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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  Expedition Sport Owners Response.. - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By john good - June 24 - 6:36 pm

  The Expedition Sport is a nice truck for the price and creature comforts. I had a 2000 Explorer with the 5.0 and man, this 300hp 5.4 moves real good! The handling is good for a vehicle this size and I havent towed anything yet but it will come.

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  Great car! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Brian - June 24 - 6:23 am

  For the last year or so this car sat still going no where. It took nothing at all to get it going again. We slapped some new tires on and changed the spark plugs and she was ready! Thats says a lot about the dependability of this car. I havent had any problems with it at all aside from the norm for its age.

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  Back to the Drawing Board - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Bill Wilson - June 23 - 10:41 pm

  The Freestar is a let down compared to the Windstar I traded in on it. Ford has been trying to play catch up with Honda and Toyota for years and fell flat on their face for the Freestar. I have returned to the dealership 9 times for quality related repairs. 3 of which are a non fixable brake squeal that will bring you out of your seat when you hear it. They manufactured a kit that adjust the pads so the squeal is quieter, but the pad braces keep breaking because they are made from cheap thin sheet metal. The rear captains chairs threads are even coming apart at the seams and they are only used 1% of the time when I have someone riding in the back. I have purchased my last FORD.

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  Loving Explorers - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Cristi - June 23 - 11:46 am

  This is the second Explorer we have owned. My husband drove his 1991 to over 200,000 miles before it puttered out. My 1995 is at 209,000 and still running strong. Any repairs on this thing have been minor and relatively low cost. I would definitely buy another Explorer.

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  The Last Ford Product Ill Ever Own - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Rocko - June 23 - 12:46 am

  The problems with this 4 door 4wd XLT started exactly 2 months after the warranty expired. First I took it back to the dealer for a recall on the back window. They replaced the rear window and when I went to pick up the vehicle the back window exploded into a million pieces. Since then the rear wiper motor, front wiper motor, drivers power window switch, front brakes, and 4 tires have had to be replaced. All the repairs came out of our pocket. The dealer and Fords "Customer Support Center" were a joke. Ive had Nissans before this and it looks like Im going back.

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  One Sweet Ride - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Woodbyrne - June 22 - 1:52 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used with 38,000 miles on it. Traded in my 04 Escape because we needed a bigger vehicle to haul the kids around. Never thought Id be driving a minivan, but this Windstar is perfect for us. Our 3-year old loves the VCR Entertainment System. Our 3-month old enjoys looking out the huge side windows. We were looking for something with enough room for a third child one day and something that was safe. Our Windstar is jet black with chrome trim. Reminds me of MTVs Pimp My Ride, which I think is a good thing. We knew the Honda and Toyota are rated higher, but they cost too much and would have come with tons of mileage. The Windstar is a great deal and is recommended.

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  Problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By buckeyebic - June 22 - 1:48 pm

  With 47555 miles, the V6 4WD has lost the torque converter says the dealer. Also the sun roof quit working and the dealer quoted over $1600 to fix it because the factory sun roof is the only option available. The left front wheel bearing is gone and the front right idler arm needs replaced. Seems too soon for these types of failures for a SUV that has never been off road and used on the freeway mostly.

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  Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By mascot - June 22 - 12:39 pm

  This is my 2nd Explorer. My first one I had for 10 years and it still ran well when I sold it. Upgraded to the Eddie Bauer with this one and it sure is nice having the extra "bells and whistles."

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  Great Car for the value. - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Ray - June 22 - 7:24 am

  I trade my BMW 325ci 2004 for the Ford Mustang and no remorse at all. Mustang has everything that BMW got. The BMW has way too much plastic inside for a luxury car. Mustang is just perfect interior. The performer is just like any other luxury car and is made in USA. I really recommend For Mustang. No bad price for everything the car has. For V6 got enough power like sport car and the technology is the ultimate in cars. The only thing is the comfort of the seat, I take much getting used for the front seat and rear seat way too small and less space. But overall from 1 to 10; i gave a 9.

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  EDDIE BAUER - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By BARRY - June 22 - 2:47 am

  Significant improvements compared to my 1999 Eddie Bauer. Poor gas mileage 12 around town and 15 on freeway. Interior comfort better. Drawback is the tires. Mushy ride and sway compared to Michelins. Black dash board, in front of driver, radiates a lot of heat on hot days. Overall a lot of fun to drive and air conditioner is fantastic.