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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  Will buy again - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By shibu - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I had 20 k miles in one year, no problems so far, Great car for family with kids, lots of room. I got more than what I expected.

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  Excursion Diesel - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By John Anderson - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Diesel Ex for two years. The only issue Ive had with it was the back up warning system giving false warnings. The dealer fixed it in one service call. Excellent towing capability and decent fuel mileage (~18mpg) considering the size of the vehicle.

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  Impressive - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By nface - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Ranger in 2000 with just under 27,000 miles on it. So far we havent had many problems with it. The door ajar sensor on the drivers side had to be replaced but that was due to poor installment of an aftermarket alarm. When I got it, it had the wrong taillights on it (i should have inspected it more throughly) and the turn signals werent even hooked up! So I immediately returned it and they replaced them right away. Had to replace the serpentine belt at 30,000 miles which seems a tad early. I used it to haul my Harley to Connecticut and back and it ran flawless. Thumbs up!

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  The Best Bird - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gidget - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Well worth waiting for, even if it took almost a year. A pleasure to drive. A real show stopper, literally. Have been flagged down on numerous occasions. Got the "arrest-me" Red and dont regret it. Its by far the best color of them all, and not just my opinion. Could use heated seats though!

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  Solid Performance - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By galott - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I like the Windstars interior and the van is great for our 3 kids. The only down side I have found so far is the van could use a bigger engine. Only has 190 hp.

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  Fords new hit in the Mid Size Market - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mike B - July 17 - 9:43 pm

  Honestly, Ive been an import driver for the last 10 years owning mostly Acura products. When it came time to replace the aging car we were looking mostly at the Mazda line (3 and 6). We rented a 6 Hatchback while home for the holidays and loved the car but it was too small in the back seat and my father in-law was too tight back there. Knowing that the Fusion was based off the same chassis, we tried that out. Great car. Loved the interior room and the layout. Decent power with more than enough in most situations. Quick kickdown on the interstate from the auto tranny. Strong brakes and a great value for the dollar. Got mine for $20K with the SE Sport package, ABS and traction control options

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  Should I, or Shouldnt I??? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Now I Find Out - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Now I find out, just purchased this car three weeks ago. With 98,000 miles seems to be doing good. After reading all these reviews, maybe I should sell while I have the chance. Like so many of you have stated, the head gasket has been replaced on this 95 also, i was told. Anybody like nice clean van????

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  Great little wagon. - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Ron Gaylord - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I brought this 1996 Escort wagon new in 1996. I currently have 114,000 miles on it and have had zero problems. It gets great mileage and I can carry just about anything with it. I also pull a trailer with a motorcycle on it and the Escort does fine as long as you dont have to use the air. I dont know how good the new Ford Focus is but I think Ford made a mistake when the got rid of the Escort wagon. My wagon has a standart shift and will keep up with any situation Ive found myself in.

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  2006 Mustang GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By GH - July 16 - 12:30 pm

  I love everything about the car, for the money it cant be beat, and Ive always been a Chevy guy! (3 Z/28s). The engine has a sweet note above 3000 rpm and pulls solid to 6000. The most surprising thing has been the great gas mileage, its much better than I expected. I think that there is tons of room for simple, effective performance gains and in a few years 400-500 HP S197s will be everywhere, Shelbys not withstanding,

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  Bought used, had 5 years, like it!! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Sarah F - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My "mileage" is actually in kms, being Canadian! I bought my Escort used with 125 000 kms, it now has 200 000 kms after 4 years. Reliability has been good with regular maintenance- had to have rear brakes replaced. Not a whole lot of pep (auto transmission). Some rust on side of door. Comfort is good, A/C works AWESOMELY although mileage loses! My fuel economy has been declining over the last year. Handles well.