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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  Still Going - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By magnum - July 27 - 10:10 am

  Funny, I feel like several of these posters are driving my Explorer. Im at 175k miles. Radio display went out at about 50k miles. Rear wiper works maybe one month out of the year. Tranny still good but starting to show its age. Occasionally it wont start. I believe its a short in the fuel pump sensor. If I wait about 3-5 minutes, for some reason shell start right up. Driver door handle broke and entire locking and handle configuration had to be redone. All in all, Ive never put much money in this thing. It handles snow with absolute ease. Gas mileage averages 18.4 city and highway. For some reason, some car critics slam the explorer, but mine has been a darn good car overall.

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  Problems with less than 6000 miles - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Richard - July 26 - 3:32 pm

  I loved this truck the first 4000 miles. Now im starting to have problems. Electrical part had to be replaced which controls trac control. Now the truck has miss in engine when first starting been to shop 3 times no one seems to know what problem is going back for 4th time. They say maybe fuel injector. Im a ford man since 96 but maybe not for long if they dont get fixed!

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  Wow! I am still in shock! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Natividad - July 26 - 2:20 pm

  I have always owned "Ford" vehicles but this one has to be the best one yet! I am totally impressed. The Number One tip I can share with everyone is, stay on top of your Oil Changes. I have received many cards stating it has many recalls but the way I figured it was if it isnt broken, "Why fix it!" Now if I would have had a problem then that a different story. I just traveled over 1950 miles and I only spent $87.00 in gas. No lie. So, I have no complains. My car has been everywhere and aside from a flat tire. "To be expected!" no other complains. Thanks Ford Company! I am still a committed customer.

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  I did love the car until - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By LynneD - July 26 - 1:45 pm

  I bought this car new in September of 2007. Loved it from the moment I got it until it reached around 34,000 miles. First it broke down on the side of the road, was without my car for 5 days and got a rental. That cost me $240 and Ford reimbursed me $60. The problem was a coil and it also needed a computer which they had to order. Then last month I had a transmission problem and it had to be rebuilt. I was without my car for 3 weeks, but they did give me a loaner. 2 weeks later I again broke down on the side of the road, that was last Wednesday. Today is now Monday still no car and another coil and computer and awaiting parts. This time I have no loaner and no rental due to cost.

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  Long Lasting - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Matt - July 26 - 9:29 am

  Our explorer has lasted about 100,000 miles with only minor things break. One of the hydraulic lifts for the glass lift gate falls out of its hole and a wood insert on the door fell out. Everything else is still very good.

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  Probes respond to attention - 1996 Ford Probe
  By classic probe - July 25 - 10:22 pm

  Having owned a probe v6 gt for 12 years, I must say its been really reliable as a day to day driver. The only problem, which caused the car not to start, was a faulty distributor module, which is an integral part of the Mitsubishi distributor used in these vehicles, {a known problem} once replaced at 163,000 km the car is running really well. I made it a habit to flush the oil at 20k intervals, while servicing the car at 5000klm intervals, and I only use Mobil 1 5w- 50 synthetic oil, k and n oil and air filters, and castrol synthetic 75w gear oil. The flush I use for the engine is liquid moly, and is very effective, hence no lifter noise! I replaced the cam belt, idlers, water pump and plugs, re book.

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  Luv my Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dgalben - July 25 - 4:09 pm

  This is my first SUV and I love it. The electric 3rd row seat is fabulous when I have to carry a bunch of children at a moments notice. Also, the whole family can go on a road trip in ONE vehicle. Drives and handles like a dream. Great maneuverability in tight spaces, for an SUV. It does have some electrical quirks. The side view mirrors never keep their "favorite" settings. Also, when going in reverse, they will move so far down that the pavement is reflected. Clicking/thumping noise when the rear A/C is on. No one likes to replace the spark plugs because it takes so much labor (damn Triton engine). But overall, I will continue buying Expeditions as long as I can afford to.

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  Flexy ride - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Andrew - July 25 - 2:21 pm

  Love the look, feel and drive of my new Flex Limited. Ford truly hit one out of the ballpark with this car. Great as an every-day commuter, as well as a long-haul cruiser. My only complaints, and theyre odd ones, is a crazy, squeaking dashboard, headrests that push my head in an uncomfortable position forward (and are non-adjustable) and the not-so- great gas mileage. I average 18 mpg and do mostly freeway driving. My A5 convertible mostly sits in the garage these days. I think shes jealous.

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  2009 Taurus leaps above 2010/2011 model - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By steve - July 25 - 9:33 am

  Purchased used 2009 Taurus SEL w/only 2700 miles on vehicle. I am 64 and my wife is 61", this car gives us both great room. We are getting 18-20 city, 20-22 combined, and 29-32 hwy! Car rides really well. I had a 2001 sable and loved it, the 2009 Taurus is a big step up! Loved the 2009 Taurus, went back a month later to look at 2010/2011 Taurus, what a let down! 2010/2011 Taurus has MUCH SMALLER interior! Front seats are cramped, and the back seat. They are a joke. In our 2009 Taurus I can sit in the back seat, with the front seats all the way back, and still have 3-4 inches of clearance between my legs and the back of the front seat! Big letdown Ford in the 2010/2011 Taurus!

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  Exterior & Handling great - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Roger - July 25 - 8:53 am

  I was shopping for Lexus & Lincoln. I owned three Lincoln Mark V111. They do not make coups anymore. Lexus Toyota still has stigma of accelerator problems. Mustang is fun to drive. I may have to sacrifice Suspension comfort of Lexus E350. But Lexus looks are not appealing.You may want to improve interior & quality of trunk carpet.