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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  Will Buy Another - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Lake Diamond - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Driving experience and dependability has been very good. No serious mechanical problems. One irritant has been that the check engine light stays on and dealer or others cannot figure out what is cause. Sometimes it stays off for months then comes back on for no apparant reason. Use it in my Real Estate business and love the spacious interior.

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  NO PROBLEMS - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By andy77 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1996 and have 122K on it and have not had any head gasket problem and it still has the original transmission. This thing is a tank. It has never stranded me and takes care of all of the stuff I have to carry around!

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  Bad Dealership Service at Manahan Ford - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By JFC8812 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  It is a good car and realiable. But the dealship service is really bad. I bought the $1000 premium service package which was good until I took the car to Monahan Ford in Flushing, Queens NY. They charged me close to $200 for no reason (it should be covered by premium care like they did in Greenwich CT) when I wanted my car back they lied and said they had took the car apart. I complained to Ford service and received responses but the issued was never resolved.

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  I miss my ZX2 - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Jamie Lynne - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car even though i only had it for 2 weeks i love it the only problem was it was my first car and i was soo happy it was layed out for my bday and 2 weeks after driving it i got in a horrible car wreck and it was totaled....

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  Comfort beats speed - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Big-Un - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is an overall good luxury vehicle that can fit all of your needs, and more.

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  Two problems in three years. Not bad! - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By RickC5 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  We have had our 2001 Expy almost three years since we bought it new. Only two problems have come up and both were fixed under warranty at a recent visit to the dealer. 1) Rear wiper stopped functioning. FIX: dealer replaced wiper motor. 2) Loss of power when very hot outside. FIX: dealer had an upgraded engine computer chip that seems to have fixed the problem. Our only major complaint: awful gas mileage, usually 13-14 mpg. Goes with the territory for such a behemoth, but poor nonetheless.

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  Lariat Supercab - 2004 Ford F-150
  By J Smith - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second F150 in 6 months. I had owned a silver FX4 Supercab it saved my life in an accident. My second one a blue Lariat Supercab, i have the chrome gearshift on the floor it looks great, Ford did an awesome job with the interior as well as the exterior, there is no comparision with any truck on the market.

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  99 Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Deer Hunter - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Truck has nice, car like ride. 4.0 v6 is a little under powered especially with A/C on. Constant brake problems however. Always squeal even with new rotors and pads. Fuel economy is not bad for a truck this size. 4WD is noise in turns

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  fun but rough - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Kelhoon - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck!!!

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  Great Car.. - 1993 Ford Probe
  By haplo - October 8 - 2:00 am

  i have had my 93 GT for about 4 years now. I have 180k miles on it and it still runs great. I didnt have to do much maintenance except scheduled ones, like tires, brakes, timing belt and water pump. Water pump was ok, but i changed it when i was changing the timing belt. All the electrical controls still work. Great design exterior and interior. It just looks cheap material inside. Engine is definitely satisfying. Despite those long 10 years and 180k miles on it. I have driven many new cars most of them performance cars, I have to say Probe has its place as a sporty car with the V6 and the manual.