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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  Big Mustang - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Rollin - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had good experience with my 1996 T-bird. Overall very reliable car, no unscheduled maintenance so far. Traction control with snow tires on all 4 wheels is a must for snowy climate (I use Blizzaks). Handling is very good for a relatively large car and performance is too with the 4.6 V8. 4- wheel disc brakes are an improvement over disc/drum on my 1995 T-bird.

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  The Great Limited - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Limited03 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I love Windstars! I had a 96, although it was a lemon. I traded that in for a new 98 and has that for 5 years and 70,000 trouble free miles. I got rid of that and now I have my 03 Windstar Limited. I love it. It has been majorly improved from my 98. Its quieter inside and the interior is of a higher quality. I Love it!

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  My favorite car ever! - 1995 Ford Probe
  By cargirl - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car. I had no mechanical problems with this car.

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  Good Car, Bad Trans...... - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Boxster265 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 96 GT since 1999. I have throughly enjoyed this car until today, when the transmission went submission at 72,000 miles. The car has given me no problems beyond the very bad interior rattles. I have always like Ford products, but now I dont know. A friend recommended selling it at 75,000, I almost made it. Liked the car, but didnt like the bad trans that had been flushed 15,000 miles ago. On to something foreign now!!!!

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  Good Car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Joe17fl - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine a month now and no major problems yet.

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  Great Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By philmie - March 30 - 2:00 am

  My ZX2 is a wonderful car. Since I have had it I drive it 50 miles a day to and from school and then I deliver pizzas 4 days a week. My car is up to the abuse and I treat it to regular oil changes usually a few miles before 3000. It has good pep when accelerating even though it hada small engine. Sporty look too especially when it is given some tint and premium rims.

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  Very impressive - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Nick - March 29 - 5:30 pm

  Buy the Pebble leather interior and with X-plan you have pure luxury for $25,000.

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  great car - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By dudeman - March 28 - 2:00 am

  i have had very few problems all of which were minor very reliable car the gas mileage is OK but could be better minor corrosion problems

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  Not bad, but....... - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Jonin Ray - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I have to dmit that after going though one transmission, 3 starters, one water pump, one air conditioner, and two side door latches...it has come time for me to part with the Aerostar and since they dont make it anymore and I cant find another (would by one if it was a 97), I am going to switch to a Chevy Astro or GMC Safari. Too bad they stopped making it and went to the Windstar...they Safari/Astro would have good competition.

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  TOWS THE LOAD - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By AVE8ER - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck! The only real gripe I have is it rides and sounds like a truck on the inside. I had a eddie bauer expedition with the air suspension before and it had a great ride. This truck has way to many creaks and rattles. The gmc denali doesnt have creaks and rattles!