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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  TYPICAL FORD - 1999 Ford Contour
  By MC2775 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  The only good thing about this car is the V6 power. Other than that its a typical Ford, 7 alternators in the last three years, squeaky doors, faulty fan/ac switch, and terrible night vision with headlights. Its obviously a another cheap disposable car except for the good reliable V6 engine. I wont buy another Ford car ever again, a truck maybe.

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  The Premium Edition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By dev - October 26 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a one of a kind!! Cpt chairs for the 1st and 2nd rows are AWESOME!!! Moon Roof, Entertainment system and all the electronic toys available. This is an outstanding vehicle. The 4000 mile crosscountry trip (nine states) was fantastic and how many people can say that when they have a two year old sitting behind them. The best part was the price.

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  Only way to FLY!!! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By granite_trckr - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Although I have experienced trouble with my gas tank, the vehicle to date, has been a pleasure. The console could use a lock for privacy. The engine has ample power but my 32 travel trailer really tugs on it at 80 Mph.

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  Big Eddie - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By L. Redden - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a 97 Eddie Bauer Edition. Its never failed to start...unless it gets wet. The 5.4 pulls strong. I have had MORE than enough problems out of this SUV. Leaky sunroof, leaky windshield,the rack and pinion squeaks when turing, the "premium" stereo isnt premium,the amp for the rear sub no longer works, the AWD system engauges hard, the steering absolutely SUCKS, I have replaced the shocks, A arms on the front, brake rotors, window regulator, and my keyless entry/alarm doent work anymore, and a new rear wiper motor, my power mirros no longer work either. All these problems and ONLY 75K Ive always owned Honda products and never had any of these problems.

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  GET ONE - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Sandness - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I got my ranger a little while ago, and let me tell you, its the best purchase that Ive ever made. Mileage could be a bit better, but hey, I didnt get it for economy. When offroading its second to none, my friend has a Ford F-150, and i repeatedly have had to help him out of mud that my Ranger took with ease.

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  Gails Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Sam Louis - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This automobile has been very reliable in that it has not left us down on the road. There have however, been two major problems with the front brakes. One in which the right front disc cracked requiring all new brake replacement. In another instance the front brakes have lasted perhaps one year before replacement was required. Because of the fixed rear suspension system the ride it not comfortabe on rough roads.

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  Trouble - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By Johnelle - October 25 - 2:00 am

  More trouble than any car I have had. It would lose power sporadically and company made many repairs and never got it right. I think it was a generic problem with this model but they never admitted it. Poor service from the dealer. I could only drive it near our city because of fear it would conk out. Will never buy another Ford product! Despite the engine troubles, it was a very comfortable and fun car to drive when it was working.

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  Excellent Car for the Money - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By sboulet - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Aside for some finicky shifting and having to replace the rear rotors, I have found the Taurus an execellent car which has provided me with 50k+ miles of near carefree driving.

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  Practicality and Value On Wheels - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jerry Benson - October 25 - 2:00 am

  A "do everything" vehicle. No matter what ones lifestyle, this vehicle will accomodate it. And do it for a ridiculously modest initial price. Gas mileage is surprising ... 25 MPG on the highway. Great highway cruiser ... feels like a big (but agile) limo.

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  Shockingly pleasant to drive!!!!!!!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Gotchagain - October 24 - 5:33 pm

  I went from a GM minivan to this Flex. What a difference! Not that I didnt like my old Montana Van. It was just that my mechanic had it more than me! The first time I seen a Flex I laughed and thought what a weird looking car! Then I sat in it.... I knew then I was going to have to find something terribly wrong with it to convince myself that it wasnt the one to buy. So I took it for a test drive. Fortunately I was able to take it overnight to test the headlights out too. I do alot of night driving and the headlights are very important for me. To make a long story short, I tested over 11 crossovers/suvs from 4 manufacturers, and the Flexs ride, fit and finish, and style was the best!