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:

• 

  Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mattnkathy1 - September 23 - 10:18 am

  I drive 23 highway miles one way to work. The Explorer handles 70mph comfortably. Over 70mph and fuel economy suffers. 4 wheel drive works great in both full time and auto. People always say "nice truck" when riding in my truck for the first time.

• 

  0-60 in 8.3 seconds - No Problem Here! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Richard Hanson - September 23 - 9:59 am

  Great vehicle. Gas mileage is incredible for a large vehicle that it is (4,000 lbs). I get 27 MPG all the time in 20% city / 80% highway driving. Traction control works great on ice/snow. Everybody says it can use more horsepower, but experts have timed it at 8.3 seconds to 60 mph -- not bad. The CVT transmission is a dream, nothing but smooth and continuous, especially nice up/down hills. Try to get this package in any other vehicle, as even smaller Subarus get worse or the same gas mileage and they dont carry near as much. And the crash rating is great.

• 

  UNRELIABLE - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Sherry Lundy - September 23 - 8:21 am

  If I had only known. We thought we were getting a deal purchasing this in 00 with only 20K mi. for $11K...since then we have spent more than we would have to purchase new! Transmission 2 times once at 30K and now at 80K, chews up brakes, tires annually and is driven less than 12K per year! Lost brakes completely 3 times, something to do with the ABS/traction control. Does not hold an alignment, creeks, squeaks, clunks still after everything replaced...bearings, struts, bushings, steering rack. And than there is the elusive fix to the interior lights staying on, no one can figure it out so battery needs to be replaced frequently! Wish I had known...never would have bought it.

• 

  Ford Explorer 2003 review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Realtorreviewer - September 22 - 3:10 pm

  The vehicle has been for the most part an excellent vehicle for sales! I am in and out all the time, throwing things in the back for kids sports etc. Very good for traveling. Only negative I have experienced is some blind spots when looking to the rear sides.

• 

  So Much For So Little - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Wayne Brooks - September 22 - 7:34 am

  When I saw the Thunderbird in a car magazine I ran to my Ford Dealership and said I want one. He told me it would be $10,000 over sticker. I said I would wait until they had 10 of them and balloons hanging off of them in a few years. That was in 2000 I waited four years. And saw two of them on the Ford lot. Went in and bought it for $3000 off. It is the only car I have ever owned more than a year that I still cant get enough of it. I love the complements. Very reliable. No leaks, no problems.

• 

  Dollar for Dollar, The Best Family Ride. - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Choe610 - September 21 - 11:46 pm

  After our second child and a need for our second car seat, it was obvious we needed a larger family ride that would afford us all of the luxury, newest technical gadgetry and efficiency. After comparing several mid to full size SUFs and minivans (which my wife refused to consider) the obvious choice was the 09 Ford Flex. It has by far the best voice recognition system available, and an awesome 12 speaker sony sound system. With amenities such as supple leather seats, Sirius satellite radio, enough cargo space (when the third row is down) to carry a double stroller and 12 bags of groceries, fuel eficiency (compared to other 7 seater suvs) and eye popping looks, this is an awesome ride.

• 

  Review - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Flomart - September 21 - 6:53 pm

  Vehicle driving is comfortable, it is very good in winter conditions. However since the vehicle was purchased new, gas mileage has averaged 10 miles to the gallon. If I wasnt retired and still working the increased mileage and cost of fuel would be prohibitive.

• 

  F 150 junk - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cchfd - September 21 - 6:44 pm

  No more Fords for me. Truck has extensive work done to it from transmissions to exhaust manifolds. Not reliable and would never own another one.

• 

  2002 Ford Escape - Lousy Transmission - 2002 Ford Escape
  By debbylee - September 21 - 2:09 pm

  I had a 1991 Ford Explorer, my first Ford. Loved it! So next time I got a 2002 Ford Escape. I have had nothing but problems. Transmission problems from day 1. Air intake chip going bad twice. I sure love the design and wish it had worked out. Still driving it.

• 

  01 XLT 4x4 4 door stepside - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By RayO - September 21 - 8:10 am

  This is my fourth Ranger, and all of them have been good reliable small trucks, but the quality has noticeably improved each time. This one is solid, and quiet, enough power with the 4.0 V6, and serves me well for what I want. It is no speed demon but great at what it was meant to do.