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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  Good 1st Vehicle - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Bre - January 7 - 2:42 am

  We bought the car with 80,000 miles already on it. I got it when I was 16. One wreck and one ticket. 3 transmissions and 3 sets of brakes. Minor problems with horn, antenna, etc. Mud tires look pretty good on it.

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  Squeeky When Its Cold - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By mpf202 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  At temps around 25-35 Degrees there is a noise that I believe to be the panels of the hatchback rubbing against the rear side panels. A little annoying but they stop when it gets the temp rises above 35 or falls below 25.

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  Ford is the best - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By whoran - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have this SUV for 10 months now and everything is perfect. I have not had any problems with this vehicle at all. It is extremely comfortable and versatile. The v-6 has more than enough power. The 4WD and the ABS/Traction Control are a dream. You wouldnt even know there was any snow on the ground and this past weekend we had 2 feet of it.

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  2003 Explorer XLT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By gespino - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I drove my brothers Explorer this summer and really liked it, I purchased my own 2 weeks ago and am glad I did. The XLT Sport package is a really nice set up. Its 4.0L V6 packs more than enough power, and it drives really well. And its only 4inches longer and 4 inches wider than my Passat (trade).

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  feels like a $30,000 car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By frogman - January 7 - 2:00 am

  great driving dynamics, i recently had to drive from philly to ny in a snowstorm passing over a dozen accidents while the cars advancetrac stability control system never let me skid for more than 12 inches. the cockpit is very well laid out, excellent field of vision, not one single aspect of the interior trim looks or feels cheap.while shopping for this vehicle i compared it to 9 other cars in its segment, nothing felt anywhere near as polished or fun to drive.

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  Awesome Choice - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By spell99 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I spent a lot of time doing research on many makes of new cars and none offered the level of features for the money that the Mustang did. It is a great car!!!

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  30000 miles - 2001 Ford Escape
  By gnomic - January 7 - 2:00 am

  A solid, reliable SUV for those who want SUV features without poor gas milage.

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  Great family car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By green2go - January 7 - 12:36 am

  Everything about this car is tight, and I mean that in a good way -- firm, responsive steering, awesome braking, no squeaks or rattles, fun to drive! So far, getting about 28 mpg on highway and 22 in town ... in a truly spacious sedan. My family loves it. New (at least to me) features like self-dimming rear view mirror work really well. Feels like a luxury car to me, at really good price!

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  Black Bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By scott hogeland - January 6 - 11:36 pm

  Best driving & handling car I have ever owned. Battery was dead upon delivery, but car had been sitting for a long time. Ignition switch locked up and could not be turned - dealer fixed with new switch. Transmission shows "E" while traveling. Water leak in drivers side window. All supposed to be fixed per TSB guidelines. Strange problems for a premium car.

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  RELIABLE - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Jeroen Walstra - January 6 - 10:02 pm

  The car cost me $3070 in repairs over 5 years. We had very few problems and provided ample space for a family of 5. Even friends can be taken along as a result of the folding seat in the back.