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:

• 

  Like this truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By X-Style - July 18 - 5:13 am

  Had the truck two years so far. No problems. Its an everyday driver, minimal issues "mysterious knock when in reverse". Everyone likes the looks and I like to drive it. Very comfy inside. I am a big guy and have no problems. I have even slept in the truck a couple of times, but dont try to climb behind the seats. My only regret with this truck is that i did not buy the 4x4. I would not use the 4x4 much, but it is nice to have when you need it. This truck in much bigger than the old Rangers. You sit high, nice clearance, good handling, great acceleration, but you do feel pot holes and speed bump. If you buy this truck you will like it.

• 

  Fusion Flaws - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Cheryl - July 18 - 2:07 am

  Purchased 2015 Ford Fusion in December 2016. It was a lease with 38k miles. Shortly after, the car would not start after putting gas in tank, putters like it wants to cut off at red traffic lights, occasional rocking motion at traffic stops, makes a moaning sound in the gas tank area and jerks when excellerating. I took it to Tom Holzer Ford and a faulty purge valve was diagnosed. The warranty does not cover it and the dealership quoted $430. I found a licensed mechanic that will charge me $150, including parts & labor. Nevertheless, I am disappointed having to come out-of-pocket at all.

• 

  GREAT SUV - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By LORI - July 17 - 10:25 pm

  We owned an Explorer before this Expedition. With three little kids we needed something bigger. The handling is great for a big vehicle, and a smooth ride. Enough room for three car seats across the second row of seats, and room for three adults in the third row. Very safe vehicle and performed great in safety crash tests. Enough cargo room when third seat is folded down to handle suitcases, strollers, coolers, and extra groceries. I really, really like this big SUV.

• 

  Very nice car - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Taurus - July 17 - 7:55 pm

  I have only had the car a short time but so far, Im very impressed. Very nice car for the money!

• 

  2005 Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By David - July 17 - 3:10 pm

  The Explorer gives a very solid, yet comfortable ride. It handles well in the snow and ice.

• 

  RUN AWAY FROM THIS CAR - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Cbyers6300 - July 17 - 5:28 am

  I have a 2013 Ford Fiesta. In the 12 months Ive owned the car weve continuously had electrical and transmission issues. It shifts hard or not at all, the lights go out with the heater is on, the heater goes off when the radio is on, the car turns off while stopped at red lights, etc. A ford dealership finally changed out the transmission last month after I had it in multiple times but only did so when I told them I knew it was under recall. They did not offer this recall to me. They blamed the electrical issues on the transmission. They finally changed out the transmission in Jan 2018. The problems came back three weeks later and the dealership blamed it on the alternator this time. We paid the $500 to have the alternator changed and the car is still shifting hard, running at 4000 rpms in 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, dying at red lights, etc. How do I solve these problems once and for all you ask? Sell the lemon and move on with my life. Or at least that is my plan. Ford has not been helpful at all in solving this problem once and for all.

• 

  Better Then All Domestics & some Imports - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Ed - July 17 - 3:15 am

  For the price (MRSP $35,300), purchased for $25,454 that cant be beat. Very well built compared to any domestic brand. The only other SUV I would consider over this would be the Honda Pilot, but that costs more for the same features and no rebates. Second Ford, not sure of any problems, the 1st (Mustang 04 GT) had a few. Do hear a weird whinny/whistling sound from time to time and only has 1200 miles in two months so it worries me. Found two interior bits not well attached. The GT was plagued with that too.

• 

  Love the car, but... - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Griffy Baby - July 16 - 10:56 pm

  Have had my Shelby for over 3 months. The car has 3,000 miles and she has gone to the shop about every 400 miles - blown radiator hose, replace tracking sensor, engine check light, etc. My father bought an Edsel. I believe this car is its reincarnation. Maybe someday I will get the bugs completely worked out of this car. Ford could have done a better job of quality control. This is the one and only Ford I ever intend to own in my lifetime.

• 

  Hope the kinks are out - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Mike - July 16 - 10:28 pm

  Bought this car used and had problems from the day I picked it up. When I picked up Escape the remote mirrors did not work & the salesman had taken out the radio due to problems. About a month later the emergency brake froze (would not release). Then about 2 months after that the power moonroof would not open (no Escape for 5 days). No other problems after that (thank goodness). I was seriously considering selling this vehicle, but decided to hang on to it. Hopefully all the kinks are out.

• 

  Best SUV I have ever driven - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jack - July 16 - 7:17 pm

  I have driven the Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, and the Chevy Tahoe and my Explorer tops them all. Its roomy you dont feel cramped like you do in the 4Runner (low roof line). The interior design is simple, easy to understand, and has so much room for storage. The back seats fold flat giving huge cargo room. Drives great, steering is very responsive, and there is little road noise. Never had any problems other than a recall on the back window hinges.