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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  1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By bcbeachman - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been reliable and a pleasure to own. No real problems until after 50k miles, including of course the Firestone tire debacle which I think was blown out of proportion. Only major problems have been a leak in the air plenum o-ring, replaced lower ball joints and idle air control module going bad at 60k miles. Otherwise, garaged, change oil every 3k miles, and follow the manual for all other routine maintenance. 4.0 SOHC engine runs great, gas mileage good for an SUV, no abnormal wear on exterior or interior. Solid ride, great on the highway. Would definitely recommend any low mileage Explorer to this point.

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  sad to sell - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By mary fullerton - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle since its birth and am sad to sell it as it has NEVER left me stranded- and has done very well in 2 small accidents. The tures ROCK, and I love the steering controls for heat, cruise, tunes. I have a bunch of kids and moved into a Toyota Sequoia. I only hate that they dont hold their value due to so many program cars!

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  1998 ford taurus - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By mother - March 2 - 2:00 am

  a very reliable car. e excellent all around performer.

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  Nice mini van for the price - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By freddyford - March 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van used with 75000 miles. We have used it to pull a tent trailer for the last two years and its been excellent. Nothing but regular maintainence. I did put in a set of rear air-adjustable shocks but thats it. Great van for the price.

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  My F150 - 2000 Ford F-150
  By buckman2735 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Top notch design.

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  Good Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By CPBRO - March 1 - 2:00 am

  All unscheduled maintenance was covered under warranty and was nothing major. Engine-transmission match perfectly with shift points that maximize torque. Mileage ranged from 19 to 23 on highway and from 17 to 19 in town. Quick steering and smooth easy braking. Stiff ride at low speeds and rough roads.

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  escape xlt - 2004 Ford Escape
  By ontario - March 1 - 2:00 am

  very nice suv very roomy inside nice interier very comfortable seats very good milege for the type of vehicle from far away it looks bigger then it is its pretty close to a explorer but not as wide good power no hesitation at all sometimes i wonder if it is to much engine for this suv comes with almost all the bells and whistles.

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  Great, reliable car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By heidi16 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  We have never had major problems with this car except a transmission replacement at 120,000 miles. Other than that, only routine maintenance. Very roomy on the inside. Overall, we have been impressed with the performance. It has a small engine, but we knew that when we bought it. It has been the only vehicle we have owned for 8.5 years.

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  Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By bonenzo - February 29 - 2:00 am

  this has been a very reliable truck for me.I had only one problem in three years,the automatic idler sensor which ran me about $300.00 to repair.The styling of this truck is great,I am selling only because I need a pickup.Because of this truck Im going to purchase a new f-250 and hope i have the same luck

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  A Great Friend - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Highalpine - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought my stang as a 1 year old mid- life fling. Been driving it every summer since. What a blast!. The 5L v8 is powerful and relaiable, if a bit heavy on the gas. NO major repairs in 9 years! Very reliable. If I were really resious about the car, Id probably do something about the suspension ass it does bounce around on rough curvy roads. The sound sysem is great.