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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  DONT BUY A WINDSTAR - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Ford Sucks! - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar stayed in the shop for Trans. problems, electrical problems, pwr sliding doors would malfunction, Keyless entry wouldnt work, CD player ate CDs and Check Engine light would come on all the time. Broke down 3 times. The dealership denied all problems, said that there was nothing wrong with the car. When we were in a car accident none of the airbags went off when they were supposed to. The dealership said there was malfunction in the airbag sensors. I will never buy another Ford Van, and I will never buy another vehicle from Berglund In Salem, VA.

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  To bad, so sad, please keep making them - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Bmargetts - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Not for everyone. But if you need the high range people mover that can tow a house. This is the choice.

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  We love our Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By unney - February 28 - 2:00 am

  We just recently purchased our Explorer. So far, we love it. It rides and steers smoothly. Theres plenty of room for us, the kids and our luggage. Its very comfortable. We bought an extended warranty, because you never know!

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  Not Quite Sure - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By AndyB - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my truck for about 3 months, and i have already put over $400 in work on the transmission, and its still not working quite right?? The display on the radio goes out sometimes, and there is a weird rattle when it idles sometimes? After reading some of these reviews its kinda got me thinkin about trading already. But as far as looks and all around usefulness its great.

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  Expethrilledition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Davant - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Our $33.5 Eddie Bauer 5.4L 2WD model offers plenty of power and handles very much like a car, little hint of the 5,600 pounds around you. I considered the 4.6L but recommend the bigger V8. The $700 extra and 1 MPG sacrifice are worth if for all but a few drivers. MPG over 8K miles has been 14-17, averaging 16 C/H. Ergonomically correct for this 62" driver throughout, this is one of Fords best ever, drive it and youll agree (I dont work for them).

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  1991 Ford Explorer - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Been a very dependable and enjoyable vehicle. With special emphasis on usefulness....makes life easy running errands and carrying family.

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  Very good fun to drive - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By lovemyrig - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Got the explorer at about 63000 and besides the dealership not doing the work they were suppose to and making us pay for it nothing has gone wrong and being a teenager im a little harder on it . i go off roading in it and the only problem is i have to repack my bearings a little more often.starts everytime tows and hauls anything i have not enough room to say all good stuff even for 166000+ miles

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  Look Elsewhere - 2003 Ford Escape
  By American made - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Clumsy seating. Poor console setup. The future of American engineering at its worst. Transmission problems within first 2 months (dealer replaced it, though they were hesitant). Two tires needed replacing, due to bubble developements. Not very happy so far. I should have compared other similar vehicles, before jumping the gun.

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  Ford, America s Best - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Gerard - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the 1997 Ford Ranger Super is a very good vehicle. Its number one conveniencing brand I would place upon this vehicle is its saftey. Ford truely have lived up to "Built Ford Tough" slogan. However, I think that all of the models should be standardized with a V6 engine. This would make this vehicle more attractive to buyers and provide a more complete feeling when driving.

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  EXCELLENT CAR!!! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By FordFan84 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is excellent and fun to drive! It has 120,000 miles on it and still runs like a BRAND NEW car! I have had no problems whatsoever with this car. I would not hesitate to drive this car across country and back right now. It has plenty of power to pass anyone since it is very fast, and the styling is very good looking! I will ALWAYS drive a Ford and believe they will last and are the best cars on the market. All you people who complain about your cars must not take care of them because if you take car of your car, it WILL last you forever!