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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  Going - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By madmax - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Gas Milage, who cares. Resale value? Who cares? This is pure fun! Huge aftermarket of modifications - want faster? want comfort? want looks? Its got it.

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  99 Mustang "Limited Edition" GT - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By jafo - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, I have had 5 Mustangs and this one is as good and better than the others.

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  Windstar Sport - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By A.I. - April 2 - 2:00 am

  We have had the van for 3 months and are very satisfied with it. It has 4500KMs on it so far. We have taken it on 3 long road trips (3 hours at 130 - 140KPH) and the L/K (M/G) is great. We have been able to get 720KM, 705KM and 715KM on one tank of gas on the trips. In the city were getting between 500 - 550KMs. We owned a Taurus SE prior to this van and found the van drives just as nice as the Taurus. The 200HP engine helps on mountain roads and passing. The looks of the van are great as well. Black looks the best on this van. We will most likely buy the van at the end of the lease.

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  Ford headgaskets Blow - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By stacey - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had 2 Ford vans and have had head gasket problems with both of them. I replaced Head gaskets on the first one 3 times, then traded it in. I was assured at the dealership that it was a fluke and that ford vans were built well. I foolishly purchased my 2nd ford windstar and have replaced head gaskets on this vehicle 5 times. The first 3 times were under warranty, the 3rd time I was reimbursed partially, as a recall issue. Ford extended the warranty as "good faith" to 100,000 miles or 7 years, but failed to mention that the warranty was only good for 1 time. When my head gaskets failed again, I was told my warranty was only good for 1 time under the extension.

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  Little Annoyances, But a Good SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By powderboy - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have 83,000 miles on my 95 XLT, and for the most part I am pleased. The engine/transmission appear to be solid and it runs like a charm. But there have been many little things that have cropped up every year, many of them not so little in terms of cost. With every dealer recommended radiator flush, they also happen to recommend that I REPLACE the thermostat as it tends to break during this service. And this is MY problem? Also, I have had numerous electrical problems resulting in repairs and silly bugs that wont go away. This is also true with the cooling system. I am beginning to look for a new SUV with a little more room, but overall I have been happy with this one.

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  lts a truck first - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By dennis distin - April 2 - 2:00 am

  its a tough truck that can handle towing a big camper, 4 kids ,a big dog &my wife thinks is a plesure to drive.

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  expedition 99 - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By adr - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive, drives like a car. Comfortable, lots of cargo space.

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  Pretty good - 1995 Ford Escort
  By tkdinOR - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since 1997 (its 95) and I have only changed a water pump. It has been pretty reliable. If you could the one with good records, it wont disappoint you.

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  90 PGT - 1990 Ford Probe
  By ken128 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Awesome fun little car, that has plently of throttle... and lightning quick response

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  Upset Owner - 1999 Ford F-150
  By FWornick - April 2 - 2:00 am

  After reading the Consumer Reports 1999 ratings on New Cars I decided on the F150 XLT 4.6L engine 2WD Pickup. What a mistake. In the last 15 months I have had the vehicle in the shop for service 12 times. Twice for head gaskets, four times for a stalling problem when it is damp out, once for a starter cable that went bad, twice for brakes, once for door locks not working and other minor items. I talked to the service manager today and my salesman. I cant afford this truck anymore. Luckily I have a extended service contract but the items not covered have cost over $2,000. This is not a reliable product.