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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  Fun Machs - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By d3vild0g - March 26 - 1:06 pm

  All in all a fun car. Had lots of fun adding bolt ons to make this baby fly. Got to love the dohc motors. Interior Seats a little tight for larger people. ( Im 61" 220lbs). Other than that, its a beaut!

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  Too Bad - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By dannyboy - March 26 - 12:08 pm

  Too bad Ford shot themselves in the foot with this model.. Beautiful ride, but the transmission has a severe flaw in the valve body. It was NOT milled correctly meaning the fluid equals out to not let it shift.. Ford should have redesigned a new trans and recalled all 02,03,04 . What are they thinking selling us a $30,00 dollar defective SUV?

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  good van, quirky issues - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By txmusatang68 - March 26 - 11:08 am

  We had a 1998 Windstar before. Loved the interior and features. We sold it after 186k miles. This van had some issues, but was reliable. So we bought a 2003 used, 85k miles. Comfort great! Style good. Heavy seats, but very sturdy. Replaced cruise switches - $400 part avail from FORD ONLY. Intake manifold gasket - $450. Now, 9k miles/3 months later, transmission - $1350. Found out it was 2nd rebuild of tranny. Coincidentally, 1998 had tranny replaced under warranty. I see a trend here, Ford! And electrical issues - passenger front door doesnt turn on lights, theft system works when it has a mind to (embarrassing). 98 was crazy too - humidity seemed to be the issue there.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sarah - March 26 - 10:06 am

  I absolutely LOVE my new Ford Escape. Ive had it for about 6 months now, and I love it just as much today as the first day I bought it. The design is so gorgeous inside and out. The V6 has a lot of get up. Its extremely comfortable. I see other Escapes on the road and smile because it really is a GREAT looking car. Everyone who rides in it is surprised by how nice it really is. In fact, a friend of mine went out and bought one last week. I definitely recommend this to everyone.

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  My Ford Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Kathy - March 26 - 9:32 am

  I always owned sports cars then moved into minivans as a soccer mom, the kids are grown mostly so I moved back into a sporty but economical car. Great gas mileage, good pick up speed to jump on the highway, for a smaller car you dont have to drop down on the ground to get in the car. I like the dash illumination, my only negative would be sometimes it picks up a rock and the sound enters the passenger compartment kind of loud.

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  Wish I would have done my research! - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By veronicav - March 26 - 8:55 am

  I previously had a 99 Galant which I was happy with but had recently had my third child and needed more space,my fear was to get rid of a car with no problems and get one with PROBLEMS, which has happened. I have a popping noise in the intake which sounds like a frog hopping around and hitting the top and sides, which Ive been told by a man who has "been with Ford for 15 years" that its normal. I also am now having a problem with the van stalling while driving down the road, many things have been checked and no problems found yet! Inside space needs improvement, getting to third row seats is awful my 3 year old daughter who sits back there has to squeeze her way back there. Rethink buying!

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  Love it!! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By amanda - March 26 - 12:42 am

  I have owned my Focus for 3 years and have 70,000 miles on it. Never had any mechanical problems with it. I am getting about 30 mpg still. I love how I can do a really tight turn without any problems (always getting the best parking spot). The seats are very comfortable for long drives (do a lot of driving). Clutch is smooth and the steering is easy. I love this car!

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  Looks can be decieving - 1997 Ford Probe
  By Brian J. - March 25 - 9:31 pm

  Bought my 97 Probe GT with nearly 145k on it the end of January 2009. The same day i drove it off the lot, the dreadful check engine light came on. Drove fine intill i was on my way home 4 days later, car stalled out and i had to pull it to side of road. It has an electrical issue that causes it to stall out and no given time and it will restart when it wants, Mazda specialist couldnt diagnose problem. After stalling on me 50+ times the 350 miles i drove it, it finally died on me on March 1st, i was taking off from my driveway and the timing belt went, killing the engine. I love the car, but Probe GTs are extremely troublesome if they were beaten. Very expensive to maintain. Dont buy Probes.

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  F150 King Ranch 2009 4WD in WNC - 2009 Ford F-150
  By WNC Design Truck Usr - March 25 - 9:28 pm

  I ordered this about 2 weeks ago it is being custom built for me by Ford. The deal was amazing. Great price for a great truck. I have some upgrades from the king ranch and platinums I test drove I am getting the dvd headrests and the dealer is obtaining a lexan roll-up bed cover, which all pickups should have. We ordered the white sand tri-coat metallic and the 20" KR wheels, navigation/Sync and moonroof. The whole thing is a luxurious work truck that does a fair job of passing as a limousine. Wonderful blend of technology, industrial design, strength, beauty and versatility. I compared this to Dodge, Chevy and Toyota. In the end, the Ford had the best combination and the best $.

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  Love MY HarleyTruck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By HarleyMan - March 25 - 9:14 pm

  Bought the truck in Sept. 07...love the looks and the custom paint scheme. Interior design is sweet, and durable at the same time. Dual buckets are the way to go, dont know why Ford redesigned it. Only two problems thus far 1.) about six months back, it blew out the #4 plug, was a bear to repair/helicoil...but its better and stronger then ever now. 2.) for about three months now the check engine light AND the gas cap light remain on, after replacing both sensors and a new gas cap...must have a slight evap leak that is driving me crazy to locate.