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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  My truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By sncfwlr - May 30 - 10:59 am

  It has never failed to start. never left me stranded. I have hauled 2000 lb. in the bed. and can pull trailer wait. I cant hardly pull a bass boat up and out of the water very well but it does the job. Its been a good truck.

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  A Plum - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By CarD - May 30 - 8:26 am

  This vehicle has never caused me the slightest heartache or problem. Beyond the expected ravages of time (hoses, slight rust, etc.) I have never had a mechanical or performance issue.

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  Timing chains broke - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Lee - May 30 - 8:26 am

  I have had this SUV for just over 3 years, and in that time its been in the shop for electrical panel shutdown (3 times!), and is now in for major engine repair - two timing chains busted, only 65000 miles. Of course the warranty is up, and will cost over $3K to fix! When its back from the shop (four weeks now) I am trading it in for a Toyota, before the tranny goes too!

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  getting tough to keep buying American! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kilbrie - May 29 - 8:36 pm

  I bought my Explorer with 19k on it. The front bushings were replaced as well as a spring tensioner on the timing chain (it sounded like a diesel above 2500rpm). But these were covered under warranty so I was fine with them. Then at 44k, the transmission took a dump! Thank goodness I had an extended warranty but I still had to deal with the insurance company and the transmission shop ... 6 weeks later my truck was done. Now the rear end is humming quite loud and the transfer case is leaking somewhere. The wind noise is getting worse every day. I had a Taurus wagon that had over 200k miles on it and had less wind noise and no leaks. I keep vehicles for a long time ... but not this one!

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  I Love it! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Loved It - May 29 - 8:23 pm

  I bought this car, kinda unexpected. I was walking around the cars while having my 06 Focus worked on. And I ran across the car. I test drove it.. and have been in love since! We have the leather interior.. I have never had that in any car.. and love it. The car rides perfectly! I am avg about 34mpg in the city.. and Dont do a lot of hwy driving, but when I went one state up, it was roughly 26mpg. Hybrids arent made for hwy driving! I dont have a lot of the extras, But I love it just the way it is! I was always a Mustang person, But now I will never not own a Escape!

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  Holds a load - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ken - May 29 - 6:56 pm

  It will hold a large family with ease-6 grandchildren and a 10 yr. old daughter- no problem -I could not imagine owning a vehicle with out a DVD player. Gas mileage has been averaging about 16 mpg. I was rear ended by a compact vehicle last year, it just bounced off, left me with a scratched bumper which their insurance paid for

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  Love My Ironman - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Ironman - May 29 - 5:50 pm

  I love this 2007 Ford Ironman Explorer. It has just enough room yet not to big. The mileage could be better, but Ill live with it. Its fun to drive and I feel safe. I have 3 grandchildren and needed room for them. The 3rd row gives me that.

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  Not a bad truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By SN190498 - May 29 - 4:53 pm

  The ride quality is surprisingly good for a truck chassis. Ours has not had any technical issues except for the incorrect transmission oil debacle. The rear axle does have a binding problem (2WD) which hopefully will be resolved with changing the axle fluid. Turning left or right from a standstill results into a rattling vibration. Only regret is not having the canopy airbag system. It is difficult to comprehend that Ford toutes this safety system and then builds so many cars without it. Overall this was not a bad purchase in early 2004 since there was less competition. If we would buy another SUV today we would get a Hyundai Santa Fe or similar.

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  07 Mustang GT - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By John - May 29 - 8:26 am

  I have owned this car since it had 189 miles on. It is fun to drive. I have tuned the suspension, shifter, and air intake. It is pretty fast. Handling is much better afte the suspension upgrade. I would buy again once the kids have left home.

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  Nice Mode of Transportation - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 2001 4x4 - May 29 - 3:20 am

  Bought the Ford out of need since my last car was a lemon. So far, the Explorer Sport has been very good to me. Ga mileage is not good but then again, I knew this would be the case because of the type of vehicle. No major repairs only routine maintenance which includes: engine, axle, and transmission oil changes. Radiator flushing, tire rotation, and brake service. All this is done at a Ford dealership as for these types of cars, its important to follow the manufacturer maintenance which is available from Ford or on your owners manual. And NEVER take a turn while driving fast. There are several warning decals on the Explorer Sports.