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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  Fords are winners - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By cartersmommie - July 18 - 2:00 am

  My explorer has 135000 miles on it and never gives me any trouble. Just routine maintenance. I had a Tempo that hit over 100000 and never gave me any trouble either. I am the typical soccer mom and this totes tons of kids and equipment. Ol Bessie has been a well loved member of our family. Has made 2 trips across the USA and back! We will keep this car till it dies!

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  Great little wagon. - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Ron Gaylord - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I brought this 1996 Escort wagon new in 1996. I currently have 114,000 miles on it and have had zero problems. It gets great mileage and I can carry just about anything with it. I also pull a trailer with a motorcycle on it and the Escort does fine as long as you dont have to use the air. I dont know how good the new Ford Focus is but I think Ford made a mistake when the got rid of the Escort wagon. My wagon has a standart shift and will keep up with any situation Ive found myself in.

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  Should I, or Shouldnt I??? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Now I Find Out - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Now I find out, just purchased this car three weeks ago. With 98,000 miles seems to be doing good. After reading all these reviews, maybe I should sell while I have the chance. Like so many of you have stated, the head gasket has been replaced on this 95 also, i was told. Anybody like nice clean van????

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  Bought used, had 5 years, like it!! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Sarah F - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My "mileage" is actually in kms, being Canadian! I bought my Escort used with 125 000 kms, it now has 200 000 kms after 4 years. Reliability has been good with regular maintenance- had to have rear brakes replaced. Not a whole lot of pep (auto transmission). Some rust on side of door. Comfort is good, A/C works AWESOMELY although mileage loses! My fuel economy has been declining over the last year. Handles well.

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  2000 Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By K. Lampe - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I truely enjoy my Excursion. I pull a 9000 pound trailer with almost no effort, I do have the 7.3L Power Stroke.

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  Bitter Sweet Experience - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Road Warrior - July 15 - 4:30 am

  Enjoyed this vehicle greatly for the first 63,000 miles. Then started having trouble with keeping it balanced. Had tires balanced numerous times, also aligned, purchased new set of OEM tires (old set still had many miles left on them at 65,000 miles), purchased one new rim that might have been bent in a pot hole in Danville, IL. Still the ride is not as good as before the tire rotation that started what I feel is a vibration problem. Dont know what causes this slight vibration, whether its the vehicle or just transmitting road imperfections. Considering trading for a 2007.

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  truth - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By me the man - July 15 - 2:00 am

  good car needs transmition improvements.

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  Good for big guys - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By jakesmastr - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We tried all the makes of mini-vans but this was the only (affordable) one that I fit in. Power is good. Roomy enough for the basic family & pets to go on an extended trip. Lots of cargo space. All around a very practical and sensible vehicle.

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  Not much but very reliable - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By Dale L - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Wrecked my baby and bought this car to get me back and forth till I get my next. Ok a year later Im still driving it and it has become apart of me. This car just wont die!! Always started and never left me stranded. Cold natured but for $600 and 155,000 miles I cant complain. Eats alittle oil but worth the $1 a week for a quart. Not bad after 600 miles a week in driving. Seats are like boards though and it really isnt a interstate car. I should have found a 5 speed model instead of a 4 speed. Remember this car only weighs 1600 pounds. Still gets 38 mpg!!

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  windstar lx - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rdj - July 13 - 2:00 am

  drives like small auto, but rides like a luxury sedan...interior quad seating cozy...separate a/c nice comfort...ford has the best a/c on market, down right chilly... good travel vehicle, rear space and roof rack if you should need it. mirrored tinted windows a plus.24 mpg on the road.loaded w/ family running the a/c full blast. good buy wife loves it, so do the dogs....