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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  Never again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By PPenuela - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Very dissapointed. Engine problems at 72.000 miles ($900). At 75.000 the Engine light is on again. It was fixed for $1100. Just this week at 75.200 miles, problems with the steering wheel, another $400. My first American car and the last one. I am going back to Japanese cars.

• 

  Still going . . . - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By itsjustmickey - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car a couple of months ago and after spending a ton of money on the suspension (previous owner rammed a curb) this car rides and runs like new. Im looking to replace some of the plastic molding and kick panels, mainly the plastic panels that go with the seats, that were pretty well ruined in the accident, but other than that it doesnÂ’t run or look like a car thatÂ’s 10 years old. 117,000 miles on it and according to my mechanic, the on board computer reports everything is withing 3% of spec. Not bad for a car this old.

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  Windstar: More Strengths or Weaknesses? - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By johnpetson - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar is overall pretty average. The excellent crash test scores, and the standard powerful engine, are all big and important advantages. However, the Windstar has many fairly important and annoying disadvantages, like the noisy engine, poor handling and components, and slightly-too-frequent trips to the dealer, which make it fairly better than average. What makes it perfectly average is the lack of the cruise control option on the Base LX I spent about $3000 to upgrade to the Standard LX just for this, since the other extra features are pretty useless. I feel that it is cheap of Ford to do this, and perhaps it makes them lose customers.

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  Ford Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By scho0591 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Great looking truck, good value. The engine is a little weak, However, I did pull a 19 foot Bayliner boot without a problem.

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  Recommend - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By ucf6515 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I would definitely recommend this truck. The seats are uncomfortable if you are traveling long distances. The truck is fun to drive, although I would opt for the 4.0 if I could afford it. The 5 speed manual shifts easily, but the clutch took a day or two to get used too.

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  Love it - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By CedarPark - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Ford got it right! Fun to drive and safe for the family

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  FORD...NEVER AGAIN!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By MAD DAN - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This is the 2nd Expedition I buy. This first one I bought...Transmission went out in 1 day! (Dealer Replaced) This new one has spent more hours in the dealership than in my garage. I have had the starter go out, the seat heaters dont work, the 4x4 turns on by itself (module replaced 2 times), Needs new brakes at 25,000 Miles, RPMs go up and down when coming to a stop, and guess what...it is in the shop right now for transmission problems. I am looking at a Lexus right now. I would not suggest this vehicle even for my worst enemy. Buyers beware. For the same price, you can buy a more reliable import luxury SUV!

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  Super! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Greg Carr - July 28 - 6:03 am

  I could never have imagined how many heads this vehicle has turned. Though it is a convertible it is really quiet inside with loads of muscle when I need it. Ford got this one RIGHT.

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  1997 Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Dueffert - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, great gas mileage (about 34mpg. Easy to replace parts.

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  MY wifes mid life crisis 2 - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By jlevando - July 28 - 2:00 am

  My wife wanted to get out of her van and into a sporty little car. we looked at miatas and camaros but the mustang beat them hands down. Its fast and fun to drive. She beat two teeny boppers the first week and they ended up with tickets.