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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  No more Fords! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Frank - March 8 - 12:31 am

  Had an 87 Escort wagon made in New Jersey, got good basic A-to-B transportation & made it to 250,000 mi. So I got this newer 1998 replacement but only made it to 150,000 & had to junk it. Was made in Mexico & had many poor quality problems (rust, bad dash & dome lights, replaced P/S, etc & finally internal engine damage). Have had other Fords before & know theyre generally lesser quality than other brands, but this was worst experience. Now Im an angry ex-Ford customer.

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  Average car with some big goofs - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mad chalet - March 6 - 11:28 am

  I bought this car used a year ago. I liked the look of the car, the format, and I have heard good things about it from Euro owners. After owning it for a year I have discovered cosmetic problems and handling problems, as well as build problems. The carpeting doesnt match the contour of the body so it is pulling away from the trim, and actually tearing. The rear suspension is dangerous, skipping across bumps instead of absorbing them. There are lots of rattles caused by poorly fit plastics. The transmission is okay, but could shift more smoothly - it seems to be hunting for the right gear sometimes, with reluctance to downshift (you have to punch the pedal)

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  Not Bad For An Older SUV - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Roy C. - March 6 - 2:38 am

  Bought used from caring owners at 72K. Now 108K. No major problems. Average mileage for 90s SUV (12/17, driving it easy). Rough ride on bumps, but has smooth acceleration/power. Repairs - had to replace hood support struts and the AC condenser. Finish has faded on plastic trim all over (front grill and especially on rear pillars on either side of rear glass). The seat incline lever on drivers side is positioned poorly and broke after being bent numerous times during normal entering and exiting. Rear passenger power window quits working occasionally, then begins working again. Good sound system. No water leaks, no wind noise. 4 WD OK, but binds when turning hard.

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  defect - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By David P Brown - March 2 - 2:00 am

  air comes in from front speakers... in the winter its bad.... Ford will do nothing to correct problem.... just walked away... its just to bad.... Dealer spent a lot of time but cant fix... Its a design problem.... I have owned Fords for 25 years NO MORE...

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  Nice, but.... - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mike Johnson - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Sport Trac is a OK. It looks really good on the outside, BUT... on the inside its lacking. Climate control (no air recycle function), door handle seem flemsy and too damn close to the edge of the driver seat. And...where is the power seat control? I know its down there somewhere, but I cant see it. Also, the seats dont recline all the away, whats up with that??? My dealer ship sells the bed top separately...whats up with that??? Overall it looks good, but the gas mileage is just so so. Its only got a V6 and the F-150 has about the same gas mileage with more towing capacity.

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  O.K. vehicle - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Somewhat Satisfied - March 2 - 12:33 am

  Ive had my Ford Ranger 4X4 for almost a year and a half now and it has been ok to me. The engine, even though its a 93, still runs well, just a little rough on idling (probably from cheap gas and the ethanol theyve started adding to fuel). It is reliable in the sense that it will move me around, but there is a serious lack of space. Im 60" and I feel like Im in a clown car when I drive. Theres no way to lean the seats back enough. I enjoy driving my truck but I have to say that there are plenty of problems running around in it. I take care of my first car, but theres an oil leak I cant fix, an a/c that will cost half what the truck is worth to fix (after compressor), and a bad fuel guage

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  Last Explorer for me - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Aaron - February 29 - 9:48 pm

  This is the fourth Ford Explorer we have owned. It is by far the worst!!! Extremely poor fuel economy. 7-9mpg in winter, and maybe 13mpg in the summer. Dealership, cant seem to figure the problem out, and isnt fixed yet. Also, dont ever get rear ended, because there isnt much of a bumper. Its all plastic. I dont like the RSC system either. I dont like the fact you cant over-ride the system when needed. It leaves you completely handi-capped in the deep snow. The vehicle is a little sluggish on the take off.

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  Dont buy this vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By debbie d - February 26 - 8:47 pm

  I bought this vehicle because the 1994 Explorer we had was a truly great vehicle, so we gave it to our son and upgraded to the 2002 XLT. Big mistake! This vehicle has been nothing but junk. If you have to make a hard stop, the transmission slips and then the vehicle stalls. We have had this problem since we have had it. Eventually I will get a ticket for not stopping on a yellow light, but I crowd the yellow so the vehicle doesnt die. The back air makes a terrible noise if you turn it on. Now the 4 wheel drive has stopped working. This vehicle only has 60,000 miles and I wish I could scrap it. I understand this model is notorious for transmission problems. Ford should do a recall!

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  Hybrid Issues to Consider - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By K. Smith - February 25 - 11:46 am

  As a just past owner of a 06 Ford Escape hybrid, I would ask anyone looking into the hybrid models 06 & 07 to have your eyes open and understand the issues I found on my hybrid. Air Conditioning: You loose your A/C when you are traveling under 25 MPH, unless you go to Max Air, This makes the gas motor run all the time and why did you buy a hybrid ? Per factory this is how it was designed and live with it or find somthing else. I did I moved to a new Edge. I never did get the suggested mileage, I average around 31 MPG on freeway, trade in value wasnt as good as my Ford sales person suggested (My fault to listen to sales person) No sour grapes, just beware !

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  Have it almost one year - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By LeeAnn - February 20 - 2:12 pm

  I like the vehicle, but have had problems with a strange strong vibration when the car hits 50 - 55 mph. Had it back at the dealership several times. Other than that, I enjoy it, I drive approximately 80 miles a day 5 days a week and the drive is enjoyable minus the vibration. I used to have a Nissan Maxima, which lasted me 9 years and 250,000+ miles, hopefully the Ford Fusion will prove to be comparable. However, the Fusion is definitely a lot better in the snow than the Maxima!