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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  Customer neglect is Job #1 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By JCRedding - December 15 - 9:57 am

  We bought the 04 FX4 new. For the first year it was great. Since then it has evolved into total junk. Use is very light duty and no offroad. At 25K brakes and rotors needed replaced. The AC barely works. At 46K the tranny needed rebuilt and Ford did not see a problem with that nor were they interested in my complaint. Window motors and the main switches plus u- joints replaced at the same time. This on top of $650 for the 45K mi service. Now the rear diff clutch pack is going. taking off from a stop while turning causes the truck to shudder until straightened out. With 48K now on the odo it has turned into a rattle trap. I should have payed the difference and gone back to a Toyota!

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  GREAT buy!!!!!! Very dependable!!!! - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By martinkelly - December 15 - 6:57 am

  This vehicle is 19 years old with over 200,000 miles on it and it still runs like a beast. I have never been broke down not once. Husband decided to get me a mini van and use the expedition for work and doesnt check fluid which drives me crazy considering I come from a mechanic background. Not two weeks ago he left for work and ended up back home twenty minutes later saying it wasnt acting right. I checked the oil and the water and both were ran dry...I was furious!!! Any other motor would have blown but not this one!!!! I filled up the water and oil just to see what was going on with it and found that after 200,000 plus miles the water pump had finally gone out and the PCV valve needed to be replaced. I should be replacing a motor but instead I am spending 50 bucks to replace pump and PCV valve and I might add this is a simple fix. The inside in very spacious which is why we bought it in the first place. The fact that it is so dependable and still runs strong is why we havent replaced it. I love this SUV!!!! The fuel is not what you would expect from a SUV this size. Everyone who has ever road tripped with us couldnt believe how far we could actually get on a tank of gas. I highly recommend this vehicle if you are looking for something used.

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  200,000 and still going - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Aero lover - December 14 - 7:25 pm

  This is my second Aerostar, and Ive had it for 10 years and 182,000 miles. Counting my first one, Ive been driving Aerostars for 18 years. Even though this one now has 200,000 miles, last month I packed the family in it and took a 1,500 mile round trip, much of which was in national forests in northern Wisconsin and the Michigan U.P. where cell phone signals do not exist, so I still trust it. At 165,000 miles, my 4.0 V6 dropped a valve so I had a Jasper re-man installed and have been very happy with it, too. Now that this Aero has 200,000 miles, I sometimes kick myself for selling the first one when it had "only" 110,000 miles. Dang.

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  The little car that could! 10 years! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By westcoastcop - December 14 - 5:07 pm

  Bought it new, put 160,000 miles on it with only an engine mount and electric cooling fan replaced, and several burned out bulbs. Other than that, routine fluid/filter changes, couple of batteries and one tune up plus some tire replacement and brake pads...thats it! Reliable! Never let me down, never stranded me, never disapointed me! Still looks new, red sports model 4 door, I put a cd player in it when my son was starting to drive it.

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  Nice car- sweet design - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Jenkcool - December 14 - 6:36 am

  It has a great feel of the road. Very stable, feels very solid. The road noise is at a minumum. It has plenty of room.

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  Love my Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Travis - December 14 - 6:06 am

  Love this truck. I tow a 4500 pound travel trailer and I have no complaints with performance.I would not think twice about towing a heavier trailer. The Sport Trac is very comfortable and fun to drive.

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  Nice Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By fordtrkman - December 13 - 8:33 am

  I have the xl v-6 with the work truck pkg. Very nice truck to be basic.It gets better gas milage than my 96 Explorer Sport w/v-6 and 5-speed. I am very impressed with the smooth ride and handleing. The xtra room behind the seats is great. After driving this truck I dont think I could ever drive the other regular cabs.The truck looks good, and because its an XL its easy to keep the interior clean. No carpet to get stained.

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  Comfortable and Fun to Drive! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By RPelfrey - December 13 - 7:36 am

  We purchased this car Memorial Day and took a 1300 mile round trip 5 days later to the Smoky Mountains. We are well pleased with the way it handles with its very sporty and decisive steering. Our fuel economy was 30 mpg on the highway, and 23 in the city. Rear seating is excellent for two adults, even for long trips. There is low wind noise and light road noise.

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  My Lil Black Baby! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By bowmanspartan - December 12 - 5:23 pm

  Having just moved to Michigan from the South, I needed to replace my real- wheel drive Ford Ranger for something a little safer in the MI winter. I bought a used 06 Escape, and I am in love with it! Black on black, fully loaded (everything but a moonroof), leather interior, 200-hp V-6 and a god 4WD system. Tons of room for my football gear as well as my pals - Im loving this!

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  One in a Million? - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By One in a Million? - December 12 - 9:49 am

  It has been very reliable. Bought it with 49,000 miles and have put 187,000 miles on it. Transmission rebuilt at 167,000. The most annoying thing haas been the door ajar warning and the incessant dinging until it reaches 15 mph! Other than that I have kept it well maintained and normal repairs have been done -- like tie rods, suspension, ignition coil pack, radiator hose, brakes, wheel alignment. My children say that maybe we were fortunate and got that "one in a million" good Windstars. I dont know. I just know it has been solid!