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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  2005 Expedition XLS - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Consumer - June 7 - 3:36 pm

  Generally a good full-size SUV. Plenty of room, comfortable first and third row seats. Second row seats OK but cushions are too low. Limited headroom in front row. Good all-weather SUV very good in snow. Some interior squeaks and rattles, mostly in cold weather. Poor mileage 10-12 mpg in the city. 28 gallon gas tank = $84 fill ups at $3/gallon. Wont fit in some parking garages.

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  Okay, but no more Fords - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By FA91 - June 2 - 8:15 pm

  As a family who buys new cars and drives them into the ground, I should not complain about the Explorer. I bought this car new in 1998 for about $20,600. At the time this was a very good deal. It was the base model with 5 speed and no roof rack, rear wiper or rear defrost. Good service with no work done until about 80K. It then started eating brakes like candy. Intake manifold went at 90K, and cost $600 to fix at a reasonably priced mechanic. Replaced a front axle hub for $300. Shouldnt be complaining at 107K, but no resale value and my two other vehicles are at 110K 92 Dodge Pickup and 195K - 91 Chrysler. Both still going strong. No more Fords, bought an Xterra.

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  Ford Made a Boo Boo with the 2000 Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By awharfrat - June 2 - 2:00 am

  There have been numerous problems still occuring and Ford cannot fix them. Wiring seems to go bad a lot. I would never buy a ford again because of my experience with the ford focus

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  Good only for lemonade - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Jon Kirkwood - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Three years, eighteen pages of repair orders, and five recalls. First, last, and only American manufactured car I will purchase. Ford should be ashamed to produce a vehicle of such poor fit, finish, and quality. Both front seats were replaced, all of the exhaust system heat shields, and one engine control module. Two "FEMs," whatever they are, luggage rack, and the engine starter have all been replaced. And the fuel economy is NEVER greater than 17 MPG. Good, strong, motor; when it runs. Its still a nice looking, comfortable vehicle. Too bad its such a shoddy product.

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  Never ever we will buy Ford - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Alan - May 29 - 12:17 pm

  Bought it new for my wife, the list price was over $39,000. We had so many little problems thats cost a lot to be fixed. Air ride bags $800. Air conditioner. leaking water $750. Power bank (its like spark plugs) $800. Heater trap door activator $1000. Head light auto switch, rear wiper, sticky linkage cable...etc. All of that on top of bad gas mileage. I just cant help it but compare it to my trusty 1994 Honda Accord with 153,000 miles and tell my self why... why... why... you stupid had to buy a Ford?

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  2004 expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mandy Lou - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I dont like about this model is the steering. It likes to go all over the road unless you have a deathgrip on it. Even small holes or bumps in the road can effect it.

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  Third Expedition a disapointment! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mark Haarbauer - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The brake dirt on front wheels should have been fixed along time ago! The sunroof sounds like a wind tunnel and has been in for unsuccessful repairs. The instument panel is hard to read and the warning panel is in bad area. This is my third and last expedition. The other two were good cars(1997 & 2000). This thing does not tow like the others either!

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  Major Mistake!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Unhappy Customer - May 26 - 10:00 am

  The CD player has been replaced twice and in fact is in the shop now. The air conditioning leaked into my car and caused it to mildew under the carpets. There was a strange smell coming from the air conditioner and for a while black soot like stuff came shooting out of the vents. For a while now it has not been accelerating properly. It feels like its dragging. The brakes went bad at 35k and the fuel pump had to be replaced at 37k . After they replaced the fuel pump, I started having strange electrical problems. When I turn the air conditioning up or the lights on something else will turn off.

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  Been pretty good so far - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Josh - May 24 - 9:54 pm

  Bought the Escape XLT 4x4 right when it first came out. It has served me well, the only problem was the brakes went out at around 60,000 miles. Around 80,000 miles, the tranny started to make some strange noises and now at 86,000 miles, it is time to get it looked at. Otherwise, it has been a great car...got me out of a couple Wisconsin snow drifts, and now keeps me cool in south Florida. The AC could have a little more ooommmpphhhh. Oh, and the CD player runs really hot and sometimes refuses to eject CDs at times.

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  ouch!!! my back. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mainman - May 23 - 10:00 am

  The ford f-150 is a good truck but the fact after driving it for a week my back seized and I was on the floor for 2 days. Ouch!!! I think their ment either for smaller men or really fat guys. The back support is in all the wrong places. If they use seats more like the ones in the dodge caravan Id love it. But I cant drive it for very long so I am forced to get rid of it. Ford wasnt helpful at all. They more or less told me I was screwed. Ive asked other ford owners and theyve had said there seats killed there backs also. I used to drive ford van for work at it was the same way.