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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  Excellent Ford Truck - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By G. Carras - August 14 - 2:00 am

  AS long as Ford makes trucks like this Explorer I will NEVER buy foreign vehicles!!!!

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  No Fan of this Van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By HWB - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Went the head gasket blew my Windstar was less than five years old, but at 100,500 miles (501 more than the max. for factory paid repair.) Even after the efforts of the local Ford dealership to request that Ford pay to repair my head gasket, Ford refused ($1,000 down the hole). Now my transmission is going and the rebuild isnt a lot less than the trade in value. I am not even going into the poor gas mileage. Ford should have made recalls on the headgasket and the transmission. If Honda can produce vehicles that go 200,000 miles and more without significant problems, then we should be able expect as much from Ford.

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  4th Mustang Now - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By mkenagy - August 13 - 11:03 pm

  Yes, you could say Im a mustang buff. Ive had V6s, GTs, convertibles, and a cobra. My current car is a fully loaded 2000 mustang gt. Completely a blast to drive, and looks good when its clean. If youre buying this car for ride quality, forget about it. Solid rear axle muscle cars arent meant to feel like youre riding on a cloud--theyre meant to tear up the pavement as fast as you can drive them. Get in, step on the gas, and have fun racing some camaros.

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  Very satisfied - 2008 Ford Escape
  By teenT - August 13 - 10:30 am

  This is my first SUV, upsized from the Taurus (had 2 previously). This is the vehicle I always looked at but until the new look came they just werent what i was looking for, but now I have my "lil truck" and I couldnt be happier. Its a bit smaller seating wise compared to my Taurus but this is can be overlooked as this is a second vehicle. There is a bit less storage than in my car but plenty of room for groceries and shopping. Its comfy and smooth ride. Its cheaper on gas than my car was also, which to everyone these days is a must! I love my Escape.

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  Probe = Problem - 1992 Ford Probe
  By Wei - August 13 - 2:00 am

  owned it for two years and spent $2500 on it without fixing burning oil problem.

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  Should have opted for the Cobra - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By C.L. - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I like my Mustang but I am tired of losing stoplight races to rivals like Cobras and Z28s. I have K&N air intake and flowmaster exhaust and while they make the car sound good (oops I mean GREAT!) they still dont make the car fast enough to damage the ego of the jerk in the Camaro next to me.

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  Good car for the $$$ - 1999 Ford Contour
  By ContourDave - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 10 months now and havent had any major problems. The dashboard has warped (covered under a recall) and the fan switch only works on the "high" setting. Will both be fixed soon. The dealer I bought it from also services it and is GREAT! Very customer oriented and accomodating.

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  Awsome truck - 1998 Ford F-150
  By ardarbonne - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Had this truck for not even two years. I have decided I wouldnt give it up for the world. Already moved across country and had to tote over 7000 lbs worth of households. No problems what so ever. I have been hit once which most would consider totalled, but she is still running strong. Beautiful truck with great power. If you can get past the gas mileage, this is the best truck to look into.

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  Avoid this car at all cost! - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By chris schath - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from my aunt for $500 dollars, it was in exceptional condition inside and out, and it was the worst purchase I ever made. The Tempo left me high and dry many a time with such repairs and replacements in its relatively short existence as Head gaskets, valve cover gaskets, the entire ignition system(Starter, sylenoid, battery) TWICE, water pump, radiator, fan(twice) thermostat(twice) temp sensor, brakes(3 times), The harmonic balancer(which requires the removal of the engine) TWICE,the lens on my turn signal fell off and I glued it back on, then I said "to hell with this" when the tranny started shimmying and sold it.:)

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  Still Goin - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By Tanner S - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1998 with 80,000 miles and I now have 125,000 on its 3.8 liter engine. I have had no major problems but have dealt with minor things: rear brakes ($230 labor included),fog-light switch, wiper motor ($100), mass air-flow sensor($130), inner tie rods ($40, both sides), tie- rod end ($30?), and a broken fuel line ($200 w/ labor). This is my first car that I bought when I was 16 and of the few problems, I have been able to fix them all myself (except the fuel line & brakes). I still have good power even after 125,000 miles. It does burn about 3/4 quart of oil in-between changes however.