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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  2005 Eddie Bauer - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By jimnix - January 14 - 11:07 am

  Quiet ride on the highway, Actual mileage 13-14 MPG city and 17-19 MPG highway driving. Very happy with ride, performance and comfort but did have to take truck back in for repair. Back passenger door had a popping sound when opened. The cause was from the factory missing some spotwelds on door post. Door no longer makes popping sound. Very satisfied with purchase of 2005 EB Expedition.

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  You usually get a few pits with cherries - 2003 Ford Escape
  By newsuvdriverman - January 14 - 7:45 am

  Recent purchase. Im (initially) very favorably impressed with the package. Good power (I dont remember the 89 Sables 3.0V6 having this much OOMPH to it -- or dual cams/24 valves either). Steady ride, smooth handling, and good braking. So far, the gas mileage seems A-ok. This vehicle is just the right height for ease of entry, exit without any strain, or backache. The seat adjusts very well for the driver. This has a "throaty" sound that feedbacks through the cabin to let you know that youre driving a SUV thats got some zip potential. The turning radius is good, and visibility is very good. The vehicle looks very good, and sits very well. Options are all very nice. I strongly recommend it.

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  My 2007 Mustang GT - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Alan VanTassel - January 14 - 2:43 am

  This 2007 Mustang has been a particularly great car. I have owned it now for 9+ years. I bought it new in 2007. I loved driving the car then and I love driving it now. This car is a great improvement over other year Mustangs I have owned. I will drive it for as long as it will drive, then I will put it up on blocks and keep it for a future classic.

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  Cure for mid life crisis - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mike Lombardo - January 14 - 12:48 am

  Call it middle age crisis, but I love to drive it and be seen in it. As soon as I get behind the wheel I feel 10 years younger.

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  F150 - Dependable - 2000 Ford F-150
  By davie - January 13 - 11:05 pm

  I have owned a 2000 F-150 for over two years now. I have been very pleased with everything but the mileage. At 14 MPG, I am not thrilled with the mileage. However, the ride is tolerable for a full-size pickup, and except for oil changes and tire rotations, I have had to do no maintenance. Very dependable, but thirsty truck.

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  A Ford so good I just bought a Toyota. - 2000 Ford Contour
  By JimP - January 13 - 11:04 pm

  Having evolved from a European design the Contour has better handling than other American cars its size. Unfortunately they cheapened the quality for the US market. The car has been a major disappointment. The dash top curled up like cardboard. The gas mileage is terrible, never more than 21-22. The plastic gas tank warped and burned out the pump (repair cost $968). The speakers are the cheapest junk I ever saw. Its impossible to remove the oil filter without spilling oil on exhaust manifold. Rear drum brakes dont adjust reliably. Ford took what was an excellent car and turned it into another typical piece of American junk. Never again.

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  Energi wont run on battery alone - otherwise good - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By drdan3 - January 13 - 7:55 pm

  Bought a 2013 model with 303a option. It is fine in most ways - power, comfort, build quality. However, what we discovered is that the EV only mode goes to zero as temperatures drop. In part this is due to use of heater/seat warmers. But as temperatures have increase in Maryland, EV mode has not returned and is still zero. The car goes automatically into hybrid mode. Gas mileage hovers around 35 mpg. Taking it to Ford dealer tomorrow...

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  Great Little Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By great car - January 13 - 7:11 pm

  This has got to be the best car I have ever owned. Phenomenal reliability and durability, especially for an American made car in the early 90s. Other than brakes and exhaust, this baby has everything else original, and I cant ever remember a time it has refused to start, drive, or generally perform like I wanted it to. Too bad they dont make the Escort any more, as the Focus appears constantly plagued by a slew of problems, both cosmetic and mechanical. If you can find a used Escort anywhere between 92-99, grab it & hold on to it you wont regret it.

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  FORD FOCUS IS A LEMON! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Genevieve - January 13 - 5:18 pm

  I currently drive and own a 2000 Ford Focus. I havent decided if this is the worst car Ive ever owned or the Dodge Colt was. This car is in the shop every other month. I hate it with a passion & tell whoever I can not to buy one. Just wanted to make sure that my low marks on this dump would bring down the overall customer satisfaction that shows on the ratings.

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  Must have a lemon, interior awful - 2001 Ford F-150
  By thetzel - January 13 - 3:44 pm

  Bought this truck new, was not sure about getting leather interior, but had to, if I wanted the moon roof. Love the moon roof, hate the leather. Drivers seat started to crack the second year. Now its got a tiny split up by the driver headrest.The pass.side window quit working,this happened when I took it in because of pass. speaker going in and out.Back sliding window has started to leak. This truck does not get any abuse, husband and I are the only drivers. So no excuse, except interior products were lemons. Dont think we want another Ford F150 truck. We had a 1989 Ranger XLT, bought new,gave to son w/100,000 miles, had very good luck with it. Its still on the road. Not Happy W/this one