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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  My Favorite Vehicle Yet - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Headwaters - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Being 64" tall, I was not able to find a midsize SUV that didnt lack headroom, legroom, width, or have the gear shift digging into the side of my right thigh. My 98 Expedition is the most comfortable, most rugged vehicle I have ever owned. Though huge, it is not overly "truck-like" in handling, it is powerful, roomy, unstoppable on the minimum maintenance roads I drive in Northern Minnesota. It rules.

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  Not bad for a 1st car... - 2001 Ford Escort
  By sjtrackin - December 27 - 2:00 am

  My first new car, not too bad. Love the look of it and it handles well. Great gas mileage. Interior a little uncomfortable. Had problems with power windows, doors, and hood release. Speakers could be better. Other than that, no complaints. Very smooth ride.

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  X GM Man - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Former GM owner - December 27 - 2:00 am

  What was I thinking? I grew up with the old man driving Fords,but after I left the house I switched to Chevy. After buying this 98 I realize what I was missing out on.Build and quality are FAR superior to anything with a bow tie or sheeps horn.Interior is night and day difference,and at 122k miles drives much tighter than my brothers 2001 Chevy with 65k miles.I would only go back to a GM truck becuase I am more familiar with the powertrains,but only because they needed a little of TLC for maintenance.I have the 4.6 with police engine(bought for state use originally),and think power is good.

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  4 years & time to sell - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By rwarrenw - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Drove this car hard the first two years, then backed off to normal. Major disappointment when I had to replace A/C compressor at 76,000 miles and 3 years of age!

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  Nervous Ford owner - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By timulator - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has always had an annoying clunk in the front suspension. The power locks started failing at 60k miles and cost $500+ to repair and, 15k later, one of the repaired locks is acting up again. It has been very reliable and has plenty of power and is very comfortable overall. The back seat is a struggle to remove, being so heavy. Storage compartments are pathetic. Im not a big Ford fan, but I have liked this Windstar so far.

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  Better than expected. - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By mrdetailer - December 26 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle with the 3.0 vulcan engine is smooth, quiet and has good power. If midgrade is used at my altitude, it gets good gas mileage. Engine consumes almost no oil.

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  Lots of fun - 1994 Ford Probe
  By wr0577 - December 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had my GT for over a year. It now has around 140,000 miles and still runs great. Of course, I have put a lot of money in repairs, but it remains an absolutely wonderful car to drive.

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  Mah 1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By dag - December 25 - 10:00 am

  As a sprots car lover i had to try out the Mach1. I wasent disappointed at all. The 300+ horsepower as well as the speed and the control makes it feel like a good racing car game. You have to utleast test drive it to know what it feels like.

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  My Ranger FX4 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By lruff - December 25 - 2:00 am

  My Ranger is comfortable and fun to drive. I get 20 miles to the gal. of gas on the hiway and around 16 to 17 in town.

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  Expedi - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By TC Mouse - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This 98 Expedition has met all expectations for reliability, comfort, towing, performance. Original owner, hauls cargo, three dogs, family trips, great road viz, no travel fatigue.