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:

• 

  What I would change - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Sandra Elder - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my new escape. It is the first SUV I have owned and I doubt I will own anything except an SUV from now on.I was surprised how great it handles. I thought it would feel like driving a truck and would be a rough ride, however it is a very smooth and comfortable.

• 

  my car! - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By tori c. - May 1 - 2:00 am

  For a 9 year old car, my Aspire is in great running shape. I bought it about a year and a half ago, and it had one previous owner. Im going to be getting a new (used) car in the near future, and the great fuel economy of this car is going to be hard to beat! Had a new clutch installed earlier in the year, but other than that, no major problems.

• 

  great little car!! - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By teresa - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Great, reliable, fuel-efficient around town car! Lots of room!! I plan on keeping it forever. But....not powerful or heavy enough to compete with fast moving highway traffic.

• 

  "Breaking Wind"-star - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Thirty Something - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Today is emancipation day from my Windstar - truely an occasion for celebration! Never have I had the displeasure of owning a vehicle with more recalls, problems and strange quirks than this poor van. After reading the other reviews, I realized we would probably be considered one of the fortunate ones since our first major money repair didnt occur until @ 35,000 miles. Since then, Its been downhill. Believe me, I will shed no tears as I hand the dealer the keys once and for all to this "mystery machine".

• 

  Imsorry - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Joe consumer - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The dealership replaced exhaust sensors rear hatch switches, engine sensors, reah hatch plungers, door open switches, transmission ( lost reverse & overdrive)all 4 tires went bad (broken belts)with in 2 weeks. Brake light comes on when stopping or when hand brake is released but they can not fix. Noisey ride (wind noise)

• 

  zx-3 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sherita - May 1 - 2:00 am

  i love my zx-3

• 

  04 ZTW wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Erinsmuma - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car. It is comfortable for me to drive. The one thing that I thought was pretty chintzy is the lack of cross bars on the roof luggage carrier. This makes it a totally useless piece of plastic on the roof.

• 

  Superb Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By lrudduck - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This truck is extremely well built - everything feels sturdy but is still very comfortable. Very quiet, smooth ride. Plenty of power. Lots of options. Looks great. Handles great in sun and snow.

• 

  ford can not fix their own cars - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By bluebird - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this car,but it developed a problem with starting. Took to a mechanic or that iis what he called himself. $618.00 later and it still will not start. Took to Ford-$90.00 and they do not know what is wrong with the car.Maybe I can trade it in and let it be someone elses headache. I am tired of paying mechanics and tow trucks. It is sad Ford will not stand by its product. Anyone else with this problem.

• 

  ford can not fix their own cars - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Bluebird - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this car,but it developed a problem with starting. Took to a mechanic or that iis what he called himself. $618.00 later and it still will not start. Took to Ford-$90.00 and they do not know what is wrong with the car.Maybe I can trade it in and let it be someone elses headache. I am tired of paying mechanics and tow trucks. It is sad Ford will not stand by its product. Anyone else with this problem.