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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  Very Happy - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By boochnj - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I was very happy with the 4.0 liter engine, although it was a little taxed when hauling a heavy trailer. It seems perfectly matched with the smooth- shifting transmission. The 4wd performed well in winter and the AUTO mode kicked in when required.

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  A Best Buy for the money! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By AKC - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I had a 97XL Expedition and yes I had some trouble in the first few thousand miles. However, Ford worked diligently to fixe every problem. After a year of issues, they upgraded me to a 99 XLT w/ leather and the payment stayed the same. Now I have a 00 XTL (loaded) and Im about to get a 03. Overall, I am very pleased and you will too if you have some patience and expect that all vehicles wont be perfect. My wife has a Lexus IS300 and weve had just as many problems (and thats a luxury vehicle).

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  Very pleased - a great van - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By edsunder - December 5 - 10:00 am

  The van has been a pleasure to drive since we got it. Its got lots of room and is comfortable for our family of 6.

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  Pretty Goode - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By brkluy - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had a 5 different windstars since 98. I get one for a company car and buy one for a personal car every few years. I have had very few problems. I currently own a 2000 and have a company van 2002. I put around 30K per year on my company van. I has never left me stranded. As far as my personal van, it has rarely been in the shop.

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  1995 Windstar my Family Wagon - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By cxdign04 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good car. However, there are some specific problems with Head gaskets. Ford gave me an extended warrantee until 100,000 miles or 7 years. The head gaskets blew at 107,000 miles, resulting in a large bill ($2,500). I am fixing this car because I believe it will last many more years...I in spite of this problem this car has been good to me.

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  Always Runnin - 1995 Ford F-350
  By James Rebello - December 5 - 2:00 am

  In April of 1998 I bought a 1995 Ford F- 350 with 95,567 miles on it. At the time we were looking for a truck to pull our 5th wheel trailer. We had looked at other trucks before but none of them compared to the F-350. With its 460c.u.i.n. V-8 it did the job for us. We purchased it with the aftermarket Sherrod package. As of today the truck has 141,000 miles and still runs like the day we bought it.

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  Skeptical at first, but VERY happy - 1996 Ford Escort
  By escort owner - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, intending only to keep it for a few months. Well its 2.5 years later and im still driving it. I have over 160,000 miles on it and it still runs great. Only things ive replaced have been tires and the serpentine belt, regular oil changes and 1 tune up. This is a great college car, its cheap to buy, run, and maintain. The 5-speed has a lot of pickup after 1st gear, so its a nice ride. Good in the winter and rain, no complaints, i would recomend this car to anyone who doesnt mind driving an escort.

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  Electrical Demons - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ttjunkie - December 4 - 10:46 pm

  Love my Explorer except for the electrical demons! The power lock on the drivers side only works when the car is turned on, the lights under the outside mirrors stay on for way too long, sometimes the brake lights and interior lights stay on after the car is turned off. All that being said, theres so much space and Ford did a good thing when they added the third row. Thinking about a 2006, but since the resale on the 2002 is low, dont know if I can swing it!

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  Well Used and Loved - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By phill97679 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Great family vehicle - largest cargo area in class. Just throw EVERYTHING in the back! Great reliability...NOTHING has happened to it. Leased then bought cheap (bank did NOT want it back). Much better to drive in Oregon rain than our Honda Accord. Would buy a 2004 next, but they look like a mini-van. WARNING! Ford dealership service dept. is not good!

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  Great truck !!! Electrical quirks!!?? - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By tom kleinfeld - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck new in the fall of 1998. I have 150000 thousand miles on it. It has been a good truck. I have had to replace the alternator THREE times and last month had to do the front struts. Not bad for all the miles. The front seat could be a little more comfortable for a bigger guy 6 2". But you cant beat the price and gas milage.