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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  Old Faithful - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By tykesmom2007 - March 4 - 11:25 am

  Ive owned my 2003 Explorer XLT for 11 years now, and have had no problems whatsoever. Although "Old Faithful" is now a "second car" (I bought a 2014 Escape SE for my 100 mile commute to work), it still tows boats, hauls canoes, transports the dogs, and is our favorite vehicle for camping trips. Ive never had any trouble with this SUV, and plan to drive it til it drops - maybe in another 300,000 miles or so!

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  Transmission beyond hope - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By fdfinance - March 3 - 10:19 am

  I bought the Explorer new and had a thermostat failure that blew coolant all over the engine warping engine parts resulting in $2500 repair. At 70,000 miles started having transmission issues starting with slipping and high revs between gears. Transmission locked up and was replaced. Since then the same slipping issues has caused multiple returns to the shop without resolution. My wife and I like the Explorer design but the engine / transmissions issues make it a nightmare that I would not wish on anyone. This is my last Ford.

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  2014 Raptor - 2014 Ford F-150
  By cary44 - March 3 - 9:59 am

  Great truck and fun to drive!

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  Apex Suv And An Asset To Any Owner - 2011 Ford Escape
  By truth1hurts - March 2 - 12:22 am

  We love our 2011 Ford Escape as, in our opinion, it hammers the competition and it is a valued asset in our family. The pathetic competition, the 2008 Jeep Patriot does even come close to the reliability, power, style, reputation and perks of a comfortable Ford. The Escape will not hurt pocketbooks it is reasonably priced and I would recommend people trying to get a better deal through the employee pricing campaign. Money well spent, the Ford Escape. It made a former unhappy owner of the Jeep elated when we slid into a 2011 Ford. The competition will be full of jealousies as Ford is known to give many the "wow factor" in an winner vehicle.

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  Piece of garbage - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By ihatefordtoo - February 27 - 5:58 pm

  Ford should be ashamed to have their name on the Fiesta. The car from makes very loud grinding noise which the dealer tells me is normal (get used to it), it lurches, it halts and seems to have trouble moving forward from a light, as if the transmission is slipping. If you are on a hill you need to keep one foot on the brake and the other on the gas pedal or you will roll back into the car behind you. I firmly believe the car should be recalled and Ford should own up to their poor design. I will never buy another Ford product!

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  Arctic Vortex - 2013 Ford Edge
  By jmcer - February 27 - 1:43 pm

  This winter has proven to be one of the snowiest here in Pennsylvania among other states. We just turned over 10,000 miles on our 2013 Ford Edge SEL AWD and are very pleased. The AWD is confident and tracks so well through the snow and slush. The Sync Travel Link was a nice feature when we went to Michigan to see family. We were able to watch a live weather map on top of our navigation while driving. We are very happy with our decision to go with the Edge.

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  Satisfied! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By danxthemann - February 27 - 12:59 am

  I have a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited and its great to drive! I really enjoy it! Sometimes I wish itd accelerate faster but that doesnt take away from how gorgeous and luxurious looking it is!! The interior quality is very luxurious and well done! A MAJOR upgrade from its older model. This is my second ford and they never seem to disappoint. I know longer drive my 07 BMW because Im enjoying this so much!

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  Fusion Titanium AWD - Im Impressed - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By rgdawson - February 24 - 12:25 pm

  Looking for a mid-size AWD sedan and my “wants” included AWD, styling, quiet, state of the art electronics, Adaptive Cruise Control/Collision Avoidance, trunk that can fit multiple sets of golf clubs, and fun to drive. I value everyday drivability on the roads I actually drive on over track performance. I drove the BMW 3, Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, Volvo S60, Infiniti Q50. Almost giving up, tried the Fusion. Man, was I ever surprised and impressed. This car is fantastic in every aspect I care about. I was prepared to buy a much more expensive car. This car is SO smooth, so quiet, so comfortable, sporty enough, a joy to drive. I really like SYNC, too. Well done, Ford, you won me over, easily.

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  KEEP OIL CHANGED EVERY 4K miles and TIRES ROTATED - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By woodinva - February 23 - 6:26 am

  We are original owners of this car being our 2nd Eddie Bauer Ford EXPLORER 4X4 . Wife uses it as a commuter vehicle, I get it when anything is wrong with it....lol. We have 326k miles on the car. She commutes 30 miles daily 4 miles city 26 miles highway daily with vehicle. We got 350k miles out of the previous generation car before someone hit it and totaled it. You can get good mileage out of these cars if you dutifully maintain them. Husband has Ford Explorer Sport Trac for work around the farm and grounds. We also own VOLVO sedan Maintain these vehicles and they will last as long as we have had them. find a good mechanic after you have finished your first 100k with dealer service.

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  Absolutely Love It! - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By eatdrums - February 23 - 3:46 am

  My last Stang was a 96 GT. My V-6 is faster, and more fun to drive than that car was, though I loved it as well. Acceleration is excellent. More than enough to get me into or out of trouble. I took it on a mountain road, and it cornered great great. Always predictable. IRS will be nice, but I went fast enough to have some fun. Im not Jeff Gordon. If youre looking for a fun to drive dependable car with plenty of power, and allot of looks, and comments, youll love this car! Ya, the GT hauled, but Im getting 29-33 MPG with my V-6. How fast do I need to go? Back seats are ok for 59, and under. Dont like Fords Sync, but it was hardly a deal breaker. I love this car!!