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 good little car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By EddieSylvano - December 3 - 2:02 pm

  This was my first new car, and Ive had it for 9 years, now. I was a bit apprehensive when I bought it - an American car made in Mexico - but its been a champ. Ive only had 2 problems in that time: the alternator died after about 4 years, and the AC after about 8. Other than that, its been a great car. Good gas mileage, peppy acceleration, and fun to drive. Im officially an adult now, and buying a new car, so its time is up. Im really going to miss it, though. Ive had it so long its like an extension of myself, and its never let me down. I only hope my next car is as reliable and enjoyable. Farewell, old friend.

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  Despite what others say - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Mike15 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Windstar for nearly 3 years now and the only thing I had to do was replace the tires and brake pads. That was due to normal wear. I have had a very pleasurable experience with my Windstar. I plan to keep it and of course maintain it for many years. I do expect things to wear out over time like maybe the transmission after 130,000 miles like another fellow "complained" about, but it happens to every vehicle.

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  Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By lauren mattatall - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and excellent as far as gas mileage is concerned. The Ford Focus that I bought last year has been great for me, an on- the-go student.I love road trips and this car has proven itself. It can go anywhere reliably and for very little money. I have had only one problem, with the CD player, but it gets used A LOT! Ford fixed it with no problem.

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  Reliable/versatile/exceeds expectations - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Ray in Northern VA - December 1 - 3:18 pm

  I bought this a month after buying a BMW 330i, thinking IÂ’d drive the Ford in the winter and on the beach near my parentsÂ’ home in MD. A year later, my wife dumper her unreliable VW and absconded with my Escape. She loves it. The reliability difference between the BMW and Ford is stark. The Ford, with 115k miles has required only one repair. We recently replaced the stabilizer bar links (2 at $12/each + $40 for labor). All other maintenance has been routine or wear- related (oil changes, fluid flushes, brakes, etc). We love the reliability. It handles extremely well in snow, and light off- road conditions. Most maintenance is relatively inexpensive.

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  Good little car - 2007 Ford Escape
  By bobb209 - November 30 - 9:07 pm

  Ive had my Escape for a year now and it has been an excellent vehicle. Its just the right size for a suburbanite like me. I can load 20 bags of mulch in the back with the back seats folded down or a 20 inch tv in the box, but the car is still easy to drive and park. I am a low mileage driver, but still I have not had one problem with the Escape. The ride is not as smooth as a sedan, but on the one trip I took from Milwaukee to Minneapolis the ride was good. Ive read elsewhere that the aceleration of Escape with automatic transmission was supposed to be sluggish, but I find it to be vey quick and have had to ease up on the accelerator compared to other cars Ive had.

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  First New Ford - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By jyoz - November 30 - 8:36 am

  This is my 1st new Ford. Like the car, but there have been some electrical gremlins (a/c fan, dvd, rear door, cd player). I have to say the mileage is ridiculous, I avg 12.2 mpg. If the engine had more pep I could deal with this, but it is a real dog. My 04 Yukon got about 15 mpg and had much more pep, and my driving has not changed. Yikes! Other than that, is a great car, plenty of room, comfortable, smooth ride, quiet. The power fold 3rd row rear seats is what pushed me to Ford. (awesome feature, so wake up GM) Would definitely buy another.

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  Why not - its a Ford pickup - 1996 Ford F-150
  By CDK - November 30 - 7:09 am

  Excellent experience. In 108,000 miles, Ive replaced the starter solenoid, cracked windshield and the torque converter seal. Of course Ive gone through a couple of batteries and one thermostat. The design of the cooling system was well engineered. There is a bypass channel around the thermostat. When the thermostat failed closed last summer the engine indicated temperature never reached the redline. The original tires were terrible, had 2 of them come apart prior to the recall. The truck still has the original exhaust system and has never failed the TX annual state inspection. Overall, except for gas mileage, super pickup. In 1996 gas mileage was not that important.

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  Check it over first - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By rubdr - November 29 - 10:13 pm

  Had rear main seal replaced in the first year. Mileage avg 23hwy/16city in 11k miles. Nice drive.

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  Ford Tough - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Buddy L - November 29 - 12:13 pm

  I bought this 4 door 4.0L 4x4 with 105k miles 3 years ago. After 170k I have had to replace the O2 sensors, alternator, steering column wiring, AC/Heat controls, power window switch, transfer case motor. The automatic hubs went out around 150k. The truck has never held an alignment. I have pulled more than 5,000 lbs with it and have put it through three years of heavy off road and on road abuse. It has been more reliable than I could have ever hoped it would be, I just wish I would have sold it at 150k. The rear doors are great for throwing small things in the back but the rear seats are not suitable for anyone over 8 years old. I would definitely buy another.

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  My Aerostar - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By ed - November 29 - 11:44 am

  i purchased my Aerostar used. Its been to Cleveland and back about four times. All non stop driving at about 70 mph. Only stopped for gas. The body has dings and scratches but no rust. I love this little van and so the mechanics I take it to one actualy wants to buy it from me. I will never sell it though. Its got its little quirks but what auto doesnt.