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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  What a disappointment - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Kenn Mag - November 24 - 2:00 am

  My NEW Sport Trac broke down 5 times in the first three months. Once it just died on me as I came onto a freeway. The mechanic first told me that they ran diagnostics on it and, "out side of the fact that it wouldnt start, there was nothing wrong with it." The finally got it running again. It also had a high pitch whine at highway speeds. Ford said it was a chain in the 4WD transfer case and that they knew of the problem but had no fix for it. Ford bought it back from me, thank God.

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  2001 Overall A Disappointment - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JR - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the truck with approximately 20,000 miles on it. The power rear window was a selling feature to me along with the looks and versatility of a SUV/truck. The ride is rough but after all its a truck so that is ok. The disappointing features are as follows; paint bubbling up and popping off the hood at 35,000 miles, Ford did pay for the repaint though. Lower Ball joints at 50,000 miles (told normal wear), horrible gas mileage (15 mpg mixed driving, 16-17 on highway), moisture in the headlights, annoying timing chain slap noise, slow/low torque motor and now transmission problems (which I was told is common). My 91 Explorer was bulletproof for 175K miles, doubt this one will make that.

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  Think Twice - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin Kolff - November 18 - 7:53 am

  I have owned three Explorers since 1991 and I can guarantee this will be my last Ford Vehicle. I have had so many problems with my 2002 Explorer, where do I start. AC went out at 38K, tranny replaced at 60K, rear tailgate plastic strip cracked at 39K, clear coat on all plastic parts gone, interior door material coming unglued, power steering pump replaced 71K, power lock motor replaced 66K. These are only the major problems; the list of the smaller problems is too long to list.

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  Buy a Ranger...Get an Extended Warranty - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By cday1 - November 17 - 10:38 pm

  Love the truck, except transmission problems at 50,000 miles and again at 70,000 miles. Ive had enough, Tacoma here I come.

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  Problems of the Week - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Cliff C. - November 17 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this as a "certified" pre-owned in March. Everything was great for the 1st month. Then one little problem after another every week or two. So far the catalytic converter, motor mounts, exhaust manifold and y-pipe have been replaced. I still get an odd rattle from under the hood. The only thing that is certifiable now is me not buying another Ford!

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  Last Ford - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ed - November 16 - 5:22 pm

  Best way to rate this "Fixed Or Repaired Daily" truck is to list the problems: knocking-pinging on hot days going up hills, steering rack assembly (warranty), steering gear ($500), alternator ($250), instrument panel lights ($50), right side HEAD ($1,800), heater diverter valve ($75), leak through third taillight ($75), arm rest (havent bothered to fix yet) -- all in less than 90,000 miles. Latest problem - potential bad lifter.

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  Fxi Or Repair Daily - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Phil Garnett - November 13 - 7:30 pm

  Mine is an 02 that has had a vibration problem that turned out to be a crankshaft that let loose at 40,000 miles. The 6 disc changer has been changed out and needs it again. The 4x4 unit went out early and ABS was at the same time as the rearend that was said to need a ring and pinion and then to find out it was rear bearings. Other small things like seat belts not retracting and the material on the door sides delaminating were only minor nuisances. Like the look.

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  Transmission Blues - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By RJ Spencer - November 11 - 1:59 pm

  This Mustang was made on 04 April and arrived on 22 April. Two major problems one being the gas tank and error message. A new sensor has been added to the gas tank but the problem still exists with the gauge showing 1/2 tank when the tank in full. The second problem is the transmission slipping into neutral for about a second lately while the shifter is in drive, then bumping into gear. Transmission is being replaced under warranty.

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  SuperCrew Lariat - 2001 Ford F-150
  By fastlane - November 10 - 8:13 pm

  Bought this truck used and loaded with every option except power sliding rear window. Quality seems pretty good with the exception of the COP system. I have replaced every coil on the truck and it keeps burning them out. $400 repair at the dealer minimum and this was for 1 coil. Truck has 8. All in all I have been fairly happy with the truck but I wish I would have waited until I found a Dodge Ram Quad Cab with similar options.

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  Deceptive - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By LesterUt - November 8 - 9:20 am

  The Sport Trac is confining to drive. I had previously owned an regular Explorer and a F-150. This Sport Trac seems to be a buffed up Ranger and seems to be a Ranger chassis. Legroom and space for the driver lacks room and the seat sits fairly high, obscuring driver vision. The engine is underpowered for the frame. But fuel economy does not reflect the poor performance. I would not purchase this vehicle again. I would recommend spending a weekend with this vehicle before making a decision on your purchase.