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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  Car is a gas hog! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Fran - February 16 - 5:00 pm

  Id hoped to come close to the sticker advertised MPG rating but so far, cant come close. I am not a hot rodder, but a 76 year old female who drives to drive the posted speed limit, city or highway and dont dig out at stop signs. The last fill up I got 17.95--not anywhere near the 33 or 29 MPG as advertised. I wished I had kept my 2000 Sable, as I got 24 MPG with that and did not have to sit in a furnace at a stop light unless I turn on the Max Air which turn on the engine. I have conferred with the dealer two times, the last time they said I should try PREMIUM GASOLINE!!! I bought this vehicle for economy not to break my budget. Is anyone else out there getting this bad gasoline mileage?

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  Fords best engine ever - 1995 Ford F-150
  By PaulR - February 16 - 3:35 pm

  The long-stroke 4.9 liter six is the best engine (most durable and trouble free) Ford ever built. But, I must qualify that. It is durable and dependable, and it has tons of low-end torque. But, it hits its peak torque at only 2,000 RPM, so it has nothing left at the top end. It strains to go faster than 60-65 MPH. The truck is a typical Ford. Even though it only has 61,000 miles, lots of little things are popping up. Door handle hardware, door fit, vinyl upholstery wear, window knobs, EGR valve, interior trim panels, automatic locking hubs, all have broken. I think a truck should be more durable than that, but it probably is no worse than a Chevy or Dodge in that respect.

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  fool me once, shame on me, twice shame.... - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By not job one - February 12 - 7:57 pm

  For a small truck (4.0L) the mileage is too low. Full size GMC small V8 is near the same. Like all Ford pickups the front brakes are junk. Rotors rusted apart in less than 60,000km, $100 CAD each to replace. The front wheel bearings BOTH went at 107,000Km. $800.00 CAD to replace! Ive never known these bearings to fail in other trucks past 275,000km. GARBAGE! Just waiting for the $500 ball joints next. Dont buy this truck, get a Toyota instead.

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  driver - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Pete - February 12 - 11:46 am

  Enjoy driving it, its a gas guzzler comparing it to other minivans and a has small gas tank. Averaging 300 miles to a tank or 12.3 miles to gallon of gas. Still dont know why they advertise it for 17 mpg city to 22 mpg for freeways.

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  7700 package 5.4liter 4x4 - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 037700XL - February 10 - 8:58 pm

  Seats uncomfortable on long hauls. Front of bucket seat too high for me. Click on acceleration, maybe u-joints. 4WD floor shift works, but sometimes have to drive a fair distance to engage once it wouldnt till put into 4low, then clunked into 4x4. CD/radio went completely dead for 2 hour highway drive then came back on and hasnt done it since. Surprisingly smooth ride considering heavy duty package.

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  PROBLEMS - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Cameron EX - February 9 - 12:50 pm

  What can go wrong on my Explorer has. I have had 3 transmissions. The inside is falling apart and the foil aluminum is coming off of my bumper and the thing is noisy.

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  ok car - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By joey - February 8 - 12:25 pm

  I bought this car with low miles on it for the year. Since then I have spent over $6,000 dollars in repairs for this car. Transmission, radiator, radiator fan and motor, suspension, top, and it goes through tires and brakes fast. Another bad thing about this car is the electrical problems. My A/C system only blows on high and the O2 sensor and evaporative sensor also have been replaced All the problems started to happen after 75,000 miles other than all the bad stuff this car is fun to drive with the top down and handles pretty well. Gas mileage is also pretty bad - about 15 mpg with the v6.

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  Good for a Mule - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Cyan - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Good for a mule- we use it to load up the commuter miles. Otheriwse- I hate it. The fuel tank only holds enough for about 300 miles. Weve taken it to the dealership to get stupid stuff fixed already and it breaks again. Also- we can hear the transmission slipping every once in a while... and we arent harsh drivers. Wonder how long it will last-- good for cheap transportation thats fairly reliable for its class. Very uncomfortable if you are planning long trips.

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  Overpriced American Car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Chris K. - February 6 - 11:46 pm

  The car is nice looking. But thats about as far as it goes. There is no back seat room. The dash and instrument panel are very inexpensive, looking like something you would find in a $10K car. Even the leather seats have room for improvement. The automatic transmission clunks when you put it in gear. The rear end feels like your riding on marbles. The list goes on. My wife wanted this car for its looks and from driving it, thats all it has.

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  Good first car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By distortme - February 3 - 9:33 pm

  I bought my Escort in Feb of 2004. It was in bad shape. With some fresh oil and new spark plugs it ran pretty well. The body has a lot of rust on the outside, and the interior is falling apart on the doors. Its got 143,000 miles on it, and even though cant handle the highway anymore it is WONDERFUL for driving around the city. I rarely need to go on the highway good thing because the car feels like it will stall if i go above 60. Its been good to me in the year Ive had it. I have only had to put new tires on it and buy a new 10 dollar belt.