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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  FX4 - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By FX4 Fan - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 99 GMC Yukon for our 2003 FX4. Great ride, seats 8, tons of air bags, LATCH system, fold flat seats, pull up middle seat for the baby.

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  Not As Expected - Not So Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By J. Weisner - January 20 - 9:40 am

  I got a pre-owned thinking most problems been solved. There still are, the infamous squeaks at the battery area, loose and squeaky front airbag. Consumption is great below 30mph, not at the hiway. Comfortable ride anyhow. Bad attendance for recalls, not all techs knows about hybrid. Power window switch fails, not just on my Escape but on my Focus as well.

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  Ford-found on road dead - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By robin - January 20 - 8:16 am

  It was good until 17,000 miles, had a slight miss when idling, and engine would surge and sometime die. Still not fixed after 3 tries, gear shifter is harsh from park to reverse and it sounds like the rear end is falling out. Transmission had to be rebuilt and problem is still not fixed; it really clunks when I take it out of park. Window has also squealed, steering wheel cover also peeled off.

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  As GOOD As An American SUV Can Get! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Arif - January 19 - 11:26 pm

  We ALWAYS wanted a full-size SUV and of course it was the mileage problem that stopped us from doing so. Having made up our minds to go ahead, 2007 was ideal as the the New Expy was out. We had a lot of SUVs to choose from which made buying one not only tough but almost impossible because the magic dies out if youre unable to choose the right one quickly enough. Stuck between the Armada and the Tahoe, we gave EXPY as look. It was love at first sight. We booked it after few reviews here and there, comparisons and a test drive. Ours is like one of the only ten in the whole country (UAE-1st consignment) and the only one in black. I already feel like a celebrity LOL. It is surely the best in its class!

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  Never buy a Ford again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Chris - January 19 - 10:34 pm

  I grew up in a Ford city and a Ford family. Locks and doors dont work consistently, Check engine light is on constantly despite several thousand dollars and trips to multiple dealers an independent finally told me Ford used inferior parts in the intake manifold, Ford is aware and has published tech bulletins but wouldnt offer to help. The dealers dont care anymore. Do not buy a Ford. I also bought a Lincoln LS, I got tired of visiting it and traded it for a BMW which has been extremely reliable.

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  Love my Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By billd100 - January 19 - 3:06 pm

  Only had it a month. Mileage in mixed driving is 32 mpg. I got the Deluxe package which provides for better handling. Amazed at the standard equipment on such an economy car. Car is comfortable and roomy and I like it much better than most of the others in its class. It drives similarly to the VW Golf we rented in England a few years back. Dont care for the Pirelli P6 tires as we live where it gets cold and the traction in snow and ice is less than desirable.

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  Focus Work Wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Brent - January 19 - 11:43 am

  Bought it because my partner had 2 Foci and thought it a great car for the business. Big change from a BMW 7 series. What a great car, changed the springs right away to H&R Sport, major improvement in handling. Upgraded the sound with Boston Pro speakers. 17" custom rims and 50 series rubber. Full header and sport exhaust, throttle boy, intake make about 20 more ponies. Excellent changes and what a car now, handles and rides well, goes better and is fun to drive on trips. Now what we need is the European 5 cylinder, or 140 or best of all the Diesel Focus. Next improvement: Spax shocks and cross brace. Maybe a Jackson or Powerworks supercharger. :)

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  I love my Ford F-150 Eddie Bower - 1995 Ford F-150
  By survior - January 19 - 8:05 am

  The Ford F-150 Eddie Bower is awesome to drive. I had the lighting package added by the dealer. I love my truck and I will never sell it. I brought it brand new in twelve years and have done all maintenance regular service at every 3,800 miles. Replaced 3 serpentine belts, the front brake pads twice, two sets of tires, 3 batteries, 3 sets of wiper blades, 3 sets of spark plugs and wires and one universal joint (Ford mistake). They uprgraded it. One factory recall - cruise control was bad. Fixed last year for free by Ford.

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  Love at 1st Sight - 2006 Ford Escape
  By In Love! - January 19 - 5:27 am

  I traded in my 01 Civic for an 06 Escape and I could not be happier. This is the first car that I have bought that I was completely in love with. I love the style of the inside and outside and I love the handling. I swear mine handles like a sedan, especially when taking turns. Im single so I dont need a lot of room, but I can fit so much in my car. In my Honda, I couldnt even fit my nieces stroller in my truck. With my Escape, I can fit my nieces stroller, diaper bag, walker and high chair with room to spare, and of course my niece. I can also fit 4 passengers comfortably, which I cant say my Honda did. I thought the gas mileage would be an issue but its not, great on mileage.

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  ford mustang 3.7 v6 ac stop working at 13000 miles - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Alex d - January 19 - 1:35 am

  only one year after i leased this car with 13000 miles and the ac quit working, very despoilment from a brand new car. Ford needs to pay attention, I like american car specially sport muscle car but Im considering to try a Lexus after this experience.