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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  Transmission Woes - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By wirtaw - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Transmission failed at 48000 miles. Found out that this is not isolated, but have found over 75 people who had the same problem at about this mileage. This is a standard problem with the Ford Taurus model dating back to 1991. The car is well designed and drove nicely until that occurred. Very comfortable, but you need a transmission to drive.

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  Not Many Compaints - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By RedRanger - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall it has been a good truck. It has taken a royal beating and keeps on going. Only problems have been that I lost the cruise control at about 85,000 miles and have to replace the brakeswitch about every six months. The transmission is about shot, but that is to be expected after 125,000. Oh-ya and the AC died last year. It has served its perpose and I will miss it as soon as I can get rid of it.

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  Not Many Compaints - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By redranger - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall it has been a good truck. It has taken a royal beating and keeps on going. Only problems have been that I lost the cruise control at about 85,000 miles and have to replace the brakeswitch about every six months. The transmission is about shot, but that is to be expected after 125,000. Oh-ya and the AC died last year. It has served its perpose and I will miss it as soon as I can get rid of it.

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  Great and Reliable Truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By XTruckChick - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck to help with my frequent moves. I bought it in 96 with 56K on it and sold it in 2001 with 135K. Drove it from WI to CA about 3 times, it made it through LA traffic just fine. Only problems I had were normal maintenance, breaks, drive belt, one O2 sensor, etc. (Only qwirk was the A/C clutch froze up (which is included in the path of the drive belt) causing the belt to snap the fan blade and wreck the alternator). But a quick $150 repair and I was back in business! Great truck. Sold it to a friend who is still driving it! I miss it frequently! By far my most favorite vehicle.

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  Having second thoughts - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By i_ntmid8_u@yahoo.com - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have mixed feelings about my Mustang. Although the car is fun to drive and easy on the eyes, I have not been too satisfied. The auto insurance is sky high. I have had mechanical problems (valves rattling, car would not crank). Ford could never find out what was wrong. The gas mileage is not good. I get about 20 miles per gallon. I have 33,000 miles on my car and I just replaced the tires because they were bald. This is from normal driving. The tires are also very expensive because you have to buy performance tires. Im not trying to turn anyone off from buying the Mustang; just realize that it is a very expensive car to keep up.

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  v-6 rocks - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Stangrider - May 22 - 2:00 am

  the new v-6 has very good power(manual transmission), much better than 94-98 v6 mustang. awesome amounts of torque. seats not very comfortable, no rear seat room. need to upgrade tires to get decent performance. performance lags when engine is at normal operating temperature or if hot outside

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  Trans & Brake Problems - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Speedy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Windstar is a nicely designed vehicle and should be a pleasure to drive, but the vehicle has serious problems with brakes, transmission and head gaskets. I get so tired of replacing brakes and components. Transmission shifts awkwardly and causes Check Engine light to come on, on long trips. Have had the head gasket replaced. I am not happy with the car mechanically and will be careful before buying another Ford. Consumers demand dependability and a vehicle that doesnt plague you with problems at 100K miles.

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  Good minivan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By hate cavalier - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall had a pleasant experience with this van.

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  Overpriced, overhyped piece of scrap. - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By Marge Walker - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought this car for me, and I was shocked to learn its a $50,000 car. For the engine I got and the styling of the ride, its worth probably half that amount. The Ford hype-machine lives on, and definitely reeled my husband in, hook-line-and- sinker.

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  explorin - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By formal1 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  this suv has been good,comforable, easy to drive on all road types. I was looking at the toyota 4 runner, highlander and the ml320 and opted for the explorer sport because i could not the difference in ride,comfort,handling that the reviewers had written that was so much different.For the cost of the vehicle you cant beat it.