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:

• 

  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By johnb56 - December 27 - 9:13 pm

  I have driven this car for 11 years with no major problems. Even received free tires when they recalled the Firestones. This has been a great vehicle but with 152,000 miles, I am now thinking of buying a new one.

• 

  Head On Crunched in Half - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By broken feet and legs - December 27 - 7:32 pm

  I bought the Explorer in July of 05. I drove it and had problems with the brakes and it going through tires much too fast, a bad battery cable, etc. It used oil. The dealership I bought it from said they had completely checked the vehicle out and it was in great condition. On Thanksgiving as I was driving to my aunts, a man in a Dodge Caravan hit me head on at full speed on the front driver side and completely crunched the entire front end into my feet and body. I became encased in the metal and steering wheel. I was cut out of the car and life flighted with 2 broken legs, head injury, lacerated spleen and liver. A month after I cant walk or stand.

• 

  Worst Car I have EVER owned - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Mechele - December 27 - 6:28 pm

  Worst vehicle I have ever owned. Bought it with 75,000 miles on it. Have had to have 4 MAJOR repairs before it hit 100 thousand miles (electrical problems). Gas mileage is horrible, even after a tune up, new tires, alignments & religiously changing oil and transmission fluid. My 4x4 jeep Cherokee got better city mileage than this Ford gets on the highway (@60mph.) I discovered this year and model is at the top of the "Do NOT buy used" list. I will NEVER buy another FORD vehicle everyone in my family has had poor experiences with Ford Vehicles.

• 

  Completely satisfied - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Rob W - December 27 - 11:19 am

  I enjoy driving the Explorer when my wife lets me. This is our 5th SUV and 4th Explorer. I tested the Toyota 4Runner and Honda Pilot but chose this truck because I do some towing and have had great success with this model. We cart our 2 golder retrievers around a lot and they seem comfortable when we lower all the rear seats. Im not necessarily a Ford person since our other vehicle is a Toyota Matrix but I rely heavily on consumer magazines and websites when we are doing research for a new vehicle.

• 

  T bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Steve - December 27 - 4:09 am

  I am 62 and have problems driving the vehicle. I am also a mechanic, and find it very difficult to do the simplest of all chores on this vehicle. I am not a fan of the automatic transmission I think Ford should have offered a five speed or six speed manual with the vehicle. The car does rattle and have some squeaks, but thats a Ford product for ya. Also the hard top leaks and is difficult to put on. Pros - the car is a head turner. Everywhere I go with it, people look. The seats are indeed comfortable, and the sound system is really nice. As for design, I love the way it emulates the old T-birds. The convertible top is great, and its easy to operate. The 3.9L V8 runs smoothly.

• 

  Love it Triton 5.4 - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Expedition 300hp - December 27 - 2:19 am

  Great! SUV nice to have on family vacations. Great to have sunroof package because of nice views of mountains. Very Innovative truck. Upgraded from my 2002 Chevy LT Tahoe. Its like Chevy never changed their interior design. But my 05 Expedition can be my house and great RCS package. Great tow-package for boats.

• 

  Bad Choice - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JerryG - December 27 - 2:13 am

  After owning Toyotas for years, I decided to buy the Escape. Bad choice. The quality is so inferior to the Toyota, feels like its going to fall apart. Tacky plastic parts. The leather seats are of low quality. Everything seems so cheap. The engines get up and go just isnt there. The gas mileage is terrible. This SUV lacks many of basic comfort and common sense features present in many other SUVs of similar size and price. Overall, it was a bad choice and will be traded in for a better SUV even though its only a year old.

• 

  Love the car on snow and gravel - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Glenn R - December 27 - 12:14 am

  This car is very fun to drive in the snow or gravel. It has a slight problem with losing the rear in cornering but only when turning too fast or going around the bend too fast. Quick reaction you have it back in line and continue. Just remember to obey the law!

• 

  Ford T-Bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By ecs - December 27 - 12:05 am

  The new Ford T-Birds have a unique design that gains a lot of attention. It handles like a sports car, with the interior and comfort of a luxury automobile. Though not very roomy, it is the perfect fun in the sun car.

• 

  Best hybrid yet - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By frankieboy - December 26 - 2:26 pm

  The Fusion Hybrid combines the newest technology and a simple yet elegant design into what is clearly the benchmark for a midsize hybrid car. From the "smart gauge" instrument cluster, to the amazing navigation and sync system, the driver is given all his information in a pleasing and coherent manner. Acceleration from a stop is spirited and much better than the Camry Hybrid and about the same as the Altima Hybrid. The ride is comfortable yet responsive. Front and rear comfort are on par with Lexus. The rear trunk is roomy. There is really nothing to dislike about this new car -- except all the stares! There is simply no hybrid available now to compare with this car.