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:

• 

  Good ride, overall satisfied - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Redleg - February 23 - 3:33 am

  I purchased this vehicle used, but in great condition, in the East Coast. I have since moved to Colorado and have been impressed with its ability to tackle the Rockies. I am overall satisfied with the performance of the Windstar, though Ive had to replace the speedometer and fuel pump. Otherwise, it is very reliable and comfortable. With a larger gas tank (25 gallons) than other minivans, I am able to travel further before filling up.

• 

  A reliable truck. - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Rich - February 23 - 2:12 am

  I purchased the 100,000 mile, 60 month ESP plan. With 48,000 miles driven the extended warranty was a waste of money. So far, only regular maintenance has been required. I use the truck on a farm and for hauling lumber. The truck has proven to be very sturdy and capable of hauling heavy loads and towing ny 16 trailer with my tractor on it without effort. I would gladly buy another F-150. However, I would like to have power to both rear wheels.

• 

  Fun 2 Drive - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By ryan95973 - February 22 - 9:07 pm

  Bought new off the lot. Opal Frost GT with Option Package 248a (the 1996 version of the GTS). I added A/C at the dealer soon after purchase and then added a spoiler a couple of years later. There were a few minor problems early on (clutch noise, radio - all covered by the dealer). The intake manifold has blown twice (at 50k miles and 100k miles) - both times replaced by the dealer at no charge. Pirelli P7000 tires are a great fit for this car (get ~40k miles on them and all-weather traction). Good mileage for a V8. Some wear on the interior pieces but overall the car has aged very well. Paint still looks new. Has been a great car still going strong on original engine at 157K miles.

• 

  A Faithful Friend - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Mike Smith - February 22 - 7:27 pm

  This vehicle served its intended purpose well - it was a reliable, comfortable and overall fairly inexpensive means of transportation for my family. My wife used it to take my kids around and we used it for family trips. It never gave me any serious problems and got decent fuel mileage. The most important feature of this van was that it saved our lives when we crashed into the back end of a stopped Z-71 Pickup on Rt. 40 in Arkansas. Our van was totaled, the air bags popped, the belts tightened, etc. - the worst injury we had was a broken toe when I kicked the passenger side footwell just before the crash. Thank you Ford!

• 

  Very dissatisfied - 1997 Ford F-150
  By BradB - February 22 - 3:06 pm

  Broken engine at 71,000 miles from ONP 99-20-7 (TSB99-20-7) due to front cover gasket leaking into crankcase. Ford and dealer will do nothing. This vehicle, alone with many others, was not on the notification list about the problem. That means that these owners were never notified that it may fail. I even had it into dealer while under warranty, when the heater quit working. Guess why? You got it - low coolant! Their lame excuse was a disconnected tube or something. They covered it up. Its been sitting in my yard for 2 yrs. Broken tie rod while driving, crankshaft pulley broke off on highway, very poor gas mileage. My new truck is a Silverado.

• 

  Great Truck!! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Kevin - February 21 - 10:35 pm

  Regarding the "low-rent" interior, I got a wood kit from the dealer and factored in to the monthly payment, which made the interior look "high-end" and very luxurious. This truck is great, with a much more flexible interior versus the other larger competitiors. The 2005 5.4L has a little more horsepower, which I would have appreciated over my 2004. Otherwise, no complaints (and this from a former BMW owner!). As a suggestion, an updated Nav system, built in Bluetooth and a cassette option would have been appreciated.

• 

  Its a Navigator Without the Bling - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By treidnote - February 21 - 12:31 pm

  Optioned up with air suspension, tow package, side airbags & AdvanceTrac, the Limited has all the features & functionality of the Lincoln at about $10k less - and much less of the look at me due to the monochrome paint treatment. Needed towing capability, and its been great right out of the box - new 300hp motor is stronger - but you have to dip into the throttle a bit more than you would expect to get at the power. Almost bought an 04 Eddie Bauer, but glad I waited.

• 

  Should Have Kept the Windstar - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By RB - February 21 - 5:00 am

  They should have made continual improvements to the Windstar and not taken away the basic and great features of it to upgrade a few others and call it a Freestar. I like the 4 wheel disc brakes, and side airbag upgrades. However, I do not like the cheap looking interior, no fog lamps, no rims (on same model), and NO center console.

• 

  More fun for the money! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By bjmbjm1998 - February 20 - 2:36 pm

  I did way more research than average person being a gearhead. I knew the strengths and weekness of the SUV before i bought a used one. I knew because of the way Ford designs their 4 valve engines, it would eat more gas. The secret to good gas mileage is an easy foot. One thing the Escape has is the ability to pull 3,500 lbs towing. This engine gives it that ability when you need it. The problem most people will have is that it can scoot quick if you nail the gas pedal. Thus your mileage will drop fast by pushing hard. I waited to buy the top of the line till it was 2 years old. Much better price! Paid $16,900 for a loaded Limited with sunroof and tow package and 18,000 miles. Youll love it!

• 

  Cant kill this --except the tranny : ) - 1992 Ford Escort
  By David Pasette - February 20 - 2:46 am

  Religious 3,000 mi oil changes & front brakes every 30,000. Thats all this reliable vehicle required. I never liked the transmission, and its clear that many Fords suffer the same fate as mine... it went before anything else did. Since I had 144k miles on it, I felt the car didnt owe me anything. Before I donated it, the wiper relay went ($140 to replace by special order from the dealer) so I gave up the good fight. When the final tow removed the vehicle from my possession, I was sad. I sincerely believe a $1,000 investment in the car would have bought another 144k miles. Averaged over 30 mpg throughout its lifespan, & took me from my 1st job out of college (92) to my 2nd child (05).