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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  Didnt Learn - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy in TX - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Weve had the Windstar 6.5 years only 55K miles. No major problems until 54,400 miles. Transmission disintegrated the internal differential came apart and spewed pieces all over the inside of the trans. A re-manufactured trans was installed. Thankfully, the $3600 bill was covered under a third party warranty. This van was not driven hard by any means. Had a 1988 Taurus wagon. Same engine (3.8 L), same trans, same result (trans died at 60K miles). I didnt learn. Im sure the head gasket is next. I have friends with similar stories about Windstars. No more Fords. Our other mini-van is a Venture.

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  aerostar - 1991 Ford Aerostar
  By apollo - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Its a great vehicle for hauling...used it in my furniture business. The interior is giant! Lots of head room! I bought it with 60k on it, and put another 100k on it. Really fun to drive,so roomy great if youre a tall person. Only problems-I now have a tick in engine!? Very hard to replace oil filter yourself. Lots of power though in 4.0 liter....As far as other problems,just normal things.

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  Its Almost Perfect - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Deej - June 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this expecting to have all the room in the world. I do! The only thing that takes some getting used to is the stiffer ride than I had in my F- 150. With the V10 I have all the power I want and then some and it gets the same mileage no matter what. Towing or touring it is consistant. Including its huge range, it is a really good buggy.

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  2001XLT - 2001 Ford Escape
  By aedtrs - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, poor on gas, wish there was a 5spd V6.

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  My shopping buddy - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By jo - June 5 - 5:20 pm

  I love my Explorer, when I first got it the transmission went out, but it was under warranty, no big deal and they gave me a loaner. The car runs very smooth for an SUV, its pretty quiet, seats are comfortable and anyone can fix it.

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  The Ultimate Grocery Getter!! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By electricone - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my Expedition! I have three kids and really appreciate the roomy interior. I have had to put 3 car seats across the second row seat. There was plenty of room! I also dont have any problems fitting my double stroller, diaper bags, sports equipment, etc. in the back. I will never go back to a sedan again!!

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  99 Contour - heavy use - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Jinxo - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car intending it to be a heavy-use vehicle for a long daily commute. I have put well over 30000 miles per year on it. This car has stood up to the mileage in fine form while showing very little in the way of wear and tear. While not particularly flashy, the front seats are comfortable, the V6 performs well, and the reliability has been exceptional. The price was very reasonable and I have certainly gotten my moneys worth out of it. Im sorry that Ford decided to quit selling the Countour in the US. I would have bought another one. If youre looking for a good reliable vehicle to drive until the wheels fall off, you could do a lot worse.

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  Sport Trac - American Car - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Trac Owner - June 4 - 8:53 am

  The Sport Trac is the second Ford I have owned. In my experience the quality has been outstanding but fuel economy has been worse than any of the several foreign vehicles Ive owned. Took it to repair shop; they did computer analysis; couldnt find a problem. Suggested using premium gas which didnt help only cost me more money to buy! Im going back to foreign made especially with gas prices today.

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  95 Scort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By DeathSlinger00 - June 4 - 2:00 am

  i have owned my 2-door LX for over two years now, and have put many miles on it. this car is very fun to drive, and is rather reliable. although its highly underestimated, it does has some kick (with 88hp). if i ever trade it in, it will be for a 2nd gen GT... mainly because i love the body style, but would like to have a faster engine in it.

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  MY EXPLORER SPORT - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By "THE MAN" - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I have a 92 explorer spory 4x4 and I love it. I just bought it with under 74000 miles. The only things I have noticed that arent really a big deal arethe engigne is a little weak and The A/C doesnt work and it needs a new power steering pump soon. Not really a big deal but hey, what do you expect from an 11 year old car!!! I LOVE IT!!