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 deal! - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By wagsk - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Great van for the money.Sticker was 30105.00 paid 22300.00 after 5500.00 in rebates and 2300.00 discount. You need to go to the Ford web site to find the extra 500.00 rebate.Plus mine came with a free VCR system.

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  Nice road vehicle - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By wilstjb - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Roomy, comfy, powerful. Feels safe and was rated that way. I bought it new in 1998 and it still looks neat. Dual AC handles hot weather nicely, even with dark green paint. 23 MPG average which I consider good for what it is. Great for long trips. Poor transmission, replaced at 55K. Good thing I had the extended warranty. Rear window motors were both replaced. Local dealer very poor, had to take it to another town to have it serviced and repaired.

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  Tough truck just keeps on goin - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Givingman - October 13 - 2:00 am

  As the first vehicle I have ever kept longer than the 4 year payment plan, this Ford is a winner by default. It tows, carrys, and rides all day in comfort. Still gets compliments on its looks and runs like new. Cruises at 85 on the highway as smoothly as my wifes Avalon (OK, a bit noisier) and can then tramp through the woods like a champ. I still smile everytime I see it in the parking lot waiting for me. And in rush hour traffic you can see over Explorers and other lesser beasts to anticipate problems and reduce claustraphobia. Winner all the way!

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  Dependable Ford Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By jeradoh - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Well built, easy to maintain, safe vehicle.

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  so far so good - 2001 Ford Escape
  By pakamama - October 13 - 2:00 am

  zippiest car i have evr driven.. acceleration on the V6 is heavenly. spacious enough for a family of 4 plus a load.

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  past its prime - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By jim&kiche - October 12 - 2:00 am

  bought the car at 90000 and now have 15000. ive probably put at least $4000 into in the last 3 years. various problems: brakes, driver door hinge went bad ($700), too many other little things to remember. a/c broke. inflatable seat pads stopped working and one deflated causing it to tear from wear. driver door handle, not the latch, broke off because of hinge issue. trans not very smooth. passenger auto door locks dont work any more. rear window wiper only works when it wants.

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  build to last - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By yury - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a 2 in 1 car, its a very good car for people who need a vehecle for a large family, bacause its got 3 rows of seats, for 8 adults, and its also good for work, such as making deliveries, etc., since the sits easily come off, and becomes a full size van.

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  My first truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By paradoxdsf - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Im not really a truck person, but I needed a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get me in and out of my driveway (etc.) during the winter months, and the Ranger was the most affordable thing I could find.

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  Average truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By ike1 - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Just ok. 5.4 engine still sluggish. I added dual exhaust and a K&N filter, it helped a little. Poor stereo, you think they could do better. Heated seats turn off by themselves, and button is in a awful location. climate control is nice. front seats very uncomfortable, even in leather. gas mileage 15 all the time.

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  mpg over rated in 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim - October 10 - 9:36 am

  I just bought a 2006 500 Limited. My shock was that it averages 5 mpg less than the sticker. Instead of getting 29 highway I am getting 24.5 mpg and I am only getting 18 in city. This is based upon the onboard computer. Each of my former vehicles my mpg matched the highway mileage for performance. Same roads - what a disappointment! Radio is cheap, too.