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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  best EXPIDITION yet - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By TECHONE - August 3 - 10:00 am

  best investment we made.

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  Wont buy a Ford again - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By cl - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Other than the repairs and recalls on my truck since I bought it new, it was quite fun. But I wont buy a Ford again.

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  its much improved - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By dougk - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I had a 95 explorer sport, it ran great, but the handling was poor. I believe the new 2002 feels like a car ride to me.

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  You get what you pay for - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Philig - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Everybody seems to be knocking this vehicle pretty, the root of the story is that you get what you pay for. I paid 15,000 for my Focus SE and it has given me my moneys worth so far. It has 62,000 miles on it, and has never needed additional maintenance other than the recall items that were replaced. Im am not certain how long this car will last, but remember that its Fords entry level vehicle, and if you get 150,000 out of it, its done its job. Next time dont be cheap and open up the checkbook

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  brakes - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By olsen - August 3 - 10:00 am

  this van has the worst and most costly brakes of any i have ever owned!!!IT WILL KEEP ME FROM PURCHASING ANOTHER FORD!!!!!

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  My first and last Ford - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By never-another-ford - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2000 Windstar SEL in late 2000. Have had nothing but problems with it. Transmission is making unusual sounds and it occassionally slips. Engine is making "ticking" noise during idle...etc. Dealership has fixed maybe half of the problems. I consider this vehicle a "heap of junk" and certainly not worth half of what I paid for it. You know what they say "FORD - Fix Or Repair Daily" and that is EXACTLY what I have gotten. It has spent nearly half of its useful life at the Ford repair shop. MY FIRST AND LAST FORD!

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  Wonderful Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By mandoza - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Taurus SES is an all around good car, jammed packed with all of the features you need and more while still providing comfort, style and confience. I love my car.

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  Ford ranger all the way - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Mathew Humphrey - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I have added a dual exhaust system and a K&N air filter and it has made a great truck even better. Wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  Fits that "niche" I am in - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jlawhon - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The Sport Trac fits my needs perfectly. With the cargo cage extender, it has plenty of bed space when I need it. The fold-down rear seats give me even more room to work with. But its also a comfortable ride to work, which is my main use of the vehicle. The handling is okay, and Im pleasantly surprised by the gas mileage, which is almost as good as the Ford Ranger I traded in for the Sport Trac, and the Sport Tracs smooth but powerful acceleration when I need it is tremendous.

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  overall a great car... - 1999 Ford Escort
  By escort - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I have had with this car is it stalls sometimes when I go from reverse to first gear or starting at first from a stop. The dealership claims they cant find the problem. I have been driving stick for 30 years, so I would expect I would have been able to adjust to this one, so I dont think it is me. Other than that, the car runs well. I have the oil changed every 3000 miles, despite the dealership stating it only needs it every 5000. Driving in Los Angeles pushes a car to its limits. I would buy another Escort/Focus, but would get an automatic.