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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  Review - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Geronimo - December 25 - 9:26 pm

  Very pleased with this truck. Recently took it on a 1800 miles tour - spotless performance. My previous truck was a 2WD 2006 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 engine (I think). That Explorer had an amazing amount of poke pulling off.It would match or beat many new lightweight cars. In this respect my Expedition is a geriatric. But its a price paid for all else being very good indeed.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mike Otting - December 25 - 8:09 pm

  We have had the vehicle for almost 4 years now and almost 78k miles and have had no complaints. We went to the dealer once for noise coming from the front of the vehicle and the dealer new exactly what it was and fixed it on an oil change. Something with the sway bar bushings. We have four kids and the room for seven is great. Here in the midwest we can get some good snow storms and this vehicle can get around with ease. The mileage could be alittle better. We get anywhere from 16-19 mpg depending on the time of the year. Our other vehicle is a 09 Sienna which we love as well, but I can certainly feel more quality with the Toyota, but for what we paid on the explorer it was a great buy

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  Disappointed - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Doug - December 24 - 1:46 pm

  IÂ’m a huge Ford fan however Ford didnÂ’t get it right with the Explorer. Take for example my 2007 F-150, I love it. The Explorer isnÂ’t up to par with the European or Japanese SUVs as far as fit and finish and probably reliability. With 40K M to date, the follow have been replaced: gear shifter, heater valve, alternator, & Nav system fixed. The vehicle has lots of interior plastic too. The ride is harsh for 4 wheel independent suspension. Visibility is poor. There are big side blind spots and with the 3rd row head rests up, itÂ’s poor out the back too. The trans off the line hesitates/sluggish (been reflashed). Steering at slow speed is heavy. IÂ’m not a big fan of the interior door handles.

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  My $100 Escort - 1991 Ford Escort
  By pevey2469 - December 24 - 12:59 pm

  I obtained my Escort from its grave. It had a broken timing belt, which in turn means it need a cylinder head. I put one on it at 145k and that was all. Ever since I have driven my "Little Go-Cart" over 10,000 miles with out a hitch. Engine is original and will probably need replacement around 165-180k but since I am a journeyman mechanic for 20 plus years,I believe it is worth it and a good all around runabout. Ford Rules!

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  Alot of driving - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jeannie P - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I own a hi milege focus wagon (126K) and continue to rack up the miles. Overall I enjoy the sporty look of the focus and like to drive it. But there is always room for improvement. My automatic has a fluttering during regular driving. But no major trips to the dealer.

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  Beautiful, but bad quality - 2004 Ford Focus
  By isbllvaz - December 24 - 10:00 am

  First week I have purchased it, the fuel bump went bad and had to be replaced (about $230, the car dealership has replaced it). Two more months and the alternator went bad ($120), so both the alternator and the battery ($60) had to be replaced. On top of it all, the wheel got stuck one day and the whole key set ($200) had to be replaced. My car has been towed three times in the first 5 months that I had it. Also, the a/c, when is turned on, does take away the performance of the engine... the car does not go as fast as if the a/c was turned off.

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  2 Year Update - 2002 Ford Focus
  By urlacher_fan54 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my zts about 2 years ago and am still pretty happy with it. If you are looking for a cheap car, this is a great option. Overall it is still a nice car. One of my rim caps fell off ($20). My dealership didnt send me my extended warranty papers and when I went to my dealership I got the run around. My front passenger speaker is blown and my stereo sometimes (rarely, only 3 times in the 2 years Ive had it) shuts off when pushing the buttons in the middle where it disconnects. The center console was not made well and doesnt latch well anymore. Im thinking about taking my car in to fix some of these problems but not looking forward to it.

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  The Best Ive Owned - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By vlovett - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Our Eddie Bauer Explorer makes travel very enjoyable. Very comfortable and quiet--we swapped our OE tires for Goodyear Fortera--really smooth and quiet. Rear Entertainment Center keeps my two grand daughters to occupied to ask how much farther. This Explorer handles so much better than my previous 2000 model. We just love the vehicle.

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  "satisfied customer" - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Troy Jordan - December 23 - 8:09 pm

  I received this car cas my first vehicle. I was so excited to be receiving soothing this nice for my first car. My parents said they wanted me to have something safe and reliable. So far this suv has been great true to my parents word. I bought it with 99,000 mile and i was nervous because all of the reviews said it went down hill after 70 or so. It was a rental car before me which means must have been under proper care ( regular oil changes and inspections ect..) so that easied my nerves a little. I have had it for about two years now. It is now at 140000 miles. I still have not had one single issue. I do take care of it though with oil changes and inspections. So over all im very happy.

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  217K miles still runs great - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Mad Drew - December 23 - 6:41 pm

  What can I say? 217K miles so far and still going strong. 2.5L engine, 5 spd manual. Changed the timing belt & clutch at 155K and checked everything....solid little truck. The interior is getting some wear, the ball joints will probably need replacing soon as will the shocks (hey, > 200K miles on ORIGINAL parts aint bad) but the truck burns NO oil, still has decent power (tho Im sure the compression has to be down a bit...) and rides fine. Paint still pretty good, and the interior, tho showing some wear, still is decent. Heck, think Ill buy another one...