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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  Perfect Camper Hauler - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Big Ben from Balto - December 7 - 9:16 am

  Have had a nagging problem with the driver side seat belt unbuckling on its own. Other than that, the truck has been great!

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  Dont even look at an S10 - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By TVman - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned three rangers including the 2000 I have now. I have also driven S10s in the past. No comparison! The ranger wins hands down. The ride, handling,interior controls,looks, and overall quality are much better.I drive 30,000 miles a year and have had very few problems. If looking for a small truck, dont waste your time at a GM lot--buy the ranger.

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  Ford Windstar 1996 - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Raj K Pai - December 7 - 2:00 am

  After the van crossed 60000 miles I have had nothing but problems. The van needs to have repairs every 30-60 days.

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  Best car weve ever owned - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By drb67 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Around town and coast to coast, always comfortable and reliable. Excellent for long trips. Have NEVER had to repair anything! Changed oil and filter on schedule, and replaced self-sealing tires at 50,000 miles. Otherwise, expense-free!

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  2006 SEL - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bob Egmond - December 6 - 9:40 pm

  I have had my Ford Five Hundred for about one year now and have had zero problems. The interior is very spacious and also very comfortable a a long trip.

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  Top 5 problems of a 96 Ford Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By rjf - December 6 - 2:00 am

  5-Electrical problems. 4-Speedometer fails. 3-Front suspension wore out. 2-Antifreeze leaking. 1-Oil leaking. Good bye Windstar. Hello Honda.

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  Great Car - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By mprice - December 6 - 2:00 am

  The Thunderbird has spoiled. I fear I will never be able to find the balance of performance, confort, size, and appearance that this car give. That is for the $15,000 I paid for it. They do have rotor problems, that can be fixed for about $200. They also have trasmission TCC shudder that can be fixed fo $80. These are a problem, but ones I can live with for the price. One other thing, it is terrible in the smow!

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  Better than I thought - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By roger5 - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have found that in 92,000 miles my Wagon has been very reliable. Only one problem with a Vacum conector Conection . MY maintiance cost have been limited to Brakes, Rotors, Tires one time only and a Serpintine Belt. only I am told now to watch my Ball Joints they are showing some ware. But not Bad for 92,000 miles

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  transmission - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By cat rio - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1999 Taurus. I bought it certified from the dealer. It had 43000 miles on it when I bought it. At 75000 the transmission gave out. It was covered under the extended warranty I bought with the car. I had no problems dealing with Ford for the repair. It broke down 200 miles from my home, and even though I was far from my usual service dept., they treated me well, and repaired it in a reasonable amount of time. I have heard the 1999 tranis go out around 75000 pretty regularly, someting I wish I had known. Other than that...I love the car.

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  I am Pleased - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By The Edge - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Before purchasing, I compared all US built trucks, and based on style, price, available features and reliability, the Ranger by far out weighed the Dakota and Chevy ZR2. I am very pleased with my purchase, I drove it from CA to WI and it handled great on the road and going through mountains. Excellent comfort and plenty of room in the cab. Handles very smooth, and good turning radius. The bedliner and Cover were great extras, as the cover locks the tail gate, of which is not an option on the Ranger. The 4.0 provides plenty of zip and power.