) for 6 years, and it NEVER left me stranded. I love this car so much, that even though I am buying a brand new sports car, I will keep it, because even a price as high as $4000 is little for it. You found a 96-Escort? Buy it and do not think about it. A REAL bargain!

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  Pony Car Returns - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Richard Starke - May 22 - 12:03 pm

  My new Mustang GT is a REAL Head Turner! I threw on Basani exhaust, (WOW) and 20 inch Zanetti wheels and tires and this car gets LOTS of compliments. It is a blast to drive, and it is a real head turner. Legend Lime Green Gold is an awesome awesome historical color. Cant buy this one from me...it is not for sale!

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  Not a fun car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By jillers - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I hate this car and cant wait to trade it in for something else. I have had it for 3 months now and thought that it would grow on me. It doesnt. I get passed on the freeways all of the time cause it has no power. For some reason the exhaust goes into the car when you turn on the aircon. What is with that? It looks like a sporty little zippy car but it is not. I am going today to trade it in for something else. I hate this car.

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  Good Van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By awilson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  It has good utility value

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  We like the Contour SE Sport - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Dave in Michigan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We love the moon roof, the 32 valve V6 in a light car gives good fuel economy and acceleration. Handling is OK, fairly quick steering, firm but not harsh suspension. Body seems solid, but there is a bad dash rattle. Size is just right for city traffic, not too small. Good visibility on lane changes and cruises well on interstate.

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  Reliable and True, Great SUV ride!! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Dnice - May 22 - 2:00 am

  No problems, great SUV, space and style, reliablity, i love my color!! Looks sweet! would recomend to any SUV fan in the sporty range.