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:

• 

  Hot Hot Hot - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By MIchael - January 17 - 9:33 am

  I have enjoyed the Explorer - it has only failed me twice once my fault and once the SUV. The radio runs too hot and you lose the lcds on the radio. Not expensive. Transmission needs to be service every 30000 miles. The ERG needs to be replaced too frequently. Rides great. I have only been stuck in snow once (about three feet of snow). Good pulling power. I will buy another one, but with 3rd seat for use sometimes, not daily.

• 

  Better than they say it is - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Roger Braddock - January 17 - 7:20 am

  Vehicle is everything the manufacturer claims it to be! Ride, drive, performance are outstanding. Plus, very quiet inside.

• 

  Why cant Ford build a reliable transmission - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Why Fords suck - January 17 - 3:25 am

  This is a vehicle that is rarely used, particularly over the last two and a half years since I drive a more gas thrifty 1999 Nissan Sentra. The vehicle has received regular maintenance per warranty, and yet at 58,000 miles is diagnosed with a failing third gear on an automatic. We had the same type of trouble on our 1991 Ford Taurus Wagon. Its transmission was replaced under warranty at 29,000 miles, and failed again about 50,000 miles later, at which time we all but gave the vehicle away as a trade-in on a reliable 1997 Honda Accord. The Ranger never got better than 20 miles to the gallon, and required premium fuel in the summer or when hauling any load. I hope Ford goes bankrupt.

• 

  The best of the best - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Boiseman - January 17 - 1:56 am

  I bought this vehicle lightly used and have been extremely happy with it. I had looked over other reviews of all other makes/models and overall the Ford F-150 was the leader in 2004. Pickup is peppy and the ride is smooth. Steering is very tight and responsive. I very much like the layout of the dash instruments. Quality of workmanship appears excellent. Time will tell on the engine and other mechanics.

• 

  Too good to keep making - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Paul - January 16 - 10:16 pm

  The only Ford I ever owned was a 63 and a half Falcon V8 Sprint. I have 3, 98GL, 99LX, and 00SE Ford Contours. I bought one and a year later, loved it so much had to buy 2 more just to have in garage next to the Vette. Economy, dependability, and durability is job one on these Contours. I replaced the timing belt in 2 Contours at 75 & 90k just for general principal. Engines and trans have regular filter changes and no problems. A/Cs havent been charged yet. Engine and car electronics, not one problem. Set the cruise on the Rt 80, Mass Pike, MA, at 65 and it will hold its own and still get 35mph. The steering is still tight. The Contours are great fun cars. I may have to get and add an SVT.

• 

  Excellent Value For Your Money - 2007 Ford Escape
  By vsinger - January 16 - 9:58 pm

  Bought vehicle with zero miles, drove through 2007 New Years Day weekend blizzard in New Mexico after putting on only about 500 miles - 2WD (front wheel drive) awesome in snow - went through over 50 miles of 6 - 12" deep snow with few or no problems. Nice ground clearance for small SUV. Lots of interior space - just slightly shorter than an Explorer, but same height and width. Unitized construction keeps weight down, allows 4-cylinder engine to do adequate job of propelling vehicle while returning about 25 MPG - and its not even fully broken in yet! Nice, big (about 20 gallon) gas tank means more miles between fill-ups. Comfortable, easy to drive on long trips, supportive, firm seats.

• 

  The best yet - 2005 Ford F-150
  By J. Larson - January 16 - 7:23 pm

  The most fantastic vehicle I have ever owned. Super quiet. Solid. I hit a chuckhole and wait for something to rattle or vibrate. Nothing! I have never had this experience in a motor vehicle before. I hope to keep it the rest of my life. Quite a contrast to my last Chevrolet. An amazing vehicle. Finally the ultimate has arrived.

• 

  Ford Fusion Hybrid 2013 - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ksaclo - January 16 - 6:00 pm

  Owned for 7 months and reading reviews to see if there were serious issues I may run into. The majority of the reviews are right on target with my findings and the only bad reviews are from people who do not drive the car properly or are having a specific one off issue, then blowing it out of proportion (e.g. tires rupture easily. Huh?). Currently getting 44.4 MPG once I learned not to punch the gas pedal and keep the gas lightly applied esp. on the HWY (60-70). Teenage daughter driving goes down about 10 MPG (2+2=?). Love this car and is the best commuter car ever purchased. That coming from a very experienced southern California driver and a friend who owns the Titanium agrees 100%.

• 

  Focus is a Winner - 2005 Ford Focus
  By john - January 16 - 3:30 pm

  I think anyone that would take the time to drive the Focus would fall in love with it. The handling is wonderful and gas mileage is exceptional. The car is cute and sassy. Comfort is built in with the quality.

• 

  My second Explorer-less quality - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Scott - January 16 - 1:46 pm

  This is my second Explorer (1996 and 2003). Overall it is a good vehicle but not excellent. I have had more repairs than I expected. It is in for servicing now and at 60,000 miles both front ball joints have to be replaced. The driver heated seat no longer works. I have a DVD entertainment system and it had to be replaced (luckily under warranty).The tailgate hydraulics have never worked in cold weather (need to physically push up tailgate). I am concerned about power window motor going out in rear passenger window (does not always work). I have been satisfied for the most part with this vehicle but am concerned that too much is going to fall apart. My 1996 has 130,000 miles and held up better.