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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  Problems of the Week - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Cliff C. - November 17 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this as a "certified" pre-owned in March. Everything was great for the 1st month. Then one little problem after another every week or two. So far the catalytic converter, motor mounts, exhaust manifold and y-pipe have been replaced. I still get an odd rattle from under the hood. The only thing that is certifiable now is me not buying another Ford!

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  BEST QUALITY - 2005 Ford Escape
  By AUTOS - November 16 - 11:06 pm

  To my initial surprise, I had to hold on when a hard acceleration is applied. Tremendous pick-up! Rides like an SUV handles like a sports car. Nothing but positive compliments from passengers.

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  Last Ford - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By Ed - November 16 - 5:22 pm

  Best way to rate this "Fixed Or Repaired Daily" truck is to list the problems: knocking-pinging on hot days going up hills, steering rack assembly (warranty), steering gear ($500), alternator ($250), instrument panel lights ($50), right side HEAD ($1,800), heater diverter valve ($75), leak through third taillight ($75), arm rest (havent bothered to fix yet) -- all in less than 90,000 miles. Latest problem - potential bad lifter.

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  40,000 miles and paint chipping off???!!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Cathy - November 16 - 4:56 pm

  Ive driven Explorers for 20 years. Ive been thoroughly satisfied with every one....until now. After purchasing a certified 2013 XLT with 39,00 miles, in the perfect colour, I thought I was in for many years and many miles of satisfaction. Wrong! On THE DRIVE HOME a piece of paint came off the hood! Needless to say, I was--and remain--frustrated and angry. After many calls to the dealer, trips to two body shops, and LOTS of research, Im left with the knowledge that dealers, Ford Motor, and body shops are all aware of this long-standing issue. Thats what Im left with....oh, and the news that the wonderful warranty we have is worthless and the repairs (anywhere from $600-$1000) is all on me. 33 days into ownership and I wish I had my 10-year-old vehicle back. Im done with Ford.

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  An Outstanding Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By dezop - November 16 - 4:10 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for just over a month now. Have already taken it on one long highway trip--got just over 30 MPG! The drivers seat is the most comfortable Ive ever sat in. The vehicle is extremely quiet on the road and seems to be put together very well. I look forward to experiencing the AWD when the snow flies.

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  Kevins Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Kevin - November 16 - 3:47 pm

  Its a lot of fun to drive, GREAT performance, and I didnt buy it for fuel economy. The seats are comfortable, and have lumbar support, and adjustments to the sides of the seating surface and the back rest, but dont try to get an adult in the back seat for a long trip, car seats dont fit well either.

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  Wow - 2006 Ford GT
  By barrat - November 16 - 3:02 pm

  The GT surpasses the WOW factor. Pros - Awesome performance, great sound system, perfect instrument panel, comfortable seats, and a real head turner. Its plenty fast and turns on a dime. The lighting system is impressive. Exhaust sound is throaty and strong. Interior is quiet. Cons - Hard to negotiate when backing up (blind spot). No extra room for anything (not the car to take on a trip unless traveling alone). Everyone wants a ride. Happy motoring.

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  "Best in class" - 1999 Ford F-150
  By John Pikolcz - November 16 - 2:49 pm

  I wish the mpg was higher. I experience a low of 9, and a high of 14 mpg on the road. I often tow a boat trailer, and the truck pulls great. I love the interior room, which nothing on the road can compare to it. After 6 years and 60,000 miles of tough use, I replaced an ignition coil 3 times, 1 fuel pump, and had one brake job. As for everything else, it looks, runs, and rides like brand new. Except for the coil problem (?), and my wish for higher gas mileage, I cant complain. My friends also drive (other brands of) 4x4 pick-ups, and they say their mileage is worse than mine. I have a heavy truck, that was rear-ended hard while I was stopped. I had no damage. I love my F150 4x4!

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  2005 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By kzmt4me - November 16 - 1:58 pm

  This is a good vehicle. It is reliable and the traction control has helped in the Florida rains. I have never been able to get the navigation system to work properly but thats ok ... we still have maps. The kids love the back seat DVD player but it is inconvenient because it blocks your rearview mirror 100% when it is in use. The back up warning is very effective and saved many a kids bike from being crushed.

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  MUCH IMPROVED - 2005 Ford Focus
  By durability05 - November 15 - 10:53 pm

  Previously owned a 2000 Focus LX, until I moved up to SUVs, still own 04 wrangler and 04 Pilot EX. I use this Focus as a commuter car, and it is not only cheaper than my 2000 Focus. It cost me only $12,000. It is much improved, especially in power ,auto transmission, handling and braking. And it still retains its exclusive Euro traits, excellent car!