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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  94 Extended Aerostars are great! - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By EAB - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle and so far put over 168,000 miles on it. It has never been on a hook. I changed the spark plugs once at 113,000 only because I felt guilty. Brakes are the only weak point.

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  Used but not abused - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Gunny - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Expedition when it was nearly 4 years old and had 60K miles on it. I tow an 8,000lb trailer thats really a little too much for the truck, but I take it easy and the truck does fine. I got the hitch replaced as part of a recall and have regular maintenance done. The truck is a gem and Ill be disapointed to part with it when I finally do trade it in.

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  taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By roc - September 30 - 2:00 am

  since we purchased our taurus my wife and i really enjoy getting out and driving. the gas mileage could be better but the comfort of the ride makes up for the mileage

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  I suppose you get what you pay for - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Broaddog - September 26 - 2:00 am

  The car runs great with a 2.3L, I had to replace the air pipe just for preference of air flow, the list of repairs: Starter, alternator, timing belt, battery, front brake pads, clutch cable, master cylinder (still dont know if it actually needed it though), Brake preassure splicer, door handle, center console peices, twice. The rotors are now warped and I think theres something wrong with the differential. I think whoever had the car before me didnt take care of it.

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  94Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By fordowner - September 26 - 2:00 am

  147,000 and still kicking. Ive used the trcuk for Family outings, long trips, boat towing, hunting and fishing trips, other than a few sets of tires and brakes, Ive replaced nothing. Im religious about oil changes and have done them every 5,000 miles, which is inbetween what Frod recommneds for light (7,000) and Heavy (3,000) duty use, but the engine still runs strong and the A/C will still freeeze you out ! Im about to get a 2003, so I hope I have the same experience !

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  Zippy little thing - 1992 Ford Escort
  By JAmes - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I just got the car a few days ago with 120k on it.. Though i Owned a 1984 ford thunderbird before with over 200 hp, the 88 hp of the escort is suprisingly more then enough to zip around town..I give this car 2 thumbs up

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  97 Crown Vic - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By panther - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Have 186,000 beat the snot out of it miles...original owner. 10% on bad dirt roads. Regular 3000 mile oil changes and tires rotations. Only replaced the intake manifold, defect, likely...a vaor line that wore on the frame, door latch and brakes (many, but easy and cheap). Also have a fuel leak I have to find from tank area, but guessing I will get another 10-40k out of it. Seems to have at least 90% of as new performance. Have a 95 Grand Marquis with 85k (also bought new)...so its just getting broken in. Incredible vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By JMahler1980 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I think the Focus is a great car for the money. Looking at some of the other reviews made me realize that people get, what they pay for. I have only had one problem with my Focus, and luckily my Brother is a Ford technican, and advised me the fuel pump was being recalled. In a little over a year I have about 50,000 miles on my Focus and am still loving it!!! Ford did a great Job!

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  Could be better - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By SUV girl - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Eddie Bauer could be a better SUV, Its a boxy truck and just doesnt seem very luxurious, like you would hope for the money and eddie bauer name, light interior is really bad if you have kids, leather seats and light carpeting end up dirty quick, The dealership I worked with and Ford company are great, they both send me little perks and gift certificates to the eddie Bauer stores, but as for the truck I am really not impressed. There is some rear sliding in winter. I also have had problems with the memory seats forgetting the memory, and it feels and sounds like it wants to take off when you braking at a red light on on a decline of a hill.

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  Rattles - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Don Crocker - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The engine performs excetionally well.The ride is like a car. The Auto 4 wheel works great in snow.Have not tried it on rocky terrain or swamps.Fuel economy is not great. The only problems I have is that it rattles in the back due to build quality.The transmission is slow to kick down to low gear.