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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  A Modern "Bluesmobile". - 2002 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Michael Poulos - June 4 - 1:30 pm

  The P71 Crown Vic is a really cool car. If you like big and roomy, youll love the former cop car Crown Vic. If you like good performance, youll enjoy it too. Great acceleration with the 4.6L GT V8. Nice anti-lock brakes without a severe bucking bronco effect. Nice tight steering makes it quite maneuverable for a big car in city traffic but use two hands on the freeway at full speed. While not a race car, it does offer plenty of get up and go. Its no wonder cabbies like these birds! The main drawback is fuel consumption. I get about 15mpg (combined), so what you get is a car that is like the Concorde (the aircraft): Big, fast, and burns gas like one!

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  Best car on the road (period) - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By fast eddy - June 4 - 2:20 am

  This car can stand up nicely to any other luxury car on the road. I never thought Id be commenting on my cars user interface, but it is clear, engaging and easy to use. Very smooth driving and seamless transition from gas to electric. Even the Microsoft Sync system is great (and this is coming from a diehard Apple guy).

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  My Pony - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By janflemmons - June 4 - 2:00 am

  We have never had one problem (knock on wood) with our 1996 Mustang. She has been an absolute dream to own. The turning circle sucks and its underpowered, but past that, its been great. Weve driven cross country twice and its been great. Back seat is basically useless for people, but its just me, hubby, and our cocker spaniel so it fits us just fine!

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  A decent performer, too little resale - 1995 Ford Probe
  By airmon - June 4 - 2:00 am

  The low resale value on the Probe allowed me to purchase it, but Ill take a hit when I sell. In between, at least Ill have had a good ownership experience. Ive now got 125K miles on it, with only two CV boots replaced. Ive got a broken antenna to fix, a switch on the passenger door and the A/C started to make noise. Other than that, just maint. costs in 65K miles. Has never failed me. I love the handling and power. The 2.5L Mazda motor really spins and the sounds it makes are great!

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  Never Again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By JJackson - June 4 - 2:00 am

  After 5 years and thousands of dollars in repair, we have finally traded in our 95 Ford Windstar. The brakes had to be replaced every 6 months, the head gasket needed replacing twice, and more! Some of the flaws have been improved in more recent models, but I will never trust a Ford product again. This was a new model year & definitely one to be avoided.

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  Green on the outside - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Avalanche - June 4 - 2:00 am

  My Windstar is green on the outside, but a lemon on the inside. In the first 75,000 miles it has had the transmission replaced, 2X - brake system replaced, wiper motor replaced 2X, power window motor replaced, the head gasket blew, it goes through tires about every 25,000 miles. The saving grace is that all but the tires were covered by warrantee, which Ford extended to 75,000 miles because of all of the difficulty we had with the car.

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  Our New SE - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Davidb - June 4 - 2:00 am

  What a great Van. We we adament against buying a mini-van until testing drive this van. This model far outshings the Honda/Madza/Dodge competing models we test drove/rented.

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  well kept secret - 2002 Ford Escort
  By jonsid - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my 2002 ZX2 loaded with all options except leather seats. The dealer traveled 200 miles to get one with ABS for me. Handling is exceptional with virtually no body roll while cornering. Pickup is brisk and super on the hills in these mountains. Ride is quieter than my Mitsubishi Mirage and Ford put all controls within easy reach. I cant wait to see what I get for gas mileage.

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  Lives up to Its Reputation - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Charlie Johnson - June 4 - 2:00 am

  After reading consumer reports and other reviews of small pickups, I wanted a Ranger ext. cab. They are in short supply in the used market and I was finally able to find one owned by a retired couple. With the 2.3 litrert engine its not a speed demon but cruises easily on highway and freeway. the interior dash is nice and uncluttered with controls easy to reach. A very comfortable ride on pavement and dirt.

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  A Beamer for Beer Money - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Tekkie79 - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Good for those of us who want a good performing sedan but dont want to put out all the money for a real one. Had very few problems but it wouldve been expensive to repair had it not been for the warranty. The leather is horrible.