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:

• 

  SE Sport Wins!! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Ray - March 12 - 12:48 pm

  I have the SE Sport in Black, and both young and old stop to tell me how nice my van looks. It has the entertainment package and with that the kids are always behaving. The van has plenty of power and the interior in just as sporty as the outside. Overall I dont care for the looks of the windstar, but the sports package and spoiler gives it a look that no other van has. The only down side is Ive had to take it several times for recalls.

• 

  Its a keeper! - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By naladraw - March 12 - 11:40 am

  I bought my Ranger in 1997 with only 19000 miles on the 2 year old truck. I have had absolutely no mechanical problems with the truck in the past 5 years. The 5-speed manual transmission paired with the 2.3 L engine can be a little lacking at times. When it comes to comfort I have been satisfied with the bucket seats on long drives. All the inside controls are easy to use. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the 1995 Ford Ranger.

• 

  Very Pleased - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Rookie - March 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought our SES used with 19,000 miles on it for $10,800 (good price). It has a power moonroof, rear spoiler, nice wheels, front bucket seats. We really like the firm seats, leg room, roomy trunk and sporty look. The car drives great and handles well. The V-6 is not as peppy as my Olds, but it does just fine. We are very happy with it so far.

• 

  Ford Exp - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By TAJ - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Outside mirrors too big. Style too boxy. Overall quality good. Performance sluggish. Overall ride has improved from last year.

• 

  Review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Nevada - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Review: Very nice vehicle, with excellent fit and finish. Comfortable. Excellent engine. Would recommend highly.

• 

  DEJA VU 98 & 02 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By J Eastlake - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I had a 98 Explorer that gave me nothing but heartaches the engine repeatedly stalled. I bought the all new 2002 Explorer and was immediatly impressed on how trouble free it was until I hit 19000 miles. I was driving down a road As the light was turning red I took my foot off the accelerator and at that point the truck accelerated and I was standing on the brake pedal and the vehicle would not stop. I missed another vehicle the explorer did a 360 and I finally could reach the ignition to shut it off. Ford told me the problem was a KINKED accelerator Cable and this is the first time that this has ever happened with this model.

• 

  Great so far. - 2003 Ford F-150
  By m1tommy - March 12 - 10:00 am

  03 F-150 XL seems to be a great replacement for the tired old 89 Toyota pickp. All(wife, 2 boys and myself) ride in comfort, room to in the back to spare. Trips are nice as the front seats have adjustable lumbar support on both sides. While it "just" has the 4.2 liter ( cipher about 252 cubic inches)and 5-speed manual tranny, theres more than enough power for me. I wont hesitate to pull a day-sailer or folding camping trailier, should one come our way. The Sport package added decent seating, a tachometer, nicer tires and wheels and exterior goodies, seating difference alone is worth the adder. I hope Ford keeps the "truck" in their 2004 designs!

• 

  Unbelievably Powerful - 2003 Ford Escape
  By SUV MMan - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I came out of a 1997 Isuzu Trooper and I could not be happier. The Escape combines a great interior with outstanding handling and performance. I looked at a Jeep Liberty and I could not believe how cheap the vehicle was made. I still have headaches thinking about the shoddy workmanship with the plastic trim that is glued onto the body.

• 

  2001 Cobra convertable - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By qwert - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to drive, especially with the top down. Good low end power, very sharp handling. Steering response is crisp and precise. Road noise with top up is less than expected. This is a fun car for a long drive, a Sunday cruise with the top down, or a daily commute to work.

• 

  Good Bang for the Buck - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Michele - March 12 - 6:20 am

  Its about time someone came out with a car thats fun to drive. The steering is smooth, the seats are comfortable and the gas mile is very good.