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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  Nice truck - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By TLA2 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  My Bronco has been the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. At 97000 miles the engine runs strong. No oil leaks, all gauges remain in factory position. I drove it 2000 miles last summer and it just purred along at 70 mph.

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  Well Built - 1990 Ford Probe
  By Vinnie - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for almost 12 years and it has been great. This morning when I pulled in to work the odomoter read 352,211 miles. Unfortunately, the original engine only lasted 330,000 miles. Darn!!! Ive never been standed and from the day I bought it used, it has always started on the first crank. This car has been an absolute joy to have. Kudos to Ford and Mazda.

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  Fun American Rear Drive Muscle Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Bryce - November 20 - 2:13 pm

  My 2002 Mustang GT Premium Coupe is brand spanking new, with only 100 miles on it at the time of this review. This is my first Ford, so I cant comment on the reliability. What really drew me to the car were its styling and value. I love the exterior, but am not too crazy about the interior. The value is unbeatable; I couldnt find anything comparable in power or features anywhere near the price. Im looking forward to lots of good times with this American legend.

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  F-150 Flairside 4x4 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By offrdford - November 20 - 8:10 am

  The 5.4 engine pulls my horse trailer around like its wasnt even there. I did put a 3" lift and 32.8" tall tires on it with a K&N filter charger system, under drive pullies, and a Jet power module. That combonation of add ons worked great and the ride and handling of this new suspension compaired to the TTB is great! I have been very pleased with this truck on and off the road.

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  99 Expy Review - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By mhhurst - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1999 4.6 XLT 4WD Expedition. It is a very reliable and dependable vehicle. It was built solidly and has had very few trips to the shop for work outside of normal maintainence. There was one incident with the transmission at 30K miles. They dropped it out, flushed it and cleaned it. Put it back together and viola, problem was solved. Given they only had to replace the gaskets and the transmission fluid, I consider it an overall minor incident. 12K miles later my expy is still cruising along.

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  I love It - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By YOUR-IT - November 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck...And I mean TRUCK If you are scared of trucks then this is not for you. This is for the PROs!! You just dont go from a small car to this XXL Truck. Work you way up, If you rush it you will not like it..(Like Sex) Parking no problem and I live in the city...But I will not dive it downtown...But I also would not dive my mini van downtown.

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  no more fords - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Jim no fords - November 20 - 2:00 am

  If you are thinking about buying a Windstar, DONT. While the van was still under warranty, a computer chip went bad. It would have been several thousand dollars to fix if not for the warranty. The at 60,000 miles the transmission went. I dont know where all the radiator fluid goes that I put in. The dealer swears its not the head gasket. We have three friends that own Windstars from various model years and they ALL have transmission problems.

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  Blown engine - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By steverob - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket failed and destroyed the engine (3.8). Only has 77,000 and Ford will offer no assistance. We will never buy another Ford product.

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  Love my SE - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By T. Shields - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for approximately 4 years. Have never had a break down or any major problems. I maintain it with full synthetic oil (Mobil 1) even with that I still change the oil every 5,000 miles. I perform as much preventative maintenance as possible. One of the best cars I have ever owned. It currently has 98,000 miles and is still going strong. Ford did it right on the 95 Taurus SE.

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  I dig it - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Jeri - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my Explorer. Its just too bad that its a 2-Dr vehicle. Im having a baby and have to trade it for a 4-Dr.