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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  LEMON - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By skippinin - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE 33 DAYS AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 18 OF THOSE. THE SHOCK WENT OUT, THE BRAKES STICK, AND NOW IT HAS PERIODIC MOMENTS OF NOT STARTING.

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  unreliable - 1992 Ford Escort
  By ford_lover - June 5 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive but it has overheated and now blew the manaul trans after it seems all the trans fluid leaked out. Also, I hate the automatic shoulder belt system!

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  I dont want it anymore!!! - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By readytosell - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had numerous problems with this vehicle. I had to replace the tranny at 38k miles and I know 3 others who have had to replace their transmissions on their 99 or 2000 Rangers at under 40k. Horrible! There is also a terrible knock in the engine that Ford claims is "normal." I cant afford to upgrade right now, but I think Im going to sell it and buy something better for teh same cost, like a 97 4runner.

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  Green on the outside - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Avalanche - June 4 - 2:00 am

  My Windstar is green on the outside, but a lemon on the inside. In the first 75,000 miles it has had the transmission replaced, 2X - brake system replaced, wiper motor replaced 2X, power window motor replaced, the head gasket blew, it goes through tires about every 25,000 miles. The saving grace is that all but the tires were covered by warrantee, which Ford extended to 75,000 miles because of all of the difficulty we had with the car.

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  Never Again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By JJackson - June 4 - 2:00 am

  After 5 years and thousands of dollars in repair, we have finally traded in our 95 Ford Windstar. The brakes had to be replaced every 6 months, the head gasket needed replacing twice, and more! Some of the flaws have been improved in more recent models, but I will never trust a Ford product again. This was a new model year & definitely one to be avoided.

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  A solid alternative to SUVs and minivans - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Trav - June 3 - 8:23 am

  This is a solid, reliable, well-performing car. Get the Handling Package if you have the choice. I think you could fit a minivan in the enormous trunk of this car. It can literally swallow 10-days worth of clothes and gear for 4 people + 2 kids without having a single item in the cabin. The back seat sleeps one and the trunk could sleep 2.

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  Poor Gas Milage - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By GrizzMcc - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Engine continually surges, although window sticker rated this vehicle at 23 MPG, Ihave never been able to get over 14MPG. This is after 4 trips back to the dealership. In addition, acceleration is far below what it should be for an engine that is rated at 200 HP.

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  Can I trade this for a toyota? - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By buystockinnapa - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 92 Ranger gently used with a little over 40,000mi (not bad for a six year old truck). I was well pleased with it until about 5,000mi later, then I was faced with a constant onslaught of minor to not-so-minor repairs. Long story short, I have put in two engines, a tranny, a starter, an alternator, water-pump, heater core, radiator, the a/c is broke, turn signals dont work, gas gauge read "E" all the time, etc. Need I go on? Oh, yeah, Im shopping for a Toyota Tundra.

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  1992 Ford Trucks - 1992 Ford F-350
  By betthat - May 30 - 2:00 am

  My truck came with a 7.3L Navistar Diesel Non-Turbo engine. This is one of the poorest motors ever built. Im currently on the second motor(I like the crew cab room). There is a known problem with pinholes developing in the cylinder walls. This causes engine coolant to enter the cylinder(major repair expense). This motor is also poor for hauling a heavy load.

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  head gasket - again? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By kgreen - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This van has undersized barkes which mean that they need to be replaced more often then they should. The head gasket blew 1, 2 now 3 times, and we are working on transmission #2. Not reliable. rear heat and air dont have temp control - on & off only.