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:

• 

  What was I thinking - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Krista - November 17 - 11:38 am

  I bought my 1st new car a 2010 Ford Escape and had it for two weeks and loved everything about it until it broke down. The service dept. could not find anything wrong with it. It dies going down the road and then will start back up in about 10 minutes, it did it about every other day until last week when it would only stay running for out 2 minutes and then die over and over again. It has been in the shop for 5 days and they still dont know whats wrong with it. I must of bought a lemon.

• 

  Happy but with issues - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bob White - November 16 - 8:05 pm

  A fine, tight, smooth running vehicle. Unfortunately the rear-end is so weak it was whining at 8000 miles and needing replacement. The transmission started shifting improperly at 25000 miles. I dont believe a vehicle should need a new rear-end and transmission so early. I have a Toyota with 325000 miles and it is running better than my explorer. I love my explorer but very unhappy with the mechanical bills, over $4000 within 175000 miles. Other gripes include new brake pads yearly, electric window that has not worked since new, door ajar light on most of the time, and ABS sensors failing.

• 

  Sassy Scarlet is her name - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Jo Ann Moschetto - November 16 - 7:18 am

  I love the car in general. The race red is awesome. The only thing I dont like is the tight back seat. Not enough room for passengers over 5 feet.

• 

  I Was Surprised - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By JETZcorp - November 16 - 5:35 am

  When I told my parents I would like my first car to be a truck, they figured I was looking for a 4000lb thing and picked up this van. I thought it was going to be a terrible pig that got a gallon to the mile and turned with the precision of a brick. What I found instead was that, compared with my moms Suzuki Grand Vitara, the beast had gobs of torque and an orgasmic sound above 4000 revs. My only complaints are the transmission (all cars should be manual) and the fact that it wont haul a motorcycle. In terms of reliability, the only worrying thing is a sort of clicking under the dash depending on the A/C setting. Take control of the shifter yourself and burnouts are easy.

• 

  Nice Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By A Ford Guy - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I stepped up from a 1988 Bronco and what a differance. It has lots of gizzmos and you will find yourself going back to the owners manual quite often. The 10 MPG Im getting could be improved. The ride and handling are great. Some switches and indicators are blocked by the steering wheel or the shift and signal levers. Front and rear climate control system takes getting used to. Otherwise, a nice truck.

• 

  2000 better than 2004 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Nighthawk779 - November 15 - 11:33 pm

  This is my third Explorer and my last. My 2000 has been the best of the 3 2000 03 &04, All 3 had the transmission rebuild, but only the 2000 has had nothing else repaired. Everything works as well as new over 205,000 miles on it now. The engines have never been a problem until now. We now have electical and rear end noise now. The 2000 pulled trailers boats and what you could get on the bumper with no effort. I wish they would bring back sun visor recorder. Also the 2nd sun visor. But I am looking at Highlanders now. 3600 for a new transmission had me looking for a different manufacturer. P.S. we did change trasmission fuild every fluid at 30,000 at the dealer no less.

• 

  Ford Dropped the Ball with me. - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jack Day - November 14 - 8:53 pm

  I had TOO MUCH TROUBLE GETTING THE REAR END AND DRIVE SHAFT FIXED, TOOK ME 2 MONTHS OF WRITING LETTERS AND PHONE CALLS TO GET JOB DONE. THIS TOOK ALL THE FUN OUT OF OWNING A NEW VEHICLE. ALL FORDS FAULT, BAD PARTS. Handled very poorly by Ford!

• 

  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jmsamr - November 14 - 10:00 am

  20,000 miles into Escape experience and overall I would recommend the Escape. If you are looking for luxury dont buy the Escape. The seats are very uncomfortable and the ride is a bit loud. The Escape feels very big and holds a lot more than one would think. The V6 is a definite must. With moderate driving mainly highway some city (chicago) we have averaged 21 mpg.

• 

  TUFF OLD SCHOOL F250 RIG - 1990 Ford F-250
  By dleddingpaulinapeak - November 13 - 3:18 pm

  I bought this truck to pull my large pontoon boat in the summer, snowmobiles in the winter and the like. at 136,000 it gets it done without so much as a grunt. lots of power and suspension to handle everything Ive thrown at it. at the cost of a new F250, I think youd be a fool to buy new when you can drive a classic, awesome truck like this one. I bought this truck from the original owner who took cae of it and babied like I do. it hasnt had a teenager mud bog the hell out of it - this probably has a lot to do with it being such a good driver to date. with the 460 V8, it is with out a doubt, a gas junkie, I average 11mpg, ouch.

• 

  Water Leaks - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Old Dog - November 13 - 3:05 am

  If you are reading this and havent checked, pull back your carpet in the front and see if its wet, mine was soaked! After a recent heavy storm, I had to use a shop vac to pull the water out of the channels holding the wiring harness under the kick plates at the entrance to both driver and passenger doors. Ive read where these king cabs have a big problem with water leaks that may go un- noticed until you start smelling mildew. The third brake light has a history of leaking on most years of these trucks. The water runs down channels from the light toward the front floorboard soaking everything underneath. Also, there have been other reports of the air conditioning condensor vent leaking