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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  Quite a change - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Duane D - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only had the vehicle a very short time, it looks like a love affair is in the making. I went from a Mitsubishi Spyder Convertible to the Explorer and love it. I was afraid it would feel too big, but does not. I love the fit and finish in the new fords and the exterior turns heads. The 6 cyl 4.0 seems to pack enough punch and the 5 speed tranny is a dream.

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  Big and Boring - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By dmorningcall - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a big beast! No problems with quality, and the car drives very smoothly. The car, however, lacks all character and personality and one tires quickly. The large mirrors are awesome but the second row seats are very disappointing given a vehicle of this size. Gas mileage not bad for this size of vehicle. I miss my Land Rover!! BEWARE: If you want to hand in your vehicle (off the lease early) the dealer can charge a $1000 mark-up to another dealer wholesaling the truck. This is completely UNFAIR.

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  Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Sven8828 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle! I absolutely love my new Expedition. Excellent visibility, outstanding handling...a pure joy to drive.

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  Maybe I Got Lucky - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By rufus1959 - January 29 - 1:46 am

  Powerful 4.0 SOHC engine, lots of options, nice styling, and comfortable. Needs better shocks and it has front end alignment problems. I got the timing chain tensioner and intake manifold gasket recall problem fixed at 50,000 miles. It has 101,000 miles on it now and the only problems Ive had were two thermostats replaced, front end alignment, and a battery. It could use some new shocks though. Overall it has been a pleasure to own. Ive had other Fords and I have experienced numerous problems with them. Maybe I got lucky with this Explorer. Resale value is terrible, but thats the norm with a Ford.

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  most reliable truck ever - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By rnttheriot - January 29 - 1:43 am

  This truck just does not fail to impress. It is the most reliable truck I have ever owned. It has never been in a shop. Regular maintenance I do myself, change oil every 4000 miles, add oil treatment and fuel treatment at every oil change. This truck made me a true believer in Fords, since I owned Chevy and Dodge previously.

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  fairly good truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Georgia Engineer - January 29 - 12:55 am

  Overall no "major" quality or reliability problems, but enough to be annoying. Require several premature repairs after basic warranty passenger door lock intermittent, rear sliding glass windows leaked from day one, cup holder spring broke, check engine light on and $300 sensor repair at 37 months (just out of warranty), cheap tires, brakes needed at replaced at 25K mikes, Cruise control sometimes acts erratic and disconnects on its own. Engine is powerful. Body finish is still excellent. Only big negative was that Ford service could never duplicate rear window leak (floor always wet after every rain). I finally repaired the leak myself.

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  Excellent American car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Russ - January 28 - 8:06 pm

  I have never owned an American car before but always hoped I would find one worth buying. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is that car! Exterior styling draws attention and lots of positive comments. The interior is roomy enough for my wife and I as well as for our 2 teenage sons. The interior materials and well fit and finish are excellent. The Fusion Hybrid draws you into the fuel economy game with great information delivered via a great looking instrument panel. The technology offered with the Nav system / Sony sound package is top notch. Love the Sync system. FF Hybrid is fun to drive, comfortable and looks great - by the way it is easy to beat the EPA estimates!!

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  Great Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By PETER LOVEITT - January 28 - 11:48 am

  I bought this used, with 78K miles. First owner had taken very good care of truck with a lot of highway commute miles. I have continued with good up keep, only having to replace lower ball joints and front brakes and disks. Only wish 4.6L had more pep. And gas milage is poor.

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  Ford 500 instead of a Charger - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Rena - January 28 - 5:30 am

  We bought a 500 while looking for a Charger. When we saw the 500 my husband fell in love with it. The seats are very comfortable and roomy, especially the back seats. I am rather tall, and can cross my legs and ride comfortably in the back. The woodgrain interior is beautiful. I like the backup signal feature, it helps when my teenagers are parallel parking. We really like the CVT. It rides so smoothly on the highway, accelerates smartly, even going up a steep hill, and you do not feel the gear change. I am very happy with the 500. I thought I really wanted a Charger, but I am not a bit disappointed with the 500, in fact, I am thrilled with it!

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  Not Without an Extended Warranty! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Joyce K. - January 27 - 9:33 pm

  This has been the least reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Even with my low mileage it still has needed several major repairs. Thank goodness for the extended warranty! Never Ford Again!