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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  Been a good Truck - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By bradski - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had explorer 10 years this month. Im turning 200k this month and have not had to do anything but standard maintenance. However, Im starting to hear some internal engine noise (lifter?) Primarly used for family travel. Started using a quart of oil every 1200 miles at about 180k. Changed oil every 3000, but never.. never gave tune-up. It was still getting 15 - 17 MPG!.

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  I love it! - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By Timandmissy - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Very fun car.

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  Bad Seats - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By F Soler - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My chief complaint about my new 2002 Windstar is the design and construction of the front seats. The velour is hot and sticky, seats are very uncomfortable due to a weak spot near the rear of the seat that allows you to sink in. I had to trash them and replace them with a pair of leather power seats from a 2001 I found in a junk yard. Also, interior plastic parts rattle. Next time Ill buy an extended cab pick up or a big suv.

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  My Yellow Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By djroeder - October 6 - 4:13 pm

  The Ford Focus is a looker! I have a bright yellow Focus and I have people of all ages looking at it. I love to drive it as it is a fun car to drive. It stays on the road well and handles curves well. I drive on the highway most of the time and it holds its own there also. If I was going to complain about something it would be the paint job. I dont think it holds up well; it scratches easily. Also, I have had to have 3 lug nut covers replaced as they fall off after having the tires rotated. I would also like just an inch or two more room in the back seat leg area.

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  Fun, Reliable, & Resourceful - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By blahblahblah - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Very fun vehicle to drive. Additionally, the Truck/SUV has the advantage of Explorer reliability (which is beyond compare) and the resourcefulness of a pickup truck. The bed is 4 ft long but with hitch down (and guard rail) becomes 6 ft, which is the same length of most short bed pickups. Doesnt have the get up and go torque that I expected but then again, there are third party performance enhancements for that.

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  Old Faithful - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By Mrs. G - October 6 - 2:00 am

  What a great van for the $$. It has been very reliable with only repairs to the brakes (which I assume is considred maintenance) and 2 seat belt clasps. We spend a lot of time on the road loaded with teenagers and luggage and have not been left stranded. On October 3rd, it was in a roll over accident, and in spite of 4 complete rolls, it held up beautifully. The 3 seatbelted passengers received only moderate cuts and bruising. I am definately looking for another Aerostar!

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  Mechanical Problems - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By lindasprouse - October 5 - 11:40 am

  We have had several repairs to the truck including brake replacement. The major problem now is the transmission. We need to repair and/or rebuilt transmission at $1,500 to $1,800. One service shop tried a fix for $300 after finding a service bulletin on it. The transmission is still slipping in third gear. It is now at a reputable transmission shop to be repaired. We were told by them that there was an article in a transmission magazine about this problem in this particular vehicle and that also Ford is not very good about transmission recalls even though there seems to be major problems with this model. This is why I have always purchased Toyota.

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  Everything is falling apart - 1995 Ford Contour
  By dannnn - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for about two years. I got it at about 80k miles. I drove it from Ohio to California. I am at 126k now and aside from a few recalls everything has turned out ok. At this point though, everything is falling apart. The gas door wont open, then vents dont work, and the cup holder sucks.

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  The Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Stvkrenim - October 5 - 2:00 am

  The Escort is a reliable piece of basic transportation. It gets you from point A to point B with minimal fuss. Unfortunately, with the 1.9L engine, you also get minimal acceleration. Road noise is excessive, even for a small car, but the ride is quite supple for a car of this age (the chassis first debuted on the Protege in 1990). Not a bad little car overall, very reliable.

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  The Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By stvkrenim - October 5 - 2:00 am

  The Escort is a reliable piece of basic transportation. It gets you from point A to point B with minimal fuss. Unfortunately, with the 1.9L engine, you also get minimal acceleration. Road noise is excessive, even for a small car, but the ride is quite supple for a car of this age (the chassis first debuted on the Protege in 1990). Not a bad little car overall, very reliable.