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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  Poor Quality Control - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By San Cooper - February 17 - 1:05 am

  Ford SUV was my 9th new var, first American car and first SUV. Initially I was very happy with the purchase. After the first service, It is one of the worst buys I have ever done. -Transmission cracked - Brakes failed (replaced pads, rotors resurfaced) - Leather of the seat replaced as it cracked. Number of miles on the SUV is 5800. Will never ever buy FORD vehicle. Very poor quality control.

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  My Lariat - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Miniracer - February 17 - 12:58 am

  A previous Chevy owner of over 30 years, I tried a Ford. This one had it all. Moon roof, power sliding rear window, even the windows on the extended doors are power. Stereo system is fantastic. The light color leather interior against the wood grain is striking. Everyone love this truck in and out and the two tone paint. It is reliable, powerful when hauling horse trailers, the ride is incredibly smooth. The construction is all they say it is. All the systems seem to work just fine.

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  Best suv for room - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Jesse Ochoa - February 16 - 10:49 pm

  We almost picked up an Escalade until I sat in the back seats. I am only 59" and my head touched in the 3rd seat. We owned a 04 Expedition and thought we were going to upgrade but decided on the 06 Eddie Bauer. We are very happy with it,

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  Ford f-250 w-460 - 1994 Ford F-250
  By Joel - February 16 - 2:06 am

  Excellent truck. Fuel efficiency is bad but who cares, its a full size truck. Power is excellent its not fast, but it can pull anything you want it to. Bought truck last month with 90k miles, still runs great, no problems. I would suggest bumping the three speed transmission to four or five but it does everything it was meant for plus more.

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  So-so - 2005 Ford Focus
  By John Doe - February 16 - 1:30 am

  Im a bit disappointed at its performance and fuel economy. I have a full-size sedan which is thriftier and performs much better. The fit and finish inside is much better than outside, where panels dont line up neatly and some stamped parts are not even. The paint is good though. Although the steering wheel provides telescoping besides tilting, it should telescope farther. At 65", I find the feet position uncomfortable. Yet, its got a hard-to-beat price.

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  2003 Ford Taurus SE - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Paul - February 16 - 12:22 am

  Surprisingly good suspension and handling. Even better on winter Michelin X-ice tires than on original Continental Touring Contact tires. However, old but reliable OHV Vulcan engine lacks the vigor of modern OHC engines. Additionally, the transmission has been mated to the engine for economy and upshifts too eagerly, what robs the car of dynamics even further. Sufficient and well modulated brakes stop this heavy car with confidence even with drums at rear. Body fit is below average with poorly designed hinges and locks. I had to spend a few hours just to adjust all doors to my standards. Overall reliability seems to be good providing that a basic maintenance schedules are being kept.

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  Kicking car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Jeff - February 15 - 9:41 pm

  During the time that I have had this car, I have had no problems what-so-ever. This is the best car out of all the cars that I have ever owned, it is so fun to drive because it is small and quick. Only because I am moving out of country am I going to be getting rid of it. Love the car, if you get the opportunity to buy one, do so. I feel that this is a great starter car, and a great commuter car.

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  2005 Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Susan - February 15 - 9:03 am

  From the moment I first heard about Ford planning an Escape Hybrid, I wanted one. I got mine in early November 2004 and have been very pleased. Except for a faulty computer brake problem (which was quickly diagnosed and fixed at no expense or inconvenience to me), I am delighted to drive this car. My favorite part is the handling -- the manauvering is smooth and easy. I have already hauled some furniture and other large items for my daughter who is moving to her first apartment -- and it is easy to fit things in and move out. My husband and I drove across the mountains in cold weather and it kept pace with or outperformed all the other vehicles on the road at all altitudes.

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  Red Ford GT - 2005 Ford GT
  By FJP - February 15 - 5:00 am

  Awesome power. Tight handling, stiff suspension. Always draws comments and onlookers. Very comfortable driving position. Minimal storage space, no spare tire.

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  Over all it is Good - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Michael Pinson - February 14 - 11:38 pm

  Poor gas mileage ... only 12MPG city not 14. Has minor starting problems. Overall it is better than other SUVs for the money. Great leg and head room for tall people.