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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  2001 Excursion Ltd. - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By lonebull - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle in all respects. The PSD is awesome -- and economical on fuel.

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  2001 Windstar LX - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By jfm166 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  decent car. noisy, but reliable. virtually no mtce in 55K miles. some fit/finish problems.

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  Awesome 5.0 - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By jlennon - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has been awesome! It must have been built on a Wednesday!! I ordered the car from a dealership and have been very happy with it from the moment I drove it off the lot. The original clutch lasted for more than 125,000 miles!! Ive had many people walk up to me on the street and even ring my door bell at home asking if I wanted to sell. My reply -- No way! Its been a low maintenance car that has surprisingly good gas mileage. Its a keeper!

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  We love it - Presidents Week VT ski trip - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tom - September 26 - 2:33 pm

  Snow experience - We just returned from a family ski vacation in Vermont where we had plenty of opportunity to test the AWD LTD Freestyle. The car was fully loaded with 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 dogs and supplies for the weeks trip. We drove up in a snow storm and by the time we entered Vermont we were driving on packed snow mixed with sand. We saw over 7 accidents but can report the Freestyle AWD performed well. Even on the snow most of the 4X4s were going 50 mph on the interstate and we had no problem at all with the Freestyle. The match of the CVT with the engine is perfect and when letting up on the gas the engine/transmission actually brake the car giving a strong sense of confidence. "Tank Like"

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  Get A Town Car For 1/2 The Price - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By ROGER JEWELL - September 26 - 3:10 am

  Want a Town Car for half the price? Buy a Ford! ItÂ’s great right now. ItÂ’s getting 24 to 25 mpg around town. I just use regular unleaded gas also. Took a great trip with my new 500 to the beach and it was very nice and wonderful to drive! Go test one today

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  I suppose you get what you pay for - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Broaddog - September 26 - 2:00 am

  The car runs great with a 2.3L, I had to replace the air pipe just for preference of air flow, the list of repairs: Starter, alternator, timing belt, battery, front brake pads, clutch cable, master cylinder (still dont know if it actually needed it though), Brake preassure splicer, door handle, center console peices, twice. The rotors are now warped and I think theres something wrong with the differential. I think whoever had the car before me didnt take care of it.

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  Junk Burn your money first! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Stonerat - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble. Ford bought back my 1996 and traded me for a 2001. This Van is no better and Fords Customer Service is a joke. Dealers can fix problems and are no help in getting Ford to help. Escalating the problem higher in the ford coporation is just a waste of time. They will make will try to convince you that the failed to please only in your case. Make your life simple Stay away from Windstars!

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  94Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By fordowner - September 26 - 2:00 am

  147,000 and still kicking. Ive used the trcuk for Family outings, long trips, boat towing, hunting and fishing trips, other than a few sets of tires and brakes, Ive replaced nothing. Im religious about oil changes and have done them every 5,000 miles, which is inbetween what Frod recommneds for light (7,000) and Heavy (3,000) duty use, but the engine still runs strong and the A/C will still freeeze you out ! Im about to get a 2003, so I hope I have the same experience !

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  Ford Explorer XLT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By laneyrae - September 26 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I had in over 50,000 miles was the sensors on the 4WD - they had to be replaced once and cleaned several times.

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  Love IT! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By WhitDawg2104 - September 25 - 8:53 pm

  I love my car! Its so much fun to drive around, everyone stares. The is also no wind noise when the top is up. It drives great on rainy days and has tight steering and great turning radius. Its great!