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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  personal oppinion of 87 year old driver - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By nfdeminco - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 19000 miles on it I have driven it ever since with no nechanical problems. It does ride rather stiff but fuel economy is very good and reaction is very good though it only a four cylinder with dual ignition and overdrice. I do think undercarriage is more susceptible to road salts deterioration than usual. Should have better frame rust protection.

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  practical and reliable - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By jt94093 - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Solid vehicle. Have not had any major problems, but just had to replace multi-function switch at $230.

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  Runs Well at 78K Miles - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By WIN STAR - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned our Windstar for 5+ years now. I know that people have had problems with them. Our only major one was the tailgate lock failing and having to be replaced. Bought it with 29K miles from a local dealer. The faux leather interior, sound system, All-Trac and load level features continue to make this a pleasure to drive.

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  great first car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By schmidt - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as my first car i bought it whith every option available. I love it! It handles great with alomst no body roll. It has great acceleration, I love racing it on the streets it has just the right amount of power. The only thing that I dont like about the car is that I think it should get better gas mileage for being such a small car and the interior looks to much like the escort sedan. It also handles great at speeds over 100 mph. I highly recomend this as a first car. Its a great car for the money. (So easy to burn rubber even with the auto!)

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  Very happy - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Sniffer - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I have 102,000 miles logged on my 1997 Ford Ranger. Other than basic maintenance items, the vehicle has performed very well. The 4 cylinder engine wont set the world on fire but Im happy with the average 26 MPG I am getting. The 2wd makes for difficult traction in snow or rain.

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  2002 Ford Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By chubren - November 26 - 2:00 am

  We have only had it one year and my wife loves it. It has run well, so far. The only problems have been a strut that went bad after only a couple months and the poor quality of the interior. Our last Windstar had very comfortable seats. The metal supports in this van have come up through the padding on the seats and the headrest. The speaker volume cuts out in one of the sliding doors. The only other negative aspect is the pick up. It takes a few seconds of hitting the gas, before it really takes off.

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  Great overall car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By ZAZLE - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Great breaks, great interior quality, great reliability. Good handling. Perfect get-around-town-car. Well- behaved on long trips. definately worth the money invested.

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  great performing sporty car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By kscoyote - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Nice blend of power and fuel economy. Automatic transmission can be annoying. More than likely due to economy shift pattern. Rear sway bar is sorely missed at times. This should be an option.

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  Very Practical - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Strets - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ranger with 34,000 miles on it, when I was 17. Almost 3 years later and an extra 60,000 miles, she still runs like a champ. I use it to commute to and from school. It is very fuel efficient, low mantainence vehicle and it is good looking. However the 4Cyl., even though it has 8 spark plugs, is very slow.

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  hauling sucking gas - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By kgb - November 24 - 2:00 am

  i cant believe 14 mpg.it should get better than that.