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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  Ford did it right!!!! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Ford did it right!! - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th SUV and I have finally found the truck that meets my criteria of what a SUV is all about. Room, comfort, performance (off/on road), power, reliability with a great look. I live in Colorado and spend every weekend in the mountains. This truck powers our group up the mountain with our snowmobiles or boat with out any hesitation. Pleanty of room for passanges and gear. I have driven this SUV hard and it has not missed a beat. My other SUVs (Cherokee, Explorer, Toyota) all had power issues and were falling apart at 60,000 miles. I have 100,000. on my Expedition and have only changed the tires, brakes, and shocks. Great truck!

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  Best SUV on the market - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Exped.Dave - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had several SUVs, and they always lacked in either power, performance, looks, or reliability. The Ford Expedition has not failed me in any of these areas. Great handling SUV with a lot of power and comfort.

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  Its not quite perfect - 1994 Ford Escort
  By BA - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Its a long lasting car. Acceleration is poor and only seems better during night time. Does not do well against hills. The most gradual hills will cause the car to deaccelerate even when the gas pedal is pushed all the way down. Burns gas quickly and the gas reader begins to shake. The speedometer stick shakes when reaching speeds over 70. The car also lidles too high it goes 10 miles and hour when just put into gear with automatics. Radiator uses a lot of coolant and often leaks when parked. For some strange reason the car actually keeps on truckin.

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  Its not quite perfect - 1994 Ford Escort
  By ba - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Its a long lasting car. Acceleration is poor and only seems better during night time. Does not do well against hills. The most gradual hills will cause the car to deaccelerate even when the gas pedal is pushed all the way down. Burns gas quickly and the gas reader begins to shake. The speedometer stick shakes when reaching speeds over 70. The car also lidles too high it goes 10 miles and hour when just put into gear with automatics. Radiator uses a lot of coolant and often leaks when parked. For some strange reason the car actually keeps on truckin.

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  Holy Smokes Batman! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Slat43 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  After reading reviews of the Focus/ZX2 here and at other sites/publications I was pretty convinced that was the car for me. So I went to the local dealership and took some test drives. You all know what I ended up buying. :) I certainly *WILL* buy another when this one kicks the bucket. . .if Ford doesnt do something stupid like keep the Focus before the ZX2. The Focus needs some serious refinement in build quality before Id consider it again.

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  windstar review - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By joe driver - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I would rate this car higher if there was a ford dealer within a twenty mile radius that would actually give good customer service,. I will never buy another ford product because of their poor attempts at fixing my ford vehicles.

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  Enjoying my new ride - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By charlieclaudia - January 15 - 12:43 am

  I had been researching and test driving various SUVs for over one year. I was looking for something with the comfort and versatility of a minivan, good gas mileage and not too big. Also didnt want to spend too much. The Freestyle is a great option. The ride is firm. I can easily get in and out of the car. The seats are the right proportion fit for me - much better than the ones in our F350. The glare on the windshield is very annoying. Polarized sun glasses are needed!

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  Fantastic car - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Marimom - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1992 Ford Thunderbird in 1994 and I am still driving it today. Aside from the regular maintenance on the car, I have only had brake work done once and a starter put in. I have never been stranded any where because something went wrong. This car has been a god send!!!

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  F150 XL 6 cylinder (4.2 L) Auto Trans. - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Steve 1 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall the vehicle has been pretty reliable. Although the brakes (disc front/drum back)seem to need replacement more frequently than most, transmission torque converter went out at 65000 miles, this model has sealed front end ball joints and had to be replaced also at about 65000 miles, gas mileage has been about 12 city/ 19 highway. Truck is well maintained with no heavy towing or abuse and regular maintenance. Good low end torque for 6 cyl.

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  95 contour GL V6 - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Wong - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this for 6 mo and I dun find any fun on owning this car. It had many problems car. I had used 1600 to fix all the problems, tire rods, brakes, radiator, water pump, and electrical wires on this car. I wont recommand this car to any friends of mine.