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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  Paint Peeling - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By GG - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Do not buy a 2002-2005 Ford Explorer. Had I read the reviews on the internet under "peeling paint" I would not now own the vehicle with peeling paint along the front hood. It is bubbled and peels off in sections the size of 50 cent pieces. It looks terrible. Mine is not peeling on top or back (YET) but many, many are. The company refuses to do anything about the peeling problem. There are even some articles saying it is about the paint oxidizing and causes it to peel. Still no help from dealerships or company. A five year old car should not be peeling- -no rust the paint is just falling off in chunks. It looks awful! Never will buy another Ford!

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  1st truck, 1st owner. So far, so good. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By First_Time_Owner - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Kept up with all the fluids and filters. There was a recall in early years. Never brought it in for any of the major annual routine checks. I replaced its first set of tires, brakes, rotors, and axle seals at 90,000 miles, battery at 80,000. Turned 100,000 miles this month. I drive it easy and push it hard. Still runs optimal. Drives good on long hauls and 115+ degree desert heat. Starts up easy under 30 degree tempts too. Handled good when sliding all over the wet/dry roads. The cab is roomy, comfy and quiet. Back window seal has a small crack, bed trim faded quick, and the seals around the cowl cracked and blew away long ago due to desert life. Painted red and still looks good.

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  Explorers Forever - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By DANGIT - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I now own a 2000 Ford explorer with 124,000 miles on it. I purchased it new and have followed the Ford recommended services. It has been very dependable in rain, ice, and snow conditions. I never drive it off road. Repairs have been required due to normal wear and tear only. I intend to keep it for at least another 5-years or 50,000 miles. This is my second Explorer and I would recommend it to anyone interested in an SUV.

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  Very Good... Just Not Great - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By rgkroeber - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall, Im satisfied with my 2008 EB Expedition EL. Nice ride, good mileage for a big SUV, no major mechanical problems the past 3 years. Interior comfort is just O.K., the seats were a bit firm at first and took a while to break in (not like the "lazyboys" that go into Suburbans and Yukons). The one niggling complaint Ive had with this vehicle is the power windows. All the window motors turned anemic just months after my purchase. No amount of shop adjustments/solutions ever helped this condition. Hit the window buttons and take a nap until they fully open/close. They also are prone to sticking in cold weather.

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  Very fast for a V6 - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Ralph - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive. The SYNC is my favorite option that comes with the Premium Package. I bought a Race Red coupe with pony pack and 3:31 rear end. The rear end may be too much for this car as I get kickback when I come to a light. Its kind of like a thrust from the rear end. I had Ford check it out but Im bringing it back for another look. The SYNC USB port is awesome as I have hundreds of CDs and I downloaded them from Windows Media Player. Its really cool that you can dictate what you want to hear. The hands off phone is another great quality of the SYNC.

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  Pony Pack - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By bsulakerfan - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car but got rid of it because it was no good in the snow, didnt get the greatest gas mileage and I needed more room. Other than those few things the car was a blast to own and drive. great for the summer! I had it for three and half years since new and put 26k miles on it. The only mechanical thing I had to get replaced was a piece in the transmission was faulty, but it was covered under warranty. Also the blinker lights went out after a year also covered by the warranty.

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  The beast lives! - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Kipp8302 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Great truck all around thus far. very comfy to drive, although there is a good amount of road noise. will take on about any obstacle. for a full size SUV with a V8 the gas mileage is actually pretty good (about 15 mpg hwy). plenty of space for anything you might need to do with it and short wheel base means tight turns and u- turns are easy. def had some manufacturing issues with body and paint prep for that time period. rust is very common around rear wheel wells and bottom of tailgate which has cause issues with rear window and body movement (rusted quarter panels and not supported completely and will flex). I have wanted a Bronco for years finally got one and would buy another any day.

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  Best shape its ever been in... - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By WASaproudowner - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I HAD a 2004 GT until last week when my girlfriend totaled it. she was t- boned it went air-borne did 5 flips and landed upside down. that car saved her life however and even though its a total loss its the best shape ive ever seen it in

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  Great car for the money - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Kipp8302 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd focus and they have all been great cars. on this one I have done a few mods to it (short shifter, lowered 1.5", exhaust, intake) all of which have helped the overall performance and experience of the car. even stock the car handled very well for its class and has great gas mileage (i maintain a 32mpg average). vast improvements over the previous models and far as comfort, sound level, performance, economy. driver comfort is great. I have done several long drives in this car with no problems. not as comfy for passengers though (not as adjustable seats). I have a kid and there is enough room for a stroller and goodies and decent back seat room for him. overall a great car.

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  Gutless and gas guzzler - 2011 Ford Escape
  By drhart416 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I regret not getting the V6. The 4 cyl is a bit noisy for my liking. The torque is not what it should be either. I dont really notice great gas mileage. Ill fill up and drive 60 miles and the fuel tank is already down to 3/4 full. Ive figured it out to be about 7 Liters per 100 KM (hopefully you can translate this into miles per gallon). I hope this improves as the car gets "broken in". Right now, its got about 4000 miles on it.