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:

• 

  f150 - 1995 Ford F-150
  By db - March 4 - 9:14 pm

  the truck had a rough life befor I got it. It came to me after undergoing numerous repairs but has been very reliable.

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  Nickel and Dime - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Disssatisfied - March 3 - 6:55 pm

  I had bought my 1998 Contour SE in August of 2001 with 31000 miles and currently has 40000 miles. In six months Ive had to replace the fuel sensor and PCV valve, Catalytic converter, Alternator, (totalling ~$550)and about another $200+ counting other mechanics fees for just identifing other problems. In addition, I was not notified by Ford about recalls on my car. These repairs should not occur at this mileage and why am I left in the dark about recalls? I am very unimpressed by Ford.

• 

  Has served our family well...mostly - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By Edward L. - March 1 - 12:13 am

  You have to realize this is not a vehicle to have unless you are willing to have repairs done. Weve had a minor transmission problem and heating system glich. The car has done well for family use, but we have not abused it either. We are obsessive about maintenance which also helps. This vehicle is a good low up-front cost rather large minivan, but dont expect trouble free operation, it is a FORD>

• 

  Great car - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By vin - February 28 - 10:23 pm

  Runs great

• 

  Windstar - if you cant get the oddessey - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By adpin - February 28 - 8:27 pm

  The only reason I leased the Windstar was the fact that I couldnt get the Honda Odessey. The lease on the Windstar similar to the Odessey since the residual is so much better on the Honda. The Windstar has been in the shop 4 times now for recalls. The steering fluid pump had to be replaced, as well as the ignition control module. The Windstar might be safe, but not very good. Im glad I dont own it. The rear bench is very heavy, and should really be removed with 2 people.

• 

  Basic transportation - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By AzRobbo - February 27 - 10:47 pm

  My Taurus, which I have had for about a year and half, has been decent. I guess I expected more when paying $10k for a car, though. I am extremely dissatisfied at the resale value, it has dropped about 50% the first year I had it. I had to replace the headgasket, which blew in the the June Arizona sun, so I wasnt TOO upset. The brakes have needed work, and my door locks are screwed up, but other than that is a nice comfortable car with lots of room.

• 

  An attractive, comfortable piece of junk - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By derbarkasmann - February 26 - 4:03 pm

  Looks good. Very comfortable to drive. When it runs. It has been a very expensive mechanical nightmare to get it to 100,000 miles. I replaced it with a Toyota, what a relief. No more Ford repairs. As a used car, a free Taurus is still a bad deal.

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  dont, if you dont have to - 2000 Ford Focus
  By former focus owner - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I just traded my focus in and Im glad about it. If you dont have to buy a focus get something else. Its cute and all but it feels exactly like your driving a little go-cart. I think it was made for high school kids who were purchasing their first car. This is not a car for adults!

• 

  park bench seats - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Dick Cahill - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had it 11 months and the seats are a little more comfortable then a park bench. The dome light switch should be on the dash. The trans seams like it is going out at 42000 miles shifts out of overdrive everytime you let off the gas at highway speeds.Very small inside for what I do. I am in sales and travel 4 states. I would trade back for my GMC Safari van in a heartbeat. The short wheelbase beats you up after you drive 300-400 miles in a day. The gas millage is okay but the tank is so small you stop for gas 2 or 3 times a day. Overall I would not buy it again!

• 

  Mixed Emptions - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By GregFordExpSport - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted an SUV and loved the look of the 2-Door Ford Explorer Sport. I purchased a 1998 program vehicle in Jan, 2000. Ive had the heating/AC "arm assembly" replaced. Ive had 3 sets of brake pads (all around) replaced this year alone. The radio LED is beginning to fade in and out. I had to replace the EGER valve...woke up one morning and the darn thing wouldnt turn over! Fog lights simply will not work for very long before having to replace. Extremely rough ride, gas mileage is horrible. Would I buy another Explorer? I dont think so.