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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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Pauline Stewart - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for less than a year and it had a lot of miles on it when i bought it. i bought i for $3,000. i though that was a good deal. i am a senior in high school and use it everyday to go to school, work and sometimes the mall. I really like my car. It is depenable, has great gas milage and it is just a perfect car for someones first car.

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  Mixed feelings - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jon - April 19 - 11:53 pm

  This is the 4th Explorer that Ive owned in the last 10 years. Unfortunately, it has been the most problematic. Although a far cry from "lemon status," problems have been a nuisance, nonetheless. Ford has done a good job in this redesign when comparing the old school Explorers. Unfortunately, the resale value is almost insulting since so many have been sold. I probably would consider another Explorer when the next redesign occurs for the 2006 model year, but I am strongly looking at the Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner appears to have substantially better resale value and substance.

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  dependable - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By westover - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Its been a great vehicle. No big problems to speak of after 175k. Thats impressive in todays world. Thanks Ford

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  Happy Owner - 2003 Ford Escape
  By adgrrl1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Over all, I have enjoyed leasing this vehicle for the past year. It has a V6, so there is good pick up. Its large enough to haul stuff, the back seat folds down flat. I carried four 6 foot tables and 10 folding chairs in it! Yet, I can still easily parellel park it! I can cart my Golden Retriever in comfort.

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  Old School - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By G-man76 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Lots of fun for your dollar. The fit and finish are questionable, the seating position is too high, the seats themselves are absurdly uncomforable. On the plus side, the handling is good, and the mileage is respectable for a V-8. The combination of V-8 Power, plus a five-speed manual and rear wheel drive cant be beaten, especially given the price. If you like an old-school ride with modern reliability and amenities this car is for you. One word of advice: drive a Mach 1 before signing on the line. The Mach 1 addresses nearly every gripe I have with the GT.

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  My Experience with the 2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By SJohnson - April 18 - 2:00 am

  First of all, it has that noisy engine. Tapping of the valves. It will keep on running though. Very reliable even with the sounds. I have nearly 66000 on it now and it has no rattles inside. The kids are very comfortable in it. The sliding doors on both sides make it so nice for entering and exiting. It has great pick up as well as a good braking system.

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  A surprisingly good car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By rohada - April 17 - 2:00 am

  It was a company car. Only repair in 85,000 miles was a replaced oxygen sensor. This car would be a great value for someone looking to buy it new and keep it somewhere shy of 100,000 miles. Never stranded me, always started. Though I dont need one for personal use, I have recommended it to those who ask if I would buy one. Performance/fun to drive not in keeping with an Accord, but is is well above average in all other categories.

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  Nice Truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By truckdriver - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I drive an F150 for work and have been impressed by the solid feel and comfort compared to smaller trucks I have driven. So when I saw the King Ranch version, I knew this was my next vehicle. The leather in this truck is great, very soft and comfortable. The rest of the truck is well built and have had no ptroblems at all. After three weeks there is no reason to take it to the dealer for the normal build defects.

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  great little car with get up and go - 1998 Ford Escort
  By slats - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the escort five years ago and have had no problems whatever. It has more get up and go then would be expected and the gas mileage has been 27 to 29 pg. Just this past month the generator failed. first time I had to send money on it other then tires and windshield wipers. Currently 95,000 miles.

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  High-Maintenance Baby - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By wylieSteve - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I really like the comfort, room, ride and performance of this car. It has enough room to easily seat 5, has good acceleration, handling, braking and top speed. Camshaft problem was a $700 pain to get welded, and the car is on the third transmission.