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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  Had it since new stil like new - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By sealerdave - August 1 - 3:48 pm

  We bought our 1996 Explorer new in 1996 we have had no trouble at all except the panel on the drivers side electronic buttons broke I bought the mount and fixed it. Really my wife will not drive the 2005 I bought last year. She likes "Her Baby" with 55,000 miles on it. After 11 years in CA, I guess its just about "Run In". Great SUVs very dependable. Not a bit of rust and never a scratch.

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  REAR AXLE PROBLEM - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Misery - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Beware! Drive your 2003 Expedition at 79 or 80 miles an hour and listen. You will hear a high pitch whine from the rear-end. I have had three, yes, three axles. All have had this problem. My new truck is still in the shop while Ford tries to find a fix. All of the 2003s at the dealership had the problem. They were trying to find one that did not make the noise. Drive yours and listen. Lets all make Ford fix this problem.

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  Front Seats E. Bauer - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By backache - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is great. Much better than old design, Bur front seat is not designed coeerctly for a tall driver. Have had nothing but lower back pain since I bought it. My old E Bauer was very nice. I wish I had the old seat back. Take a long test drive before you buy.

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  Car is worth nothing - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Car is garbage - August 1 - 2:00 am

  In and out of the dealer thats where my car has spent more time rather than on the road. For the past 2 years I have run into problem after problem. Breaks making noises, gas pedal getting stuck, you name it! My car has had repairs for it. I will never even think of purchasing a Ford again!

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  Ford Focus ZX3 - 2001 Ford Focus
  By alaskacub - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a great experience with my 2001 Ford Focus. The only thing that has come up is the rear brake squeekiness, which is disturbing but I absolutely love everything else about the car.

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  Too much money for this truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By JIm - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Only owned it for 2 Months Had problems with ford and the dealership. Noone wants to take responsibility for the truck. Value dropped by $8,000.00 in two months

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  Fun to Drive - Cheap to Own - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bj mercer - August 1 - 1:40 am

  I put a lot of mileage on this car commuting over 150 miles a day usually. I was going to get another little economy car or truck like I often do - but they do not make small little 4 cylinder trucks much anymore and when I test drove the Focus, I was sold - and I was able to lease the ST cheaper than some of the other models (including high mileage - I only keep cars for 2 years, btw). I drive in northern and southern Ontario - lots of winter driving in bad conditions. Car reminds me of my 88 BMW M3; just really fun to drive and toss around and mix it up a bit. Also really surprise some people. Needs a bit more power - but keep the 4 cylinder engine.

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  Good all around truck - 1991 Ford F-150
  By stephen - July 31 - 1:04 pm

  I have a 1991 F150 Custom std. cab 2WD 4.9L L6. I drove it to school and back 5 years ago the only problems I have had was the water pump, heater core and replacing tires (me being a 17 yr old boy). I would definitely buy another truck like this, but I would like the 5.0. I suggest this truck to anyone. I had 155,000 miles on it when I bought it and it has been a great truck.

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  Another great vehicle from Ford..... - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - July 31 - 1:01 pm

  I traded my 98 Expedition in on my new Eddie Bauer Explorer. I loved my Expedition and had a hard time giving it up. Have been driving the Explorer for a little over a month now and no major complaints, this truck is pretty awesome. My rear headrests fold down, so no obstruction visually. The looks of the Explorer inside and outside I really like, more so than any other mid-size SUV I looked at. A friend of mine bought one and I guess seeing it a lot it sort of grew on me. His "roof console" came loose a few months after he bought it, but the dealer took care of it no charge. So far so good with this vehicle.

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  The F-150 I was waiting for.. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Buzza - July 31 - 5:46 am

  I waited thru the 2004 class of F-150s knowing Ford had this one in its sights. Couldnt be more enthusiastic about my new ride. Its big!! But handles like an SUV of smaller stance. Ford Quiet Steel, is quiet. Ride/wind/engine noise is minimal. The much talked about outward rear suspension does keep the tailgate behind you on the largest of road bumps. Comfort is unprecedented for a pickup. I will admit I am a bit disappointed by the low end acceleration but when this 5500lb truck gets moving; it moves. It was built to work, and towing with it is NO PROBLEM. Thats when you truly trust and appreciate the motor. Im looking forward to my 100,000+ miles in this Ford