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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  Needs more power - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By jmyers - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very nice car. Needs more power. Mileage is excellent. Ride is a bit soft. Grabs lots of attention.

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  I love my ZX2! - 2000 Ford Escort
  By AZRoadRunner - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ZX2 brand new and put 17,000 miles a year on it. Its so much fun to drive, very nervous for an automatic car. At 60,000 miles I never had any mechanical problems. The bucket seats are super comfortable, including for long trips, but its difficult to access the back seats. The exterior design is far less boring than equivalent cars and the tan interior is very relaxing.

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  Cheap and fun - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Admiraltogo - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the ZX2 as basic commuter transportation. With a $2,000 rebate offered by the dealer the price was a steal. Ive found the ZX2 to be a very fun car to drive (I drive 80 miles a day, on mostly country roads). It has also been trouble free. I have to fight my wife to drive it on some days (she drives our GM truck).

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  Like the size, but it isnt for everyone - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Installer - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Love the loadspace, gas pedal and overall size/comfort inside. With 1500 miles we lost our coolant -the factory didnt quite get the hose clamp right - a damaged hose and several days later back owning the road. Cant get past a gas station without a stop -around $65 these days if you let it get to a 1/4. Great hauler. Not for anyone on a budget -pretty sure, as an owner group, we are keeping OPEC running...

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  a good car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By rpm2424 - September 12 - 2:00 am

  150000 and going strong it great!!!

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  Damn good truck - 1996 Ford F-150
  By Jeff Batten - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I was a chevy man for years and hated Fords because I had a 86 ranger4x4 that was pure junk. I wanted a dodge ram but couldnt afford one so I bought a 96 F-150 xlt 4x4. I love it. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It rides excellent for a 4x4. I have the 5.0 v8 and it has plenty of pulling power. I have a race car that I tow to the local track and can run 70 mph down the highway with no problem. The truck had 50000 miles on it when I purchased it and now has 102000. The only problem I have had is the automatic hubs had to be replaced due to NAGS HEAD sand.I will not own another truck unless it is a Ford F- 150.

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  Love my Eddie Bauer! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Rchap - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the vehicle for almost 2.5 yrs and it is as pleasurable to drive today as it was on day one. The V8 engine has plenty of oomph and gas mileage has been better than expected (15 city/18 hwy). The brute force of the engine and luxurious styling and features make the vehicle very versatile. Even though it is 4x2, I have taken it off road in the Arizona desert and it performed fine. So far, have not had any problems except for a minor electrical glitch with the wipers that was promptly fixed. Also, replaced the Firestone tires, even though I really liked them and didnt think it was necessary (dealer really pushed to replace on a maintenance visit).

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  Rattle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TOPGUN - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The only problem after owning the vehicle for 7-8 months is that there is a rattle coming from the front end. Its not like it jumps out and hits you, but at speeds below 30 MPH and somewhat rough roads it really starts to sing. It reminds of when my radial bushing starts to go on my 91 Explorer. What scares me is taking it to the dealer to only have them say that they cant hear or feel it.

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  98 Contour SE V6 - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Alan_01 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  So far (67K miles) this has been a pretty good car. The power is wonderful and the transmission is smooth-shifting. The drivetrain has been reliable with no repairs to date. With regular fluid changes/maintenence these cars can go a long way. So far the only problems have been paint and power windows. The paint on the rocker panels flakes off, but that could be caused by driving through construction for much of its life. The rear power windows will temporarily quit working, then work again later. The interior could be better, but it isnt too bad. The plastics have a cheap feel and the stereo could be better.

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  love my windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By K Meehan - September 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van in March 99 to replace an aging Mercury Tracer that our family was outgrowing. We have done long trips each summer that weve owned the van. The only annoying problem we have had is the passenger side power door. It will sometimes refuse to close and needs to be turned off and closed manually. Other than that, the ride is comfortable and it has been very reliable. BTW-this is a 4 door LX with one power door.