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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  Horribly disappointing. - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Moose - June 27 - 5:10 pm

  I bought my Ranger in hopes of getting a reliable truck that had decent fuel economy. What I got was a hulk of junk. I literally had problems from the second day I owned the truck. Over the 19 months I owned the truck, Ford replaced 2 thermostats, the radiator, the transmission, the radio, the gauge cluster, the back glass, and numerous third brake light seals. The truck left me stranded, without warning, 4 times - including last Thanksgiving Day. Fuel economy is not what they tell you, either. I drove 100 miles to work round trip every day doing 70 mph on the interstate, and the best gas mileage I ever got was 24 mpg - and its a 4 cylinder! I have since bought a Toyota, and couldnt be happier.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford Escape
  By TEEKAY - June 27 - 11:37 am

  This is a peppy and fun ride. It gets pretty good gas mileage for a V6 as compared with other SUVs. Great for hauling kids, pets and plenty of cargo. User friendly when flopping down seats to make room for cargo. The best truck I have ever owned. Much better cargo area than my Nissan Quest minivan. Minivan cargo areas are deceiving. I havent had the trouble people tell you about with domestic "American" made cars and trucks. This was my first domestic car and a real winner.

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  03 Ford - 2003 Ford F-150
  By dman - June 27 - 11:15 am

  I like my truck a lot, it has been a faithful steed thus far. We will see in the coming years.

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  Good, but Not Great - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By bruce - June 27 - 9:35 am

  This is my 2nd XLT, drove the 1st one 145K. Overall, Im happy with, but have had more problems with it than the 95. Has a nice ride, great performance with the V8 towing package. Nice sound system. Passable, but barely, for towing 7K boat and trailer. Just a few more horses would be nice. Hated the 17" Goodrich tires that came on it - noisy and out-of-round - should have traded them out, but used them for 20K before giving up. Like many others, LS clutches in the rear end failed at about 40K. Computer problem early took 3 weeks to get the part, but dealer supplied a loaner for the duration. Id buy one again just to stay with the same dealer, who has been great. At times, Id like 4WD.

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  Ford Quality None - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Telrider - June 27 - 3:26 am

  My girlfriend and I both bought 2000 Ford Windstars and the front tires failed on both around 20k due bad front tire alignment from the factory. It turns out the camber control is under the engine pan where it can not be adjusted without a $175 slotting job to the pan. The dealership, Ford "Customer No Service", and the Ford area rep said that it was not covered under the 36k bumper to bumper warranty. "Ford-Ethics None"

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  Great Van - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By jack - June 26 - 9:42 pm

  The most comfortable driving vehicle Ive ever owned. 8 hours behind the wheel is very easy to do. Living in Wisconsin, the AWD has been very useful at times. The 4.0 liter is plenty of engine for this size van. I do think having to lubricate the front brakes every year is poor design. In the last 12 years I have enjoyed my Aerostar very much.

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  I like to live on the EDGE - 2007 Ford Edge
  By duozul - June 26 - 9:06 pm

  I love my EDGE. It is fun sporty and elegant all at the same time. Although the gas mileage is not what they say. After 2 months I only get 14 miles to the gallon city but thats still better than most cars today. I would not trade my EDGE for any other crossover in the world. I test drove all other crossovers made, and this one has just that extra EDGE.

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  Marks T-Bird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By mark lewis - June 26 - 1:21 pm

  I an the only owner of this car and it has been a total gem for me. I have only had to do the expected maintenance on it in addition to replacing the radiator and exhaust manifold at about 75,000 miles. I recently replaced the serpentine belt and alternator. I use only premium fuel and have gotten from 21 to 26 mpg. I feel that my car is a classic and worth a lot more than what the book might say.

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  Research before buying - 2005 Ford Escape
  By What Savings??? - June 26 - 11:23 am

  I purchased the Ford Hybrid without doing much research. I read the ads and believed them. My experience with driving the vechicle is far from the ads. The Hybrid I drive gets only 23 mpg average as opposed to the listed 33 to 29 on the sticker. My 93 Ford Explorer gets that kind of mileage, so I dont think it is my driving that is making the difference. In my opinion the design of the accelerator is the problem. The engine comes on when you accelerate too fast (they say). I accelerate at a creep (holding up traffic) and the engine comes on at 15 mph. The engine comes on if you turn on the AC or heater even more often than normal. With that, it is impossible to save gas, even in town.

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  Excellent value, pleasant surprise - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bridget - June 26 - 11:14 am

  I leased this vehicle about two years ago, very skeptical of Fords build quality (coming off of a Subaru lease and before that a VW lease... both of which were plagued with crazy never ending mechanical and fit/finish problems). However, I was interested in going into a small SUV and this one seemed to be getting good reviews and I was able to get the upgrades I was interested in without paying through the nose. Now, two years later, I have to say my opinion of Ford vehicles has totally changed. This has been the most trouble-free vehicle Ive owned in years, and it still looks nearly new inside. Mechanically, its been flawless. And its also been kind of fun (surprisingly) to drive.