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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  Its just ok - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By dsershion - June 14 - 2:00 am

  At 72K the transmission died. The second died soon after. The power stearing leaks. 4wd broken. Differential leaked. Multiple coolant leaks. Replaces ball joints both sides. Ac never worked since Ive had it. Only getting 260 to a tank. Used to get 340. Even after replacing mass airflow sensor and both oxygen sensors, it did not help. Im even using factory recommended plugs! Also have rust forming inside of my door jams and on the bottom of each door since the design allows for trapped water. Now with 150K, I have developed a new oil leak. Fortunately I think its just the valve cover gasket.

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  Review quality Parts - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Maximo2002 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The Truck is good, but the quality of parts is so bad, cheaper material or low quality in asembly process, cause problems like internal sounds or engine problems.

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  Will not Buy a Ford again - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By sdouglas1 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought the vehicle with 3,000 miles on it. Right after the warranty went out, so did my transmission and a valve that it died every time it idled very long. I have other small problems as well. They kept calling to see if I wanted to buy and extended warranty and my suggestion was build a car that does break down after 35,000 miles.

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  Nothing but trouble - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Zeiler - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Continual electrical problems, just like last Ford Windstar. Will buy someone elses minivan next time.

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  Overrated - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bdoug - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My previous small truck was an 89 Mazda B2200 and I really miss it. At 64" I have trouble seeing to my right at crossroads because of the mirror. The gas mileage has been awful. The gas mileage started out around 15 mpg and is at 13 now that I am running the air conditioning. The worst thing, however, has been the bouncing bed. On any road that has bumps, the rear end of the truck bounces all over the road. I took my winter weight and have been driving it around this spring to try to keep the rear wheels on the road.

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  dont get me started - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By leofanti - June 4 - 6:16 am

  for starters i bought this car brand new, and instantly had issues till its demise. i experienced the wonderful brake drag issue, the so called auto up window game (which is awesome in negative temperatures), the battery constantly lost its charge, replace battery, and repeat, ford never figured it out. then one day the a/c stopped. which in arizona summers is not really that neccessary (haha) they threw parts at it until they replaced everything, and then viola, it worked, and they never knew what did it. running synthetic oil only i had the most beautiful tapping sound under the hood, which was a tsb, but for refused to address. out of all the tsbs for the car 2 got fixed.

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  Built Ford Tough - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By TexasChick2003 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  A month after I bought this car I already had to take it to Ford dealership b/c the transmission didnt sound right, and of course they made up some excuse why they couldnt work on it even though it was on the warranty. Every time Im at a stop light if the air conditioner is on the whole car shakes. My cd player now doesnt work and its almost impossible to get out. And why would anybody put the cupholders right behind the shifter? It is now starting to overheat in the summer.The bad overpowers the good. As soon as I get a chance I am trading it in.

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  Stylish but grew unreliable over time - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By NWTransplant - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I got a base 90 T-bird at 59K miles and was happy at first. Satisfying performance, good cornering, spacious interior & trunk, and great styling thats unique to the old style big personal coupes. Hated the motorized seatbelts though. Thats a bad substitute for an airbag. Around 85-90K miles, it began to deteriorate despite my careful maintenance: air conditioner compressor went dead, alternator died, battery literally exploded under the hood, and transmission required a costly rebuild after it got its fluid and filter changed at 90K. Head gasket blew a few months after I sold it at 93K miles. Not a good prospect for long- term reliability.

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  Ford Mustang GT - great vehicle! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By ABED - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 98 GT used with 10k miles, and it has been a wonderful experience to own it. I originally had purchased the V6 but traded up to the V8 for the power. If youre going own a Mustang, you gotta go for the GT. Aside from all the stereotypical BS that some close-minded people say about Fords, I gotta say that this car has been ultra-reliable (knock on wood) and an awesome ride. I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, reliable, powerful vehicle that gives you freedom, independence, and joy.

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  Ok Truck - 1993 Ford F-250
  By reallyachevyguy - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought it used with 58k mi on it.Its been a pretty good on so far.But it does get LOUSY gas mileage. Between 7-10mpg empty. And the power I expected from the 460 wasnt quite there. But it does ok..think an aftermarket ignition is a must soon to help it out. Put a K&N filter and 3" single flowmaster on it and got some improvement. Definately get the front add-a-leaf...will save tires and improve the handling.