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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  More than expected - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By kayman - January 11 - 10:00 am

  For sub $12K for a base XLT w/2.3 manual ride comfort handling, and performance is better than expected for an economy small truck. Seat comfort is poor with no lumbar, engine very buzzy. Cant imagine paying $20K+ for the high end models.

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  Good truck - but post warranty problems - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Sarka - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Great people mover - family, kids and friends. Good performance from the 5.4. My main complaint is that right after Manuf warranty expired- Im talking 3 months and 2500 miles - I had problems with 2 power windows, door locks (child locks) air suspension tubing and compressor. This is my first Ford and because of these issues I doubt I go back.

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  to many repairs - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bigpaul - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Just like all expeditions, the brakes last no more than 23,000. Ford denies it, but they used the explorer brakes on the expedition, and they are to small for this larger vehicle. We had to replace the starter, after being stranded several times, when it would not start when warm. Face it, Toyota you will never be!

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  no more escape for me - 2001 Ford Escape
  By gestyl - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have liked the escape until I started having problems with transmission and converter. Ford did treat me well on replacing it though for being out of warrenty, but transmission should be go out at 60,000. Probably wont buy another.

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  Not Happy - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By stockclimber - January 6 - 2:00 am

  At least the car look good. My wife bought this car before we were married and as soon as she could she pawned it off on me. It doesnt handle well. My road to work is twisty and I had always enjoyed seeing what my car can do on it. The mustang handles like a brick. On the inside, the seats are not very good on the lower back and the seatbelts tend to turn in such a way that when you close the door the buckle jams the door and cuts into the paneling. All in all I have not enjoyed this car.

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  So far so good - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Ed in Atlanta - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first domestic truck recently and so far it has worked well. Brakes leave a little to be desired. Build quality is not on par with the imports, but Ive come to expect that from the domestic auto makers.

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  Awful Car - 1997 Ford Probe
  By FLGirl - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I owned this car for 5 years and had nothing but problems with it. I spent so much money on repairs including a new transmission. Just last week the car finally died. I sent it off to a salvage yard and went out and bought a 2004 Toyota Corolla, which is of course a wonderful and reliable car! I would never own a Ford after my exprience with the Ford. And yes I understand this is a Mazda engine.

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  horrible car 2 be your first - 2001 Ford Focus
  By jenet - January 4 - 2:00 am

  i thaught it was nice but really it has been nothing but problems.Like: engine shaking and dropping,a whole in transmission,air conditioner stop working,engine light come on,made entire front shake,trunk pop open going over railraod tracks,key control entry stoped working,leaks in car so carpet got mildewd,brake light would come on for no reason,the gaslite would go on when i had just filled it,cd player act silly.the problems go on and they still wont replace it.

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  2001 Ford ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Rx7Buff - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Brakes have been done three times (pads & rotars the last time). I was told to expect this again. Drive shaft replaced. Vehicle "pings" and I was told to use higher test gas which did not work. Gone through three sets of tires. I do not drive off road and only use vehicle for transportation with no towing or plowing. Average about 13-15 MPG. Use only Mobil One oil and filters. Change oil every 3000 miles. Dealer not very helpful to diagnos and fix problems. All they recomend is that I buy the extended warranty. I like the truck but it will cost significantly for gas and repairs over the life of the truck.

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  Our First New SUV - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Dennis Avery - December 30 - 10:49 pm

  In the past Ive owned used Chevy S-10 Blasers, a Bravada and a Lexus RX 300. My family recently purchased a new 2017 Ford Explorer XLT. With the incentives offered by Ford and decent internet pricing, we got into a new model with many options that brought our vehicle within reach of the higher-end Limited series for convenience and features that we wanted, but at a manageable cost. Fit and finish both outside and in the cabin is well executed and we were pleased to find one locally with a light tan leather interior matched to a silver body. We do not like all black inside, its just too gloomy in my opinion. On the plus side of the equation we enjoy the heated steering wheel, lighting and displays and the touch screen functionality. Also, the truly fold flat cargo floor is a huge deal as we frequently haul goodies to and from the cabin. On the downside, the front driver and passenger seats are shallow, too narrow for a full framed body and somewhat hard. There is little concern shown for long-legged drivers as the seat does not go back far enough and your feet are compressed into a relatively small, boxed in space that does not permit any shifting or wiggling of your extremities. In summery, we are reasonably happy with our new ride, and not at all sorry for the purchase, but would like to see the level of driver comfort improved in future.