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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  More time in shop than on road - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Ruthy - October 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this vehicle for 3 months now and have had to take it in for repair six times. Seems like it has been in the shop more than we have driven it. I dont feel it is reliable at all! Hope to get it off our hands ASAP!

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  not the best - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By needacar - October 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van 1 1/2 years ago, and have done nothing but pour money into it. The whole engine has given out, the cam shaft is broke, both heads cracked, weve had to put in a new radiator, water pump, rack and pinion, and other things I am too frustrated to remember. A lousy deal for us. Beware.

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  No 3 spark plug on the triton engine - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Lion - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Our expedition was an ok SUV. Breaks were exspensive to replace and the engine light loved to come on and cost us money to get the SUV annalyzed only to find out they had no idea what was wrong. The car would run ruff and sputter after the rain and than dry out and the light would go off. We had it checked again before our family vacation and were told there was nothing wrong. Well the spark plug blew out on the Penn turnpike in route to our vacation destination. We found out it would be at least 3330.00 to fix it but it would take well over a week. We over payed for an Explorer and picked up the Expedition on the way back. Build a better product.

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  not satisfied - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By mustanggurl80 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had problems since the day I got this car. All electrical, right now the car in is the shop b/c all the lights came on on the dash for no reason and my fuel gage went to from a full tank to empty and gas gage came on with all the others. To begin with the radio some how made the car not crank. The ford place were rude to me, have been since I bought the car and I will never buy a ford again in my life. Oh and I wasnt given a spare key with my car which was a demo, thus roadside assistance scratched my newly tinted windows They are beautiful cars but horribly made,they drink gas, buy something else besides a ford!

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  HELP - 2002 Ford Escape
  By STANMONT9919 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  BROUGHT BACK SEVERAL TIMES TO GET ORDOR OUT OF VENTILATION SYSTEM, NO LUCK TO DATE. SMELLS (MOLDY) LIKE "STINKY FEET" OR "ROTTEN EGG", HORRIBLE. ALSO WHEN COMING TO COMPLETE STOP, FRONT END (BRAKES) MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND. FORD ENGINEER STATES THAT COMMON TO ESCAPES??

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  Looks - 2005 Ford Escape
  By sue - September 28 - 10:56 pm

  Love the drive, but unless they re-did the interior I would not buy another Escape. Has no upscale amenities.Temp control, too much plastic, otherwise I love the car..

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  disappointed - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By 52 MORE PAYMENTS - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Should of bought a Tacoma. This truck is one of the most popular mini trucks on the road, and other then price I dont understand why. Ive had this truck for five months, and its been in the shop for twenty five days, at diferent times. The list is long, The computer modual that controls the wipers, the wiper motor, passenger power window, passenger door latch, fender flair, rear end rumble, and an alignment in first week. What happened to fords claim that quality is job one.

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  Dissappointed - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Sydnee - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle used and purchased the extended warrenty which paid for itself in no time. Weve had to replace the brake pads twice because of leaking rear seals, the rear axle, and the transfer case motor. The heated drivers seat broke. Now the alternator needs replaced and now the engine makes a funny clicking noise until it warms up. I think of my 16 year old Honda as more dependable and it has certainly cost us less in repairs over the last two years.They thought perhaps a $700 tune up would fix its problems. That was just two months ago. Ive had it, were car shopping!

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  Rattle Trap - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By aquanut - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Good power, handling. Good tow vehicle. Interior is functional with nice extras. All passenger doors rattle. Wind noise is heard at highway speeds. Excessive brake dust on front wheels. Annoying windshield solvent low indicator goes on when tank is only about half empty.

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  Fool Me Once Ford, NEVER AGAIN! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By MarkWilliams - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The vehile rattles like a box of bolts. The A/C makes a serious grinding when starting vehicle and Transmission makes a sound like youve run over something when youve slowed down and speed back up, 2nd to 3rd gear. Truck spent 14 days at dealership in 1st month. I dont trust it, would never buy a FORD again.