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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  Outstanding - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By G Dogg - August 21 - 8:21 pm

  Over a quarter of a million miles and still going strong. The first 4 years pulled a 24 boat every weekend in the summer. Have only used Mobil 1 oil in it. 4 sets of tires, 3 sets of front pads and 2 sets on the rear. 1 alternator, 2 batteries. Replaced the hoses and belts for the 1st time this year just because of the age. No rust on the vehicle and we live in Wisconsin.

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  Hybrid that doesnt have drawbacks - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By neevers - August 21 - 7:23 pm

  I came out of a Ford Mustang GT, my first american car, in to this car, because I wanted something more practical, I was originally looking at getting the 1.6 with the manual, but decided on the hybrid instead after running the numbers. Well Im really happy! So far Im averaging 45mpg, though currently the car only has 360ish miles on it. Its comfortable, carries a lot, its fast enough, though not a sports car by any means, super smooth, its really great, and of course its absolutely gorgeous inside and out. I have the luxury option so its leather and the My ford touch option, mainly because I think the normal dash looks a little cheap. I was a little scared of the MFT, but its great!

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  Its Been Great - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By wwtexas - August 21 - 5:37 pm

  I purchased an Eddie Bauer Expedition in April of 2003. It has over 76,000 miles and and has had only minor maintenance issues. Cant complain. It still rides and drives like it did when I first bought it. Gas mileage is the only draw-back.

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tanotunes - August 21 - 2:06 pm

  I just purchased a new 05 500 SE AWD a little over a week ago. I feel I received an excellent deal and was pleased with the buying experience. The car rides so smoothly and I love the interior. Many have had negative comments about the fake carbon fiber trim, but I find it attractive ... much better looking than the fake wood. The car is so roomy and I enjoy the high seating! All wheel drive is definitely an added plus! Didnt need leather, sunroof or foglamps, so I couldnt justify choosing a higher trim. The SE comes standard with so much as it is, including power drivers seat. I recommend this car for anyone looking for a well made sedan with an attractive price tag.

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  F-150 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By jc - August 21 - 1:51 pm

  Ive always owned pickups and bought this F-150 (my first Ford) in 02. The best truck Ive ever owned. Used for commuting and it was a pleasure to drive, even for a 5-speed. Had 90,000 miles and the original clutch. Im sold and will always drive an F-150.

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  love it - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By sport trac - August 21 - 10:00 am

  excellent, fun to drive, very handy features, very comfortable, a very good reliable truck to own

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  Depreciation monster beware. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By tcliffton - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Fuel pump went out at 37,000 miles, not acceptable. Dead in the driveway. Ford wanted $900 with special 4x4 tow to garage. Did it myself for $300, nasty job. Radio display bad. Rear wiper and rear electric release bad. Needs 4 shocks and brakes at 38,000. Got sucked into the SUV craze I guess, very few people actually need these vehicles. Driving 4600 lbs of detroit steel to drive work and get groceries is insane, you really cant hual any more than you can in a cars trunk and back seat.

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  1998 Explorer Woes - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By smph50 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Almost $4000 in dealer warranty work. Nothing major, just a lot of stuff that should not have broke. Rotors every 20000 miles. Three sets of ball joints. Two multifunction switches. Radio, 4wheel drive shift motor, intake manifold gaskets, AC, door locks, fog lamps, transmission gaskets, oil pan gaskets, rear axel seals and cables.

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  good car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mustang guy time - August 21 - 10:00 am

  this car is worth waht it costs. Good drive and very reliableaand fuel ifficent.

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  Great Vehicle - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Dwane Swacina - August 20 - 10:15 pm

  The Sport has better road feel in the steering, the engine has fantastic power, the front seats are very confortable( I am 63"), the handling for the sport is very positive for an SUV(much better than my F-150) and as good as a sedan, the fit and finish inside is great. The only thing we think needs improvement is the instrument gauges, or lack of. I would like to see more gauges like in the F-150. Overall we think this is a great vehicle.