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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  3rd ranger - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By 3rd ranger - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Towing package allows for an impressive amount on a trailer, No 4x8 material will fit in stepside bed and it is easy to break the fiberglass pieces back there. the 4 liter engine is a push rod design that feels weak when compared to others but does the job. I have almost always gotten 17 mi to the gallon when empty. The electric four wheel drive has been nothing but trouble as has the electric heater/air controls. Aside from this, the truck has never left me set. Rear of truck is very light. Find truck very comfortable to drive. As the past two rangers I think these are a good compromise truck rides nice.

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  Cheaper to give away instead of fix - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By GaveItAway - March 23 - 2:00 am

  In 90,000 miles over 9 years I had to fix the air conditioning three times (very expensive!), the ignition lock failed, the power steering pump failed, the brakes had to be redone twice, the power windows would not lower the windows fully without me pushing down on the glass, the sliding door would occasionally jam in the open position. I finally donated the van to charity because it was cheaper than fixing the A/C one more time!

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  Love My Bronco - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By spyne - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Bronco new with 3 miles on the odometer. It now has about 122K and Im still happy with the truck. Overall this has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its somewhat low tech by todays standards, but has proven to be very reliable and up to any task Ive ever asked of it. In the last few months Im starting to notice some rust-through in the bottom of the tailgate as well as in the front bumper.

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  94 Mustang GT - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Davo - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle. Sturdy, reliable and safe. All the things you DONT expect from a sports car. And of course, Its a blast to drive.

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  Love this SUV! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By nate stewart - March 22 - 8:10 am

  When we took the Escape out on the road for a test ride, we knew it was ours. Its very roomy, has lots of cargo space, and you cant beat the mileage. It also has a lot of safety features my wife and I were looking for as were trying to have a baby. Definitely worth cruising into the dealership to check out.

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  Im very happy with my Focus ZX5 SES!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By W.Lindquist - March 22 - 6:50 am

  This is a really nice small car. Four adults can be carried comfortably with plenty of room in the hatch. It has a rather tight "European" type suspension that handles great with the 16" Pirelli tires. Just a bit harsh on chuckholes, but a very good ride most of the time. Gas mileage has been as predicted on the window sticker at 26 city/ automatic. Since our temperature averages about 40 degrees (F) in November the milage has lowered to more like 22 or 24 city. Still very good! Lots of power and pick up. A joy to drive. The 6 disc CD player is of better than average quality. My Alpine in the other car outperforms it, but not by that much.

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  Why I love it! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Fred Flintsone - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Its great for hauling around a lot of kids. I love sitting up high, because I have good visibility. The Eddie Bauer edition is the way to go.

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  Love it, but worried about longevity... - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Margaret B. - March 22 - 2:00 am

  29K miles, 1 mo. in shop. Drivers side door rattle from day one. Replaced panel & window track but rattle is back & pass. side has same problem. Steerings very tricky & theres a clunk/pop from underneath car when turning steering wheel. Replaced 2 steering shafts, pump & gear, still having problems. Car idles rough. #8 injector went bad & was replaced along with coil boots. Has died several times, wouldnt start & had to be towed. Poor mileage, maybe related to rough idling & injector problems? Feel safe in it overall, but seems like Ford could have made mine better!

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  Bang for the buck - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By MrRLJ-2 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car preowned with almost 63 thousand miles on it. This car is in good condition. I alternate from this car and my 98 Chevy Malibu LS. The Taurus is alot more confortable. I really love driving this car.

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  Good and Bad - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Oregon - March 22 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car, used, from a dealership when it had 36k miles it now has 57k miles. The ride is great. Its roomy and spacious, has great acceleration (3.8L), and the drivers/passengers view is good. The safety structure is right up with Siennas and Odysseys (www.nhtsa.dot.gov, www.hwysafety.org). The key issue is RELIABILITY. To date, here are the issues : 1)at times the back windows wont work, 2)side views dont function properly, 3)at times the door ajar occurs when all doors are closed, and 4)the transmission in reverse is beginning to rattle (which corresponds to the poorly made transmission Ive heard much about).