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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  dont buy it - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By batman2327 - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is not very good. It is underpowered and has many little problems. Everything from not being able to keep the wheels aligned even when dirving carefully to the rear windshield wiper working occasionally. The inside feels cheap and plasticy and the resale is absolutely horrible.

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  Good, Reliable Transportation - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Critical_level - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I had originally traded a mustang gt for this because I needed more space and the ability to get through the snow. It ahs been a very reliable vehicle and has never let me down or stranded me. It has alot more room than the grand cherokee and blazer. It has decent power and has a decent ride (remember its a truck not a car). I would recomend this to anyone looking for a reliable and trouble free four wheel drive vehicle.

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  2000 F150 Work Series 7700 - 2000 Ford F-150
  By mikemrk4 - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been absolutely maintenance free except for scheduled oil changes and items listed below. Brake linings were replaced at 48,500. ABS light came on at 49,000. Well find out what thats about in the next couple of weeks. This is the 7700 model with the 5.4 and it tows as well as a friends new Ram 1500 Hemi. Only options I wish Id ordered are limited slip differential and cruise control. Original Goodyear Wranglers are good for at least 5,000 more miles. Gas mileage has not improved from new, and it still averages approx. 13 mpg in town. Best ever was approx. 16.5 mpg on the highway, but it does have the 3.73 gearing.

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  Tranny gone @ 23,000 miles - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Thomasj - July 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle in April 2001 for over $30,000. It was been recalled at least 5 times the first year we had it. There was a grinding noise that we asked our servicing dealer about at least 3 times and were told was normal. We were just stranded 200 miles from home returning from vacation because the transmission spewed out all its fluid at a stop light. 3 months out of warranty but only 23k miles. A $30k vehicle that lasts less than 4 years. Roadside assistance was a joke as well, offering to give me the name of a tow company but having to charge me $70. Third generation ford family will not replace this vehicle with another Ford. Honda next time.

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  Expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By BAB - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Expedition has been a great vehicle for me. The contents of a college dorm room can be crammed into this SUV! Hauling kids and gear on a daily basis is comfortable. Where I live, lots of people drive big vehicles and I feel safer being in one as well. The only problem Ive ever had with the Expedition is the power side mirrors: the directional button doesnt work well.

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  ***** - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By montana - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Towing Perfect 10 Space Perfect 10 Gas Mileage 5 12.1 towing 13 normal Power Perfect 10 This SUV is perfect if you need to tow and dont mind the big gas bill. Lots of space and power to do whatever towing job you may need.

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  Not worth the money - 4 Cyclinder / AWD / XLT - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Disappointed in Michigan - July 24 - 12:43 am

  Edmunds didnt allow me to select a "4 cylinder" version as the only "drop downs" were for the V6. This vehicle is not worth the money. The advertised fuel economy on the sticker says 18 city and 26 highway for the 4 cylinder and AWD. Im lucky to get 15.5 combined. The acceleration is tepid and the transmission keeps looking for the right gear to be in. Its not confidence inspiring. Fords advertising with the "unstoppable" and "fight song" are even more of a joke when you consider how poorly designed this vehicle is. The interior leaves a lot to be desired. With a $43,000 MSRP, this is getting dangerously close to other vehicles that are way more luxurious and not based on an old Volvo platform. The plastic trim used in the interior feels cheap. There doesnt appear to be any foam or soft touch paint on any of the plastics. It feels like this vehicle was designed as cheaply as possible. Getting in and out of the third row is an exercise in acrobatics and dont put Grandma in the back if you want to see her come out alive again. You have to climb over the second row seats to get back there. Visibility on this vehicle is terrible too and the seats are really uncomfortable. The test drive I took was not extensive enough obviously. Save yourself some money and dont get this vehicle. Aside from the exterior styling, this is a complete disappointment. My first and last Ford SUV. Ill go back to the other brands I used to drive before this. Im glad this is only a 2 year lease.

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  Manual Transmission Rocks! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By aet - July 23 - 10:36 pm

  After a week and a half Im very impressed. If Mazda had had the right colors I would have had a Tribute because I really enjoyed my 05 Lapis Lasuli blue one - but a tree fell on it while I was driving. So the Escapes exterior color and other features were attractive. It has more room than some compact SUVs. The 5 speed manual really makes it perk up performance wise and I think the combination of 4cyl and manual will save me a little gas money. I just feel more in control of the car with manual. Im waiting to see if the standard tires Continental Crosstrac wear out as fast as they did on my Tribute - 30,000 miles even with servicing.

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  Good Investment - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By CB - July 23 - 2:46 am

  Bought this car 2 years ago. Had no problems. Looks great (black with black leather interior) Fully loaded.

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  Great job Ford - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Serra - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my first Expedition in 2000 and have bought three more since then. I have found it great for hauling my scuba tanks, pulling a 26 foot camping toy hauler, and just good old joy riding. My wife likes it so well that she now wants her own rather than the Lincons she is used to. With the fold down seating and indepentant rear it is a great vechele.