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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  GT THE BEST - 2005 Ford GT
  By MILLIP - October 7 - 2:00 am

  FASTEST STREET CAR FOR THE MONEY AND A BLAST TO DRIVE

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  Taurus among the masses - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By alaituri - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Generally a good basic car. I like the styling and the way it handles, although the base V6 is a bit under powered. Interior comfortable enough, back seat a little small for adults. Gas gauge no longer works reliably. Mechanic indicated this is a systemic problem in the 2000s, too expensive ($600) to repair. Gas mileage could be better. Likely go back to a LeSabre for the size, power and better mileage.

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  great potential, but not reliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By 3rdtime - October 7 - 2:00 am

  love everything about the vehicle -- size, cargo room, third seat and handling with the independent rear suspension; but reliability is an issue -- just little things, but a lot of them. Brakes have been done twice in only 45,000 of driving -- A little much based on my prior experience with these vehicles.

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  Fun and sporty - 2004 Ford Escape
  By lisab - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I had been driving an Expedition for 6 years..and previously a Tahoe...went to the escape for fuel economy purposes...had some reservations because of the room i was giving up to drive this car...but in the end...all the other features..and the fact that i save on gas...outweighed the size... Lots of fun to drive, great in the snow, and handles terrific in bad weather...passed a Liberty Jeep on the way home from upstate ny and it was in a ditch..mine stayed on the road..with very slippery conditions....very reliable.

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  Very Satisfied - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By sdgrant - October 6 - 10:00 am

  After owning a True Blue / Graphite interior convertible for 6 months, we havent had any problems or trips to the dealer for repairs. Performance could be better, especially since other brands are getting over 250HP from smaller V6 motors (my 11-year-old Accord is faster). However, since this is a relatively economical model, we dont expect as much. We just drove 800 miles on a recent trip, and it ran smooth and strong on the freeway. It was really great winding through wine country in central CA with the top down, warm sun, beautiful ride.

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  A Quest For Room! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By evanshill - October 5 - 2:00 am

  After 2 weeks of grueling searches and comparison shopping..we found the Windstar to be the best value on the resale market. Lets face it, dealerships want a small fortune for someones used high mile van! But here is semi-luxury combined with simple design. Parent friendly elements paired with style. Mostly it offers separation of our 3 children without feeling we are driving a city bus, yet there is still leg room for the 12 year old! The ride is quiet, the van handles a van.It seems only the husband feels it should handle like a sports car. I have previously owned Caravan and Aerostar (yikes!), I like the caravan for long life durability but am well pleased with my Windstar!

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  Self-healing car!!! - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By TimbrSS - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Ultra reliable... bought car with 92k, replaced water pump. Replaced a Tie rod and U-Joint at 175k. Car now has 192k on it. Other than wear items like tires and suspension, Ive only spent $200 or so to keep it running. I could not be happier with it. I tell all my friends that the car is self healing, since I rarely ever have to work on it.

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  So far, so good.... - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By DeanCT - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Expedition for 2 months now. I havent had any major problems. Love the ride and was surprised how well it handles. Only issue Ive had so far is sometimes when running the A/C, I smell a burning smell. Brought back to the dealer and the deordorized the Heating Box. Well see if that helps. Another thing I noticed is that sometimes when Im driving with the radio off, I can hear a humming or high pitched noise. Not sure what it is, hopefully its nothing. Overall, I think the Expedition is great, I love driving it and it looks pretty good on the road.

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  Still debating - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Half and Half - October 4 - 4:26 am

  When I bought it, it was the best value and the most pleasant car in its class. The problems I have had are minimal, however they are still problems with a car 1 year old. My DPFE sensor on my dash has malfunctioned twice. And I had that same chatter in the back window above 55 mph. Luckily I have not hit the big 36K yet. But when I do these defective pieces may come back to haunt me in the service dept. Other than that the car has been reliable.

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  Good car - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Serega - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I got this car a year ago, and so far heres what I think: It may not have an outstanding exterior/interior, the ride and handling is average, and the limit of 80 mph is definitely not too much. However, I didnt have any major problems with it, only usual maintenance. I particularly like 126ft*lb at only 2000-3000Rpm (4cyl) - you can outrun most of the cars if you wish when you start at traffic light. So my impression is: Ford Tempo is a good car to for beginners. Reliability strongly depends on the way the car was maintained.