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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  Glad to be rid of this one - 2006 Ford F-150
  By justaguy - June 26 - 3:46 pm

  My F150 spends way to much time in the shop. In one year, less than 17,000 miles, the following items have failed: Steering rack, ABS sensors(2), 4wd locking hub relay, AC/Heat fan. Each failure required two trips to the shop, one to diagnose the problem and order the parts, a second for the actual repair. In addition, I had check engine light problems twice.

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  Too many Problems - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Al - June 26 - 2:40 pm

  I am the original owner and bought in March 2000. Only has 60,000 and had to rebuild transmission at 50,000. The key lock does not always unlock tailgate. Had the hood and top repainted (at Ford Dealer) three times due to acid rain (poor paint). My other cars not had the problem. Has many squeaks and noises. I have vehicle cleaned and waxed regularly and the back bumper is rusted. I would not buy a Ford again.

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  Wow! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By golfnut - June 26 - 1:38 pm

  Ford has done it again - what a vehicle. We traded our 04 Lincoln Aviator for the 07 Expedition Limited. With another child on the way, we needed the extra room. We looked at the Escalade and the Yukon, but the comparison wasnt even close. For significantly less money, you get as many, if not more features as those vehicles. This vehicle has as many standard features as our Aviator. The new redesign of the Expedition is fantastic. Moving the gear shift from the steering column to the floor was a no-brainer that should have been years ago. This vehicle handles better than our Aviator did. It has a great ride as we found out on the way to our summer beach vacation. If you choose this vehicle, you wont be sorry!

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  All over again - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Jaydub02 - June 26 - 12:59 pm

  This is my second Ranger. The 4.0 is a huge improvement in power and still gets 20mpg on the highway. I love the 5 speed auto its smooth and quiet. I towed my wifes taurus and had a motorcycle in the bed 350 miles. With the o/d off I still got 13mpg at 65mph on the trip with no problems. 4.0 hauled the 4500+lb payload with aplomb. I am very pleased with my Ranger and would recommend it to anyone who needs a smaller truck.

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  2002 Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By trucker J - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Love the look of The Edge. I have the 4x2,Auto trans with V6, 3.73 rear end. The XTRA cab is nice for being able to put the seat back for more legroom , but it is hard for the kids to get in and out of. Gas mileage is about 12 city and 15 highway, not very good. Only have 1500 miles, so Im hoping it will improve.

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  QUALITY STINKS - 2000 Ford Focus
  By LEMON HEAD - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE 50000 MILES ON THE CAR MOST OF IT HIGHWAY. I BABY THE CAR DO ALLTHE REQUIRE MAINTANCE. I HAVE HAD 7 RECALLS PLUS REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED TWICE.SENSORS GO BAD THAT COULD NOT START CAR. THE WISH BONE SUSPENSION AND MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED. TEN DAYS AFTER THAT MY TRANSMISSION GOES OUT. GOING BACK TO FOREIGN CARS

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  Will Never buy Ford again!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By new ford hater - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I need a good,reliable car for my son,I went and talked to a friend of mine at a local Ford dealership,I knew her for years,now she wont answer my calls.First repair took them 4xs to find problem,fire hazard recall,3xs because they forgot,still have many problems that they cant seem to find.Now they have conveniently canceled my extended warranty.Do yourself and/or your families a favor, dont rely on this lemon!

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  Great American SUV! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By CT Review - June 26 - 10:00 am

  We love our Eddie Bauer Explorer! The styling of the body and interior is excellent. The interior is extremely comfortable and spacious. Our previous vehical was a Jeep Grand Cherokee which we decided to trade in when the rear end went after only 60,000 miles as well as other problems. The duel climate control is a blessing and the 6 disc indash CD/stereo has tremendous sound. The controls on the steering wheel are an added bonus and simplify things while driving. Gas milage could be better (average 14 back roads and 19 highway) but what do you expect with a V8. Fords done a good job with the redesigned 2002 Explorer.

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  2000 Explorer Review - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By davidmay - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Very Satisfied with the Explorer. Very functional and an enjoyable drive. I drive 88 miles round trip to work daily, plus several road trips. All on- road. Very please with the reliability after the tire recall. Minor problems: AM Radio reception, antenna cable came loose. Radio display comes and goes. Understand that it is a common problem. $300 repair by Ford, But have found 3rd party mail in repair for $75.00. Will do that when the display fails altogether. Rear wiper will not work at times. Have not had that looked at yet. Currently have 65,000 miles and plan on keeping it.

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  Best of the Best in its Class - 2003 Ford F-150
  By RonsFx150 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven other American and Japanise trucks, but none of them had such a great handling and security in the severe road conditions . I have recently driven Dodge Ram, which it doesnt even come close in any catagories to F150 XLT SuperCab FX OffRoad Ford Truck. Ford is the number one Truck maker in America and the World. I will never go back to other Trucks, but F150s.