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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  Tough Little Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By llibst - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Six years and almost 90,000 miles this 97 Explorer Sport has been on of the most bullet proof vehicles our family has ever owned. Even survived a roll over collision in west Texas snow. No major mechanical problems, the single overhead cam engine just keeps running, no problems with a/c, electrical, sound system. Tires even seem to last longer than other SUVs weve owned

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  1996 Ford Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By tomkeith - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been a great vehicle. I would buy one again, and plan to. I would also recommend to others

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  Great van - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Josh Carter - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I got this van new at the age of 16. This van has endured 8 years of young/teenage driving hell. So far the only thing starting to go is the trans. It has held up real well, and probably has another 100,000 to go. I does feel a lot more top heavy than it is. It is also very hard to drive in high winds, but it is the tallest mini- van around. And it is the most comfortable inside since the seats are higher than most.

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  Best Car Fords Made! - 1993 Ford Probe
  By RobertW_47 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I do not understand when I hear people say bad things about the Probe. I have had my 93 Probe GT for ten years and it has been the most amazing car. I have had no major mechanical issues and have only had to spend money on typical maintenance issues. This car is RELIABLE! I have had lots of fun upgrading intake/exhaust and taking her out on the open road. This is a great car and if you can get your hands on one that has been taken care of, buy it! I have often thought that I will never sell my Probe. It is one of the best cars on the road and its styling is timeless.

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  2000 Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By stevem - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Truck has performed pretty well overall- -the interior and exterior have held up well. It could be a little more responsive while merging--even with the V6 pickup is a bit sluggish.

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  1996 3.8L Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By 22 yr old - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Get an extended warranty because its worth it. There were a few minor repairs and the transmission had to be rebuilt at 72K miles when the warranty ran out at 75K. At 94K there are some electrical problems popping up, but nothing too bad. The speedometer has been replaced once and its getting a bit shaky again. The right windows stopped operating, but my dad simply took the motors apart and put it back together and it just started working again. The door light started coming on even though all doors were closed. I cleaned the contacts where the doors close and now the light only stays on for an extra 5 seconds every now and then. Despite its problems, I like the van.

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  Good for a Student - 1998 Ford Escort
  By BDbuddy23 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Escort for about 2 years now and I have to say it has been a solid experience. The escort gets excellent gas mileage, and has a reasonable ride for a no frills type of car. Ive only had one problem and that was a radiator hose break.

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  My Green Escort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Julieturtle - June 23 - 2:00 am

  My hubby & I bought our 98 light green Escort LX in 2000 and weve put a lot of miles on it. In 3 years alone, weve doubled the miles. It has been a great, reliable car for us and our growing family. I tend to have a lead foot, so I wish it had more balls, but its probably better that it didnt. Its a great car, anyway, and were very sure itll be our family vehicle for a long time.

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  Sporty and Fun - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Bob Carignan - June 23 - 2:00 am

  For an American-made car and first year of this model redesign, this car has been excellent and reliable.

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  LOVE IT - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By wade - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I thoroughly enjoy driving the excursion. It is an automobile that I feel safe in and have good visibility. The Excursion for us has been great for pulling our horse trailer and for hauling the high school tennis team. Wish you would continue to make them.