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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  Wife loves it - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Eric Cavanagh - January 17 - 12:35 pm

  Despite my resolve to never buy a big SUV due to MPG issues, my wife talked me into this one. In fairness, it is a nice truck, good to look at, fun to drive, comfortable and seats 8. Had a van, but she tired of it after almost 10 years. MPG is about 14 city, 17 highway (with no lead foot). Throws a lot of brake dust, especially in front. Good on long trips. Bought with 33K miles & put more than 10K on it so far with no cost to repair other than rotors on the rear. Fronts had been replaced before I bought. Seems early for rotors. Truck gives feeling of power and sits high enough to see everything. If you dont care about mpg, get this or the Eddie Bauer.

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  Mini Van Make Over - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By JackSpranto - January 17 - 9:50 am

  I and my coworker test-drove this vehicles because our company tried to purchase 2 of them to replace our current Ford 250s. We are afraid that this vehicle may not handle in the winter season because the chassis is way too low than what we expected. The cargo space is too little after you install the cabins, is very hard to get in from side doors.

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  My almost 1 year old Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Cathy M - January 16 - 4:43 pm

  I love driving my Freestyle. It drives like a larger car but doesnt have the truck feel. We just moved our daughter using it and it fit a lot of her things, including our grandsons toddler bed. It had a recall and that was taken care of without a problem by a dealer other than where we bought it.

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  2003 No Problems - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By GB - January 16 - 3:42 pm

  This car has met all my expectations. Plenty of room and creature comforts for a large family. Great performance when pulling a 7,000 lb. trailer, handles it with no problems. Only downside is poor gas mileage in city driving conditions, better than expected when on highway (18 MPG). I would definitely purchase this vehicle again.

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  Do I Buy out my leased 2013 Explorer Sport? - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Glenn - January 16 - 10:41 am

  I love my vehicle. With 42,000 miles out of the 45,000 3 year lease commitment, I naturally was ready to lease a 2016. In reading the other reviews, I thought this would be helpful to others who have been leasing for 20 years+ like me. I have decided to purchase my 2013 instead of leasing a new 2016 AND include the purchase of a 3 year 45,000 mile extended warranty. It will cost a total of $28,500 when 2013s appear to be selling between $30,000 and $33,000 in my area of the country (Northeast). The 2016s are just as nice, but not much different, so Im not anxious to jump into another $550+/month lease given the bird in the hand that I have now.

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  Good value... - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Atlanta_Ranger - January 16 - 10:13 am

  This is my second Ranger. I had 2000 (4.0L) I leased for 2 years and it had a couple of minor warranty issues. This one has the 3.0L and while not as powerful, it seems to be a more refined engine. I bought it because I get X- Plan plus the other incentives were great. Ended up getting it for $3500 below invoice. That makes it tough to beat. It is a good looking truck and it rides nice. Gas mileage could be better. However, I have had the vehicle at the dealer 5 times for rattles all came from front-end or suspension problems. It still has rattles and given the fact that I never take the vehicle off paved roads this seems unreasonable.

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  Not Bad Diesel F350 - 1996 Ford F-350
  By Clive - January 16 - 1:34 am

  This isnt a bad older F350 diesel. Works well for towing our smaller 5th wheel with power and economy. Interior isnt as refined as the newer trucks, but it works for us.

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  97 Eddie Bauer - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By TEAM Inc. - January 15 - 1:03 pm

  Bought new in 1996, approaching 200K. Overall reliable, engine leaks oil, 3 grand in repairs and dealer still cant figure it out. GREAT in snow, rain, sand. Lots of space for gear. Fuel economy poor, 12 /15 MPG. 5.4L is a must. Found it to be reasonably stable vehicle. Large tank means decent cruising range but filling up to the tune of $60.00 is not fun. Fortunately this is now a back up vehicle so miles and fuel are less. Overall this has been a good solid truck. As said in other reviews, it does take a licking and keep on ticking.

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  97 EB - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By TEAM Inc. - January 15 - 1:03 pm

  Bought new in 1996, approaching 200K. Overall reliable, engine leaks oil, 3 grand in repairs and dealer still cant figure it out. GREAT in snow, rain, sand! Lots of space for gear! Fuel economy poor, 12 /15 MPG. 5.4 liter is a must. Found it to be reasonably stable vehicle. Large tank means decent cruising range but filling up to the tune of $ 60.00 is not fun. Fortunately this is now a back up vehicle so miles and fuel are less. Overall this has been a good solid truck. As said in other reviews, it does take a licking and keep on ticking.

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  Freestar SES - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By allisonw - January 15 - 12:42 pm

  I have only had this minivan for a few days but I like it very much. I have the optional 17 inch rims, so the ride is much smoother than on the 2005 Caravan that I rented last spring. I dont understand why this van received such low ratings from consumer magazines and online services, because I actually find it far superior to the Caravan that they love to rave about.