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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  Best Ford SUV I have owned ! - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Charles G Schneider - April 3 - 4:07 pm

  The MPG is not as good as smaller SUVs but it has the towing pkg from Ford and can tow up to a 6,000 # boat or camper trailer; & still have good power in the mountains. Good quiet ride on hiways. Excellent audio system (AM/FM & CD) No satellite radio.

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  Good little car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Yves St-Louis/Joe - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I recommend this car to anybody who need good reliable economical basic transportation. After 125k other than normal maintenance the only part i changed was the alternator rear coil spring and front wheel bearings. But parts are not cheap Hope the focus is as good as this one

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  I love this car! - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Ed Johnson - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Owned 5 years and 75K miles to 135K (60K). Yamaha engine is strong, smooth, and durable. Any older car needs alternators, water pumps, starters, belts, A/C compressors, cooling system repairs, and has oil leaks. Oh, and that "check engine" light replaced the computer. No electrical bugs in mine. Auto trans sometimes confused by power downshifts. I like my grey cloth/leather interior with no fake wood trim, auto climate control, auto headlites, cornering lites, and premium sound, but wish it had a CD player, and wish it had the FoMoCo keypad entry system. Replaced the struts when it was in to have the steering rack replaced.

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  One bad little truck. - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Thomas4X - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the engine in this model. I bought it back in December of 2002 so it was one of the 1st out there and it has been great...all except for the fact that the only color I could get at the time was black. Ugh. Looks great but only right out of the car wash. Had black cars before and swore I wouldnt do it again. But it has been worth it. It handles well and accelerates better than a lot of cars or trucks. This one is a keeper.

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  Ergonomic Yes, Reliable No - 2000 Ford Focus
  By BT - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in September 2000 from award winning dealer. Brilliant design, exceptional ergonomics, fun to drive, versatile and large cargo capacity, but many recalls, brake problems, and air conditioner failed at only 29,000 miles and 6 months out of warranty ($1,500 to replace and only a 1-year warranty, so I wont do it). In Oct 2000 Consumer Reports rated the Focus second best of six wagons tested, and in April 2001 Consumer Reports rated the Focus the No. 1 small sedan. In both cases reliabity was not yet established.

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  GOOD LOOKING TRUCK - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By WELDON SIMMONS - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Have not had the truck but a month, but like the looks of it. At times I wish I had of brought the 4 door due to the inconvenance of the back seat passanger. Additionally I hate the gas milage with a passion. All in all not a bad truck, and I say truck because thats what it rides like, a truck.

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  Better than expected - 2001 Ford F-150
  By overkill - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Good truck. Milage is decent for size & weight (5.4L 14 City 19 Hwy SEE BELOW). Very comfy cab, could use more room in the back seat. 30K mi no rattles yet. AC rocks! Handling is good for what it is as well. Build quality is good, but dash and some ext trim looks cheap. Nothing has broke or quit yet, and it just went through UT winter.

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  Gasaholic - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Truddster - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This is 3rd ford 4x4 that i have owned. purchased this mainly for my wife to use.absolutely love everything about the truck, except the gas mileage is absolutely terrible, 8-10 city and 11- 14 highway. was told by dealer that mileage will get better after a few thousand miles, but i dont believe that.

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  The WIndstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By glhouk - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Windstar for about six years. It has proved to be a very good vehicle. Its ride is very comfortable and it is very quiet inside. It has most all the options I need and want and is very versitile. It has great cargo room when seats are removed. I have automatic lights and mirror which I appreciate and the electronic dash has all the information I want. I have driven many newer vans and still have not found one the equal of mine.

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  Some car dealer only wants to sell ! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By J Boniec - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The Brake Master cylinder had to be replaced during the first few months I drove the Van. The dealership I purchase the Van Could not do a sample rear mirror upgrade to my satisfaction so I never did return to Jordan Ford at San Antonio, Texas. I was told it would hold its value , after 16 months it is worth 45% of its purchase price. I will not buy another Ford product again.