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 great minivan - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By RHS - April 21 - 4:24 pm

  This van has never let me down.

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  Great Wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Mark Forman - April 21 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful vehicle to drive with good handling and peppy engine. We have had the previous Focus wagon(2001) and loved it for its reliability. The new wagon with the PZEV engine is a step up in performance. A good choice.

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  Awesome Truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By toomanytolist - April 20 - 11:04 pm

  This truck as been fun to drive. The only problem Ive had is having to replace a brake line. It uses a lot of gas but it well worth it just to drive it.

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  Rio Rojo - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Steve S - April 20 - 5:55 pm

  I found out that eBay was the best source for finding this year model used truck. Consumer Reports reliability survey results indicated that Ford was ahead of Chevy and Dodge for 1/2 ton, full-size truck models from the mid-90s. Except for 3/4 ton plus trucks, crew cabs werent the rage in the mid-90s but at least the extended cabs on full-size trucks can hold three kids (or three adults in a pinch).

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  Ford Escape Delivers - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - April 20 - 10:16 am

  The Escape is a great mini SUV that does everything well, keeping in mind its limitations. Its not what I would consider a primary family vehicle; for that I would suggest something bigger. The Escape is a great commuter, grocery getter, or light hauler. It is fun to drive, very peppy, agile, and responsive to all inputs. The build quality is quite satisfactory. I have no complaints at all.

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  Good Work Truck - 1995 Ford F-250
  By New Covenant Windows - April 19 - 9:04 pm

  We purchased our 95 F250 a year or two ago and have been impressed with its performance, even under heavy stress. We normally tow a 16 trailer, and sometimes haul heavy loads like bricks or other building materials. The 460 engine always starts well and has lots of power and torque for being a fairly primitive engine design. Fuel economy is usually anywhere from 9 mpg city/12 mpg highway, depending on the load and wind conditions, so the fuel bill leaves somewhat to be desired! The only trouble it has given us is some rear brake problems, cheap interior plastic parts, and some issues with the clutch linkage. Otherwise, its been a solid, reliable work truck.

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  comfortable, yet unreliable. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Roman - April 19 - 4:25 pm

  Well, I bought this car with 75K on it and put 6000 miles on it within 3 months. When I bought it I didnt know that transmission slips @ 65-75 m/hr. I had to push gas and the problem seemed to go away, then it would do this again (probably transmission, I dont know). Also EGR censor went bad - another $75, easy to change though. Engine is strong, yet seemed to leak some oil, very little. Overall its a very comfortable ride, dual air, dual sliding doors, tinted windows, alloy wheels, exterior design is pretty good for that year. I wish they could improve the quality, other than that its an ok experience. Quality Ford, when you improve the quality?

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  Still fun to this day - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Bananamo - April 19 - 10:00 am

  After owning this for two and a half years, I still find myself excited to drive my Mustang. It is a great car to cruise in or to take to the track. It is an absolute joy to own.

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  Excellent Commuter Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By scortracer - April 18 - 1:32 pm

  Just got this car not too long ago but it has been in the family for about 3 years. I dont really have to do anything with it besides change the fluids and get new brakes ... just normal wear and tear. The car has about 78K on it and I expect another 100K more at least. The tranny sometimes shifts rough and it idles shaky but I heard those are normal Escort traits. It gets great gas mileage and is quite comfortable to ride in and also handles a lot better than most other small cars. I had a 96 Escort and this generation seems worlds better. I dont know why people are running out and getting Japanese cars, Id take my little Scort over a Corolla or Civic any day. The build quality is great.

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  A Very good truck. Great for starting offroaders - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By d.miller - April 18 - 12:56 am

  I bought this truck for $3500 used and was previously fully submerged in water. ( Yeah last owner didnt take care of it very well) Only 80k miles. Had for 4 years now and runs like gold. Lift kit, new exhaust system, and redone interior has made this a great handy down. I own this truck for one year now. It was handed down to me. 4x4 works great. Love it.