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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  Not bad at all... - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Q - February 11 - 8:49 am

  I have only had my Explorer for 3 months now, but no major problems. It has high mileage, so the things that I will need to replace are expected when an SUV reaches this mileage marker. Roomy, comfortable seats, and it is fun to drive. Ford designed these Explorers to rev high off the line if you give it some gas, and that is what they do. Just wish it got a lil better gas mileage, its only a V6. It would be nice to have more horsepower and acceleration too. Ford has got to do something about that, I mean come on ... Pontiac makes a V6 that kicks out 260hp and still gets good gas mileage.

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  Everyone should own one - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By Paul - February 11 - 1:37 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had. I bought the car with 50,000 miles on it and it now has 147,000 miles on it and Ive only had the alternator replaced, exhaust and lower balljoints. When you buy one make sure you have enough money to buy tires.

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  Satisfied original owner - 14 years - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By atnfmc - February 11 - 1:23 am

  This Ford Ranger is my second in a row. I purchased this one because it has air conditioning and I need it here in South Florida. I have maintained it on schedule and have garaged it whenever possible. The only large expense has been the clutch. Because of the position of the slave cylinder it is impossible to service the slave without removing the housing for the master cylinder, too. So, clutch work is expensive. All else is original and works well.

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  Great Little SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Karen - February 10 - 9:17 pm

  I have the XLT Sport V6 and am very happy with it. I think its an attractive and sporty automobile, and was very affordable. The ride is nice, its very peppy with lots of pick up. Plenty of room for my 3 kids and I and lots of room in the back for groceries, backpacks or strollers. It handles beautifully and is a lot of fun to drive. It had a lot of nice options as well.

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  Lemon - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Beth Haun - February 10 - 8:27 pm

  I traded my 99 Eddie Bauer Expedition for this one and within a 4 month period my 2005 had been in the shop more times than my 1999 model had been over a period of 6 years. Ive had problems with the gas pedal, electric seats, a piece of interior molding fell off by itself, and numerous rattles in the dash that the dealership employees cant seem to hear but everyone else that rides with me can. With only 8500 miles and 8 months of wear, the value has gone from the $37K that we paid to $22K (what the dealership will give for it now). Ive contacted Ford Motor Company about a buy back or replacement but that was a big waste of time. I wont be buying another Ford!

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  2001 Bullitt Mustang - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By frank - February 10 - 5:33 pm

  This is the most fun to drive car Ive ever owned. It is a great daily driver as well.

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  Comfort and fun all in one - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By J Weaver - February 10 - 4:12 pm

  This has been a great vehicle that is adaptable for all our lifestyle necessities and desires. While providing functionality it also affords comfort no mater what the age.

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  Cool little gas hog. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lil D from Richmond - February 10 - 2:51 pm

  Im far more impressed with the Escape than expected, this being my first Ford vehicle. Good execution. Engine power, handling, space utilization, and price are great. Gas tank is way too small for its consumption. Cruise distance is just fair at best at 280 to 300 miles per tank for highway. Guess that was an agreement between Ford and some oil company. Should have outside temp and compass standard (or optional) for XLT model, their most popular model.

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  Good Buy - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Ford Rules - February 10 - 2:47 pm

  Got this car in July of 2005. Great deal with incentives and finance rates. The Focus has a better suspension than my old Civic and you sit a lot higher. Very roomy inside and no problems with 10k on it. Getting about 26mpg in city and 32mpg highway.

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  Fun ride, no complaints - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By NavyWife - February 10 - 4:23 am

  Love my explorer. Front seating is very comfortable. Rear is ok. Plenty of room for my husband and I and our 2 dogs for travelling. fun to drive. Very maneuverable. Great turn radius for such a large vehicle.