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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  2000 Winstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By maggie2 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Continuous problems with auto sliding doors.

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  Lemon - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Scottp - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Expedition 4wd new in November 2000. it currently has 26,000 miles and has been returned 11 times and spent 30 days in the shop. New transmission, rear wiper motor, New IAC valce, new fuel pump, two new seats, new engine oil pressure sender unit, suspension problems, replaced transmission shift cable, replaced two of the "replacement tires" during tire recall. Ford doesnt have a clue as to what customer service is. If you do buy a Ford and have serious problems, youll regret it, I promise. Ford has no customer service!

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  Great Escape! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By slowrunner - November 2 - 2:00 am

  About 3500 miles thus far and no problems. My 2002 Escape is a very good ride and handles the road and cornering very well. The car platform helps with quick maneuvering. The Escape is my first SUV and Im enjoying every ride, especially with the coming of winter.

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  Ranger in review - 2010 Ford Ranger
  By got taken - November 1 - 10:18 pm

  One would think that Ford Motor Co could and would know how to build a good quality Ranger truck by now since they have been building the same one for a number of years now. This truck vibrates (4 cyl). While driving several now, I find only one in five that do not vibrate ( from the engine) You will feel it in steering wheel, while power is engaging, and in the ride itself. I found out now that Ford knows about this and does nothing more than send out a notice to dealers that they have a couple of plates to stable the engine abit to keep it from vibrating as much as it is doing. The poor quality of workmanship of the people working for Ford (USA) and the Ford Motor Company is bad

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  2005 Crown Victoria Sport - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Tom - November 1 - 7:40 pm

  Just bought this car and love it. The LX Sport gives a fantastic ride, great handling, and plenty of power. LX Sport comes with 17 inch wheels. This car moves! If you are looking for a sedan bigger than any GM car this is it. Rides so smooth and the handling package is great. Plenty of interior room and a huge trunk. This car is so under marketed by Ford!

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  Still the Most Bang for the Buck - 2005 Ford Focus
  By micweb - November 1 - 7:20 pm

  I have owned four ZX-3s - a 2000, 2001, 2003, and the current 2005. The 2000 was buggy but way ahead of its time on handling and packaging. The current model is still ahead of the pack on handling and performance, returns good gas mileage as well, and is a reliable car. If you like to be involved in driving, and are on a budget, this (ZX3, S trim with aircon, stick shift) is the car for you! The current 100,000 mile power train warranty adds to the sense of security. I was able to buy a 6 year, 60,000 mile bumper to bumper Ford extended warranty for only $600. All of my Focii except the 2001 have been stick shift.

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  Getting OLD - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By Mom0f2Boys - November 1 - 5:59 pm

  In the 9 years I have owned this car, I have had not had a lot of problems, thankfully. The M.P.G. was in the mid 30s, and everything worked great. Now, the plastic pieces from the heating vents, seat controls, and power window features are breaking. The M.P.G. is around 20 (if I am driving very carefully). The six cylinders are still peppy if you have to move the beast, but the turning radius is obnoxious. I have had better luck turning a big rig. Also, being that it is front wheel, you have to make sure to keep the tires rotated or you will burn through tires. The cup holder is so small that all it will fit is a childs size cup. No, your super cute Starbucks coffee will not fit.

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  Havent had a problem. - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Tycoonmd - November 1 - 5:23 pm

  I love my truck. Since Ive had it I have not had a problem. I take it in for regular maintenance like oil changes and 30k services but nothing else has been needed. I havent even had to change my brake pads yet. Ive upgraded certain things and it rolls on 24 inch rims and tires in the spring and summer. Best vehicle ive ever owned and this is number 8. Would highly recommend!

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  Underrated car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Wxdog - November 1 - 2:02 pm

  I bought this four-banger ("Sport" version) when it was 3-years old. Its performed very well. Excellent mileage on the highway but just OK in the city. Really good handling was always noted by the critics and anyone who drives my car is surprised by its performance. It has a somewhat bland/odd exterior. Critics complained the legroom in the back wasnt enough. To me its fine unless you have long legs. There is a persistent problem with a switch for the heater/AC control. Its a recall so it gets replaced when it breaks (every 3-years or so) for free. The timing belt broke at about 65,000 miles, a few miles beyond when the manual says to replace it. Be warned.

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  My OTHER Lady - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By ChrisnIndy - November 1 - 9:55 am

  I purchased my white-beauty brand- spankin used in Dec 08. I still have a daily sedan, but I love the days when I drive my truck. Its so smooth and it feels solid, planted and secure. I have had two problems, a failed radiator(which is fairly common with this Explorer) and both my power outlets failed. All was covered under warranty. I love the high seating position and its nice when travelling. The cabin is very capacious with the seats folded down. I have saved so much money when buying large items that previously would have required paying for delivery. This is my first Ford and my first SUV. I will definitely be steering my wife toward that new Taurus when her car needs replacing!!