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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  Just OK - 2000 Ford Contour
  By copychief - February 28 - 10:32 am

  We put very light miles on this car, and for that its OK, but nothing more. Its uninspiring and feels like driving a tank, with a turning radius wider than the Titanic. The good acceleration comes at such a high MPG cost that its not worth it. The interior feels incredibly cheap, even for a seven year-old $16,000 car. The blower fan is so loud you cant hear people in the back seat if its higher than "2" ... and thats added to a lot of road & wind noise on the highway. Thankfully we have had no major problems with the car, but its the niggling things, cheap interior and design quirks that will keep us away from any Ford product when we replace this car.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Bri66 - February 28 - 1:02 am

  We drove last summer to Yellowstone. Handled very well both on side roads and highway. Pushed it hard for several days driving and found it very comfortable to drive.

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  Ford is terrible - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By David - February 27 - 8:47 pm

  Original transmission replaced at 38,000 miles, replacement transmission had to be replaced at 43,000 miles, then motor broke at 92,000 miles. I will now be junking vehicle, not worth $3,800 repair estimate. Maintenance was performed regularly.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By mm57553 - February 27 - 1:05 pm

  I traded in my Explorer for the new Expedition. So far it has proven to be a great car. The improvements made to the 07 are great, but there could be more. The adjustable foot pedals are nice, but I wish it had a telescoping steering wheel. It doesnt help me to reach the pedals if I cant reach the steering wheel. I can also not figure out why a cargo net is still not available. I have opened the liftgate several times only to have groceries roll out. Yes, you can open just the top, but it is nearly impossible to reach anything in the cargo area that way. I would highly recommend the power liftgate and convenience package, which includes reverse sensors.

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  Overall Good Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Phil - February 26 - 11:23 pm

  This is my first Ranger. I wanted a full size Chevy but this was cheaper. I bought it used for less than $5000 in 2002. I put 110k miles on it and it now has 175k. It has been a good truck overall, however I have had to replace the engine and transmission. It has the 4 cylinder and auto. They both went out, the transmission first and then the engine. In all fairness I pulled a boat with it which may have caused it. I think it should get better mileage for a 4 cylinder. It only gets 20-22mpg no matter highway or city. Other than that maintenance has been very minimal, Ive done the brakes a couple of times and replaced the tires and a some light bulbs.

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  00 Ford Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By owltruck - February 26 - 8:06 pm

  Id avoid this vehicle and all FORD products. Apparently theres an issue with blowing spark plugs which costs upwards of $5k to repair including replacing the head unit. Always seems to be one issue after another, odd repairs have put our vehicle out of service roughly 30 - 40 days in the past few years.

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  1994 Ford Tempo GL - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Ben Kromminga - February 26 - 12:04 pm

  On the whole my experience with the Tempo has been a pleasant one. The exterior styling is clean but on the bland side. Fuel economy has averaged 25 miles per gallon, good but not terrific. Inside everything is comfortable and well laid out. Taller drivers might find it a bit cozy. On the performance side, acceleration with the four banger is adequate but not likely to raise your heart rate. It seems the transmission has no idea what to do when you stomp on the gas until it has thought everything out for several moments. The Tempo handles securely but take it slow through the twisties. Over all, the Ford Tempos greatest strength is in low cost basic transportation.

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  A great surprise - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By rob - February 25 - 1:46 pm

  After 6 months and 12k miles, here are some of my thoughts. Performance is great. Corners well and has impressive acceleration even with half-throttle. Fuel economy has been the biggest surprise - Ford definitely underpromised and overachieved in that category (rated 18/27; I can get about 22/30). Inside, theres very little wind noise, but the stock tires are pretty stiff so road noise can be a nuisance. I like the seats, but some people may find them a bit firm. Even with lots of driving Ive had no issues with reliability - everything just seems to work as it should. I wish I had more room for a detailed review, but heres the main point: I am very glad I decided to buy this car.

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  big truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By wes88 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  big truck handles like smaller vehicle,plenty of space.

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  Awesome - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By huv - February 25 - 2:00 am

  By far the best riding & handling SUV.....& the cheapest SUV to insure.