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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  Reliable - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Max - August 1 - 9:39 am

  Bought with less than 50K miles, overall good vehicle display went out for radio/cd about 100K miles. had to rewire some due to electrical issues. its a beast in the snow. Motor is still great, plenty of power, doesnt burn any oil at 175k miles. will replace ball joints, transmission is still going strong being original hoping to get another 25k miles out of it using it for work commute only. i could take it on a road trip, but thats why i have another ford.

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  This Little SUV is a Bull - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Paul D. - July 31 - 10:06 pm

  First of all I bought this Ford new. I have 50,000 miles on it. The repairs Ive made, other than routine maintenance, are. Fuel pump and a tie rod end and thats it ( knock on wood). Power from this 200hp V-6 is more than ample and its good to know you have that extra power when needed. The ride is a bit stiff but that is to be expected from an SUV. The seats are very comfortable so that makes the stiff ride more bearable. Very roomy. Highway road noise is above average. If your looking to improve on that a good set of passenger tire would help. A/T tires are not the way to go unless your looking for more traction. Fuel-ok at 20 mpg combined city/hwy for a V-6. Nice SUV.

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  Lemon Amongst Apples - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Gayle - July 30 - 10:51 pm

  Bought the Edge after owning a Tahoe, what a difference in gas mileage. I like the SUV but I got a lemon. I have talked to multiple Edge owners and none have had my problems.This truck has major problems with the brakes I have brought it in multiple times to have them looked at for excessive pulsing in the brakes and it is still pulsing worst than ever. There is also a major smell in the cabin of oil burning. I brought the SUV in for that also but was told it was a bag in the manifold, that was 2 years ago and the smell still comes and goes. Well I guess its a good thing I leased the SUV. I know many Edges owners and they love it. Fr me I couldnt buy another one due to the experience I had.

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  Ok for a 1st car but has problems. - 2000 Ford Escort
  By bmoreballer2008 - July 30 - 12:16 pm

  I bought it used with 60k miles on it. It shakes very bad during idle, a lot of electrical problems, wasnt designed very well, battery continues to die for no reason. A good thing is that it is fun to drive when the problems dont overwhelm you.

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  Drive/transmission issues - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Greg - July 30 - 10:29 am

  Just returned from a trip and the O/D light started flashing. All recommendations from Ford service and independents state that a transmission change is required. Very expensive since happened at 106,000 miles. This is on top of just replacing the rear differential bearings,and wheel bearings that Ford service said were bad. All this after the extended warranty was up. The rear differential fix was done 18 months prior the first time while under warranty. Far too many problems with this drive train.

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  Sizzling and Sexy (BUT not perfect) - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By New Pony Driver - July 29 - 5:24 pm

  The upgrade in (V6) HP is awe- inspiring, but realize the torque is not that of the 2009 V8. Cant believe how nimble this car is. Looks like a muscle car, but drives like a European sports car. Just traded a 2007 Saab 9.3 Areo and notice NO drop off in performance. Camaro performance not up to par here. Interior feels solid & looks GREAT, but I have an issue with the design. Cant imagine why power cords should hang down in front of the dash console, or why I have to rest my arm on my pop bottle, or why I have to spend time pinching power cords through a tiny hole in the console. Be cautious of the 19-31 mpg. My mixed average is 20 mpg. Not perfect, but so sexy and fun to drive.

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  Happy Ford Owner - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Happy Ford Owner - July 27 - 2:54 pm

  I bought my Expedition in 2001. I have had to replace the transmission, two coils, and wheel bearing, ball joints and some other stuff. Now at 138,00 miles and in the shop again. But for some reason I just cant let this truck go. I just bought a Mercedes ML350. But i couldnt trade in my Ford. I just Love It. Its been fixed up just for me and I cant let it go.

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  Best SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Lucky STL - July 27 - 12:06 pm

  Havent had it long, but was able to review repair history. Basic maintenance only. Rear plastic cracked, but happens to everyone. Extremely solid ride, just as comfortable. Love the car, although too soon to report any big problems I dont know about yet. Would suggest the car to anyone looking into one as of now. Opening up the sunroof and windows makes for a pleasant ride on a cool day. Paint looks great for its age, and the interior is totally clean. A best buy!

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  Love My Car - 2006 Ford Escape
  By fordfan - July 27 - 11:22 am

  I practically live in my car, driving it over country roads through rotten weather part of the year. It has never let me down once. I have 93,000 miles on it and really need to trade it in. But I could be getting a lemon for a real peach of a car. Thanks, Ford. Old Henry would be proud!

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  Bad dash - 2009 Ford Expedition
  By rudy - July 27 - 10:18 am

  Living in Nevada the dash gauges need to be redesigned. At night its fine you could see the dash but during the day with the sun it is difficult to see especially with the lights on We have many roads that require daylight lights on driving. Also with the chrome on the dash it reflects in my mirrors. Plus the amount of fiberglass parts I am afraid if I got hit I would be sitting on the chassis. Not like my 2000 Expedition steel bumpers etc.