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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  What a lemon - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Pstoff - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Ill be embarassed to recommend this car. Its just have so many mechanical problems and whats so maddening is that Ford minivans have these same problems for a decade and it has not improved or resolved them. The car was delivered with alignment problem; tires have to be changed after less than 10k miles. After 1.5 yrs, the transmission broke down. After 2.5 yrs, the intake manifold broke down resulting in a $2k repair job.

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  Ford- poor quality - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By tuxedo - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our first ford and we bought it new. In its first two years, the AC system broke down five times (compressor was replaced twice, expansion valve replaced four times, electrical switch replaced, flapper door repaired), the transmission had to be rebuilt, a door latch broke, the connection between the steering column and the steering box needed replacement twice, one front seatbelt replaced, a horrendous grinding noise at start-up from the AC compressor from day one to this day (the dealer showed us a Ford service bulletin that says such a noise is normal). Other than that, the truck has been trouble free.

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  73,000 Miles and counting - 2000 Ford Focus
  By kadian - July 14 - 2:00 am

  For the price, performance, handling, overall comfort and economy have been great. Nice stereo, my mountain bicycle fits nicely in the back once front tire removed.

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  They dont build them like this anymore! - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By broncobustinman - July 13 - 10:09 pm

  I bought this Bronco from the dealer and paid $16500 for it fully loaded and has a 5.8L that has never given me trouble. Had about 40k on it, now 8 years later I am at 95k. I have spent the usual amount on the ususal things that go bad in time with any car or truck (i.e ball joints, radiator hose,exhuast pipe, brakes, shocks, front end bushings, battery, the original one lasted 7 years! All in all this truck has given me dependable transportaton where all new cars cant. I ll drive it till the wheels fall off. I know it will last for me to give it to my son (hes now two). Keep them all original they are beautiful trucks just the way the Ford made them.

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  How do you spell fun to drive - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By heather - July 13 - 8:38 pm

  I have owned classic hot rods from the 60s, this is as much fun to drive with the comforts of new options. This is my second Mustang GT convertible, love it!

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  Lemon SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Cosmos - July 13 - 6:51 pm

  This SUV was purchased used. It has had an unusually high maintenance cost. The most expensive costs have been associated with the rear end humming that exists on 2002 to 2005 models. I am on the 4th rear end and the problem still exists. My local Ford dealership has given up and told me to live with the noise. The front wheel bearings failed, the universal joints failed, a back window motor failed, the main light switch failed, there was a problem with the emergency brakes, and I can not turn off the head lights! This vehicle has less than 70K miles.

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  Awesome - except for the transmission - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Exploder - July 13 - 12:57 pm

  We have 240,000 miles so far and the only complaint is the transmission. It cost $1800 to rebuild and it appears to be a common problem on 1995 - 2001 Explorers with over 100k miles. If youre looking at a used Explorer with 100k+ miles, pay attention to the transmission! Other than that we love this truck. It is great in snow, very comfortable, and extremely reliable (except when transmission left my wife stranded). Even with 240k miles I would not hesitate to drive it on a cross country trip. The fuel economy is around 14/18, which is about average for this type of vehicle. The vinyl on the center console cover will crack too. I have never seen one that wasnt cracked.

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  first Ford in family - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Laurry - July 13 - 11:36 am

  This is first Ford in family, so far so good. I am usually a GM person but have had Japanese also. The price was right on this so thought I would give it a try. Like another person that gave review here. people this is a SUV not a car; the ride is more choppy and stiffer than a car . AS IT SHOULD BE.

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  OK SoFar - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JACKFEINER - July 12 - 10:36 pm

  At 28,000 miles, I have not had many major problems with this Explorer. Being my first Ford product I did purchase a extended warranty (because of Fords quality control issues!).

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  If only I could afford the V-8 - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Sean - July 12 - 8:50 pm

  My mother has a 6 banger 04. My 06 pony package is far superior in every category (not taking into account fuel). Yeah, I have a lead foot. With a GT I would be in jail as speeding is way too easy with the Pony. The handling is nice for such a heavy car but for the money you cant beat it. Be ready for some road noise, but get the Shaker sound system and youll never notice it. Ive only put 5000 miles on it but havent had a single problem other than the frequent compliments.