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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  Fix My Ford - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By DBA - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased brand new and has been in the Ford shop on the average twice a month. I have 85,000 miles on it and putting on the 5th set of tires. There are rotated every 3000 miles at the oil change. It has had one electical problem after another. The leather started looking worn after the first year. We have only Ford cars and trucks and this Expidition has by far been the worst.

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  Awesome Truck - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Kaboom - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 94 Bronco. Ive put over 150,000 miles in Broncos and have only had to do 1 repair (other than basic maint like oil, battery, tune ups every 30k) in the past 11 years on both trucks. Awesome ride, power, cargo space. Tough as nails and looks great. Current one has 157,000 miles, just put a new rear end (the 1 repair) and it drives like new. Solid truck that will hold whats left of its value. Safe, fun, and powerful.

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  Fun, fun, fun! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By dulangzvox - August 9 - 2:00 am

  A joy to drive. Comfortable ride with very good handling. Mileage outstanding on road trip from Portland to Reno. The wife drives the Escape the most, she is in love with it! Im disabled and this vehicle is perfect for me to get in and out of. I found it preferable to my pals Honda CRV!!!

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  Good family starter - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Chad Price - August 8 - 8:36 pm

  A good vehicle for its value. Nothing in it is really going to blow you away with class or "piz-az", but it performs as advertised. The 3.5L V6 has enough guts to help you get around slow moving vehicles quickly, but again, wont amaze with speed. It averaged about 21 mpg for us, a little under what we thought it would, but not bad at all. The leg room is good up front in my opinion (but I like to sit up close for a 62" male), however the rear is a little cramped for bigger adults, but fine for averaged sized people and kids. I always felt cargo space was a little small but we always had to fit a big dog into the vehicle plus our cargo. (But thats our problem and has nothing against the vehicle.) We had a few electrical issues with the BCM (Body Control Module) that was about $600 fix, at about 75,000 miles, but other than that everything worked great. If your just starting off and have a growing family, this is a great car for you!

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  Mid-life Awareness - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By AlmostMiddle Age Mom - August 8 - 6:40 am

  Owned my 2007 Premium Mustang 2 months now, and love it. Gas mileage city is 18-19 mpg and trip around 25 mpg. Love the retro look - for at my age, I can remember all the previous Mustangs thus far and wanted one since the early 70s. Didnt need the V8. Plenty of speed with the V6. Hoping to keep it for 20+ years. Time will tell. ive in the Northeast and think Ill have to store it for the winter and buy a clunker to slop around in.

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  Great car - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By CV man - August 8 - 2:53 am

  Sporty (LX Sport). Great drive. I feel very safe driving this car. Smooth. Lots of power! Great looks.

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  Power Loss - Violent engine shake\shutter 10,800 k - 2015 Ford F-150
  By B.Wenzel - August 8 - 2:41 am

  My truck is 6 months old and has 10,800 miles. As in drove home from work during rush hour traffic the engine shut down and went into "limp mode" at 65 mph. There were 3 warnings icons: #1 Service Advancetrac, #2 Wrench Icon "see manual", #3 Hill start assist not available. Later the engine light came on. Ford Roadside towed the truck to the dealer, my research found 100 of complaints about is engine shutdown on Ecoboost engines. The engine will idle at 1000 rpm extremely rough, but pressing the gas pedal does nothing. Very dangerous when driving in heavy traffic, as all you can do is coast to a stop. Turning off the engine and restart did get the engine moving for another mile before it shut down again. Beware of this for your safety and your family. I also saw another review here with a similar issue, so it may not be insolated. *****UPDATE******* June 2016 Problem was the THROTTLE BODY. Dealer replaced under warranty.

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  Festiva is a great CAr - 1993 Ford Festiva
  By Skydance2 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a used bright blue Festiva it is the best car I ever owned, gas mileage cannot be beat and it is so fun to drive. I wish Ford would come out with a new version of this car.

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  THE BEST TRUCK FOR THE BUCK!!! - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By CRENSHAW-323 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The truck is great. Great power in the 5.4 motor. leather seats are the best.Got to have it on chrome rims. Ford rules. Gets all the girls. A real mans Suv. Lets be real, why pay 55,000 or more for the more expensive trucks when we know all automobiles breakdown and have problems.

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  Another solid Ford truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By kfkodiak - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with 89K, Have fixed only minor issues. 4.0 OHV is slightly lacking on steep highway grades, but very reliable, and reasonably efficient for a vehicle this heavy. 5SP auto transmission is still smooth at over 100K mi. The cargo space is great, and the seats are comfortable on long trips. Auto 4x4 lets the truck claw its way around in wet/snowy weather, even off-roading Ive rarely needed 4HI/4LO. Hasnt let me down yet! My only complaints: - Rides like a truck, go figure. - Water collects in the roof channels during rain, then spills over the windshield when you first move the truck. - Tinted rear window scratches easily.