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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  Blast to drive! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By LA Fun - February 18 - 9:52 pm

  Had a GT 20 years ago, was fun to drive then, even more fun now. Convertibles are a blast, like riding a motorcycle but more comfortable, the V-8 power is awesome, can easily spin the tires. Seats and position are comfortable, back seat is fine for kids only. Handles quick, a little light in the rear though. The tops wear out and run $400-$800. Real fun to drive, turns heads. Plenty of power.

• 

  158,000 miles so far - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 158,000miles so far - February 18 - 4:39 pm

  Great car! My wife and I have been driving this one for a few years now. Bought it at 70,000 miles and have driven it nearly trouble free to 158,000 miles presently. I have no complaints about this car. Here are the few small repairs. Water pump replacement, some small A/C module to restore normal ac function, serpentine belt of course, radiator leaked a little when it was real cold outside, I finally replaced it after watching it drip during startup for two winters and a small water leak in the cab and trunk. Lastly, emergency brake cables are sticking some, the rubber is breaking on them and the weather has gotten to them. This is normal STUFF. THIS CAR IS GREAT! I used to be a mechanic.

• 

  2003 Expedition EB 4x4 - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By david00army - February 18 - 12:09 pm

  I love the truck however best gas mileage I can get with cruise control at 70 mph is 16 mpg. But it is very nice for long trips quite and living in the Netherlands I get a lot of looks because it is one of the biggest vehicles on the road in Europe besides the delivery trucks. However for the truck being a 2003 I still get people coming up and saying what a very nice looking vehicle so for my family counting me there are 6 and i still have room for 2 more so this room and comfort is unmatched.

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  Mommas New Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Paul Peacock - February 18 - 10:20 am

  Very comfortable, pleasing to the eye, V-6 has more than adequate power for driving and passing, have not had a trailer behind it yet. Third row seat a must for family vehicle. Audio system has very "professional" sound.

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  This is my first and last Mustang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By nest - February 18 - 1:00 am

  It is not a performance car. It is very slow at the start and feels very heavy it has "no" traction control though they claim it has ( I wonder do they really understand what that is) drivers seat is very uncomfortable for longer rides visibility is very poor a heating system takes forever to clear the back window and side mirrors (and it turns itself off in just a few minutes) the AC unit stinks because the engine heats the interior greatly the sound system is junk probably in all respects the cup holders location is useless if you have a stick glove compartment is a joke and mileage (WOW) 12.5 per gallon(city and freeway) - thats a scam.Think twice.

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  Minor problems but do not recommend - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jozsef - February 17 - 2:59 pm

  We did not have any major problems but generally not happy. I just had the second front break replacement at 35000 miles and the front tires a few months ago. Has very bad fuel efficiency in city driving for short distances. Last year, when we drive to Disneyland, the engine lights were coming on and off like an xmas tree. Even now, the service engine light comes and goes.

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  BOOORRRIIINNNGGG! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Zander - February 17 - 11:59 am

  This has got to be the most boring car I have ever owned. The inside is disgusting! Worse design I have ever seen in a car. It looks like something from the 70s with no form. Everything is just flat and boring. As for driving... the horse power is ok. With some aftermarket mods you can make it handle and move a lot better. Its better than the old mustang but no where near European or Japanese sports cars. Still cant take corners at anything like the speed a car like this should. Outside design is cool but doesnt make up for the rest of the car. Problems several electrical connections werent connected in the factory. Wheel and tire problems with shuddering, replaced O2 sensor already.

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  The best low-priced Suv on the market - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mr. P - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I do not own the Explorer I am rating, it is my friends. I have driven it, and am impressed with the 4.6L V8s power. I have also ridden in the third row, and it is rather well designed. At 61", I was suprised at the room I had back there. The seat seemed to be slightly angled, to prevent knees from hitting the back seat, and I rather enjoyed the somewhat reclined position. Overall, I was and still am rather impressed. I will be looking for a new vehicle soon, and the Explorer/Mountaineer tops my list.

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  Just like other reviews, GREAT! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By mgradke - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Talk about Ford Tough Trucks, I was rear ended at approx. 20 miles per hour at impact. The trailer light reciever was bent back, and the very strong hitch reciever and rear bumber took the brunt of the inpact and the other vehicle was severely damaged. I was totally surprised and very happy that my truck took such an impact with so minor damage. My rear bumper is as straight as new. The luxury seats with headrest took very good care of me. The truck absorbed the shock, I hardly felt anything. The 5.4L engine really has the torgue and power. Passing cars on two way highways feels so reassuring and comfortable.

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  Extreamly Disappointed - 2000 Ford Focus
  By zedinteractive.com - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for all the great things that I read about it - it seems what I read vs. what is real are two different things. The Focus is the worst car I ever bought. From the trunk leaking (and soaking all that was in the truck) to the air conditioning that smells, I do not feel safe in this car. The endless recalls and now 6 investigations, Ford should be ashamed that this car was ever put on the road.