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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  Be careful - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By owner of new and old - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle since 30,000. It is now at 80,000 I can relate to all of the problems. Tran started slipping around 50,000 in 1st gear, now have leak in timing valve gasket, estimated 800 repair, check engine light on all the time, runs rough at idle, has always made a "popping" noise from the front suspension.

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  I love my F-150 - 1994 Ford F-150
  By cucci - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 94 F-150 December 23, 1993, and I wouldnt trade it in on a new vehicle if you paid me to! I have 77,000 miles on it, and had the automatic AOD transmission rebuilt at around 60,000 miles. Other than that, the truck has had no mechanical problems aside from regular maintenance. I would definitely recommend this truck to anyone interested in buying a used truck.

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  This is a Great Car! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By William Cook - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I am the original owner and have put 110,000 miles on a 1995 GL 4-cylendar 5- speed manual Contour. I have only done routine maintenance on it with the exception of a blasted electrical problem with the cooling fan that was recalled and has been repaired several times -- but at Fords expense! There have been no other problems with the car. I think I get more miles per dollar spent with this car than any car I kmnow of. And as a bonus, its peppy and fun to drive (although I am told the version with the automatic transmission is sluggish).

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  Why not improve the this car? - 1996 Ford Contour
  By GEE - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I wish Ford would continued to build and improve this vehicle. Anyway, the transmission failed at 123,000 and I had it rebuilt at Cottman. Coming home from work, the transmission again failed at 209,000. I wasnt expecting the transmission to fail again. I decided to use Slick-50 transmission lubricant. Some people have warned me about using additives for the transmission. Anyway, none of the forward gears are working. I am considering replacing it with another CD4E transmission because I love the car so much. I have also replaced the timing belt and radiator.

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  Great Little Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By BikeNut - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I started out leasing this truck and by the time my lease was up, I knew that I wanted to buy it. I have taken long trips, hauled everything from refrigerators to sheetrock and have never had to do anything to this truck except change the oil and put in gas. It is a great looking truck and is very comfortable. I now have 113,000 miles on it and I drive it 100 miles a day to work and back. I would highly recommend this truck to anyone who is looking for a small, good looking, economical and trouble free vehicle.

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  Great full size SUV. - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By letsroll - March 3 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Expedition defined the full-size SUV as we know it today. It was the first to offer a ride and handling more akin to a car than a tank (of course, such a large vehicle cannot be expected to handle like a Miata). My Expedition has never given me a bit of trouble. It still drives and rides like the day I bought it. Unlike previous GM products I have owned, there are no interior rattles, and the only things I have ever replaced are the tires (65K), and the fluids and filters. It tows trailers like theyre not even there, and it cant be stopped off road. I hope ever vehicle I own hereafter performs this well. Kudos to Ford.

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  expedition2 - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By ertmarty - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second expedition. the first was a 97. I wasnt that impressed with my first one, but room and duribility were what I needed. The 2001 is much better than the 97, in interior design and quality. There is more interior storage, better quality and more standard features.

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  Maximum Comfort - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Redeye - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Its the largest and most comfortable SUV available, the massive bucket seats in the Limited edition are as luxurious an expensive home recliner. The V10 engine makes this massive machine suprisingly quick, and the positive steering makes it nimble in corners. A truly awesome cargo capacity makes it an excellent ranch vehicle, we often carry 10-15 bags of cattle feed in the back.

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  Once Diesel U Never Go Back - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By BROWNIE BUNCH - March 2 - 2:00 am

  We love the big truck. Family of five have plenty of space for strollers and car seats etc. Gas mileage great for a big beast. Not any mechanical problems. Does seem to have a loose steering had it two places for alignment. Everythings built very good otherwise. Definately would purchase one again. By far the most awesome truck on the road. You gotta drive one!!!

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  go get one!!!!! - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By ron jeremy - March 2 - 2:00 am

  WOW! i had 1981 trans-am, a 1988 crx si, 1985 iroc camaro... nothing get close to my mustang. very easy to modify, easy to find bolt-on... and the roarrr of a 5.0L... go get one!!!