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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  leaking coolant - 2000 Ford Focus
  By 1432 - May 13 - 6:04 pm

  Leaking coolant after 33,000 miles dealer replaced water pump twice. At 65,000 miles again leaking coolant per dealer diagnosis thermostat housing froze and leaked. This ruined water pump. Dealer changed water pump, again twice. This suggested that quality of parts are bad. All total this car has had 5 water pumps for the first 65,000 miles. Car was taken to independent mechanic. After more tests to find cause of loosing coolant, it was determined that coolant was passing to cylinder and head repair has to be done. This problem is in addition to transmission electronic component failing, rear window not working, and the rough idling causing vibration.

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  Ford Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By bhogreve - May 13 - 5:44 pm

  Good utilitarian vehicle. Some interior upgrades would be nice. I got the Eddie Bauer version but still a little unfinished.

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  My fifth F150 and they keep getting better - 2015 Ford F-150
  By JoeCool - May 13 - 4:40 pm

  After owning four F150s (2000, 2005, 2010, 2012), I tinkered with the idea of getting a GMC Sierra. I do like the way the GMCs look. I went to a local dealership and they let me drive a 2016 GMC Sierra SLT 5.3L around for the weekend. The first thing I noticed was a very sluggish feel to exceleration compared to my 2012 F150 5.0. Also, the interior had a cheap feel to it. I eventually passed on the Seirra and ended up back in an F150. It has the 3.5L ecoboost engine. Man, this thing is fast. Overall, I love the truck. Fords just seem to be getting better and better. Glad I stayed with the F150.

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  Great family car! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TomS - May 13 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car a week before our twins arrived. We needed room for 3 young children and our 99 Volvo XC had no good 3rd row option(Volvo only offers a rear-facing 3rd row seat). The EB Explorer we bought is loaded (V8, 4WD, 3rd row seat, side airbags, reverse sensing system, auxilary climate control) and cost about $34K. It handles well, doesnt ride like a truck, has great power, tons of room, and has gotten excellent safety ratings. A comparably equipped Benz M30 wouldve cost me $44K. The Acura MDX has a tiny 3rd row seat and a 6- month waiting list. If youre outgrowing a wagon or a smaller SUV, I highly recommend the Explorer.

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  Love the Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By WDAVIS - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great design everyone loves the truck I have the best of both worlds suv/pickup only problems is the rotors and the front pads whats going on Ford lets fix this problem.

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  Extreme Lightning - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Biff - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a riot to own! The looks you get from people are worth the cost alone. But the real joy is when you open it up and scare the unsuspecting victims! Definitely get one if you have the means!!

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  A Ford engineer addicted HP! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Mark Wagner - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Truck currently runs 13.05@112mph with only a larger crank pulley, Cold air intake, and a Diablo Revolution chip. Better tires will get 12s. Do not believe mid to low 12s with these options. Its only talk. The truck now Dynos at 460hp, and looks great with a dual ram air hood from Cervinis.com

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  First Car in College - 1999 Ford Escort
  By ibnice - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I got my ZX2 3 years ago and have been so thankful for it. No, its not a road demon, but it definately has treated me well in the years that Ive driven it. It picks up well, and handles relatively well considering that it is an entry level car. Ive had no mechanical problems with it in the three years that Ive owned it. Be ware that it doesnt handle the rain very well, it slips and slides all around the road in water. High speeds are also a bit scary. Dispit the fact that the car has the engine capability to get up and go, the cars design limits its stability on the highway to about 85 mph.

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  pretty fly for a van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By bigpimpin - May 13 - 10:00 am

  up until now it has been very reliable and powerful, i find myself racing some smaller inline 4 cylender cars and winning. great built quality except for a heating prob. other then that 106,000 miles without a sweat, also handles like a car

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  Good Used SUVs - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Irish Red - May 13 - 3:25 am

  I like the quick pickup - smooth handling and the comfortable ride - for an SUV.