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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  my review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Charlotte Mcphail - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The response of the SVT is reason enough to buy it!!!!

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  Pleasure - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Tom - July 18 - 12:16 am

  Very satisfactory vehicle. Drove it cross country Baltimore to Steamboat to Park City to Boise and back averaging 70mph and got approximately 27mpg. No problems in the Rockies with always available power to climb and pass going up grades of 7 percent. In the high altitudes with no air resistance I was getting nearly 45mpg with the car fully loaded. Sound system is boomy with the plastic door panel mountings and no input for iPods or XM/Sirius radios. The NAV system is OK but GARMINS are MUCH better and more flexible. I know have 11,000 miles and everything appears to be in good shape.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By FordFan76 - July 17 - 9:20 pm

  My wife has a 2002 Explorer which we love. The newly redesigned Explorer and Sport Trac are even better. My truck is quieter, safer, and slightly better on gas. It is also a great compromise for people who dont want a full size truck but still want the capabilities of one. The only problem I have experienced so far was a jerky transmission, which was fixed under warranty by adjusting the computer settings. Some improvements: needs more cushioning in the steering wheel. I drive two hours to work and I find my hands getting sore frequently. Put the shifter back on the column. It isnt as "cool" but you have a lot more space on the center console.

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  Near bullet proof F150 - 2001 Ford F-150
  By smileywm - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my F150 Supercrew for 3 years. Other than one "Service Bulletin" on the transmission, and a timing issue, it has been trouble- free. I would highly recommend this truck on the used market for reasonably priced, utilitarian transportation.

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  Reliable - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By JK in CA - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my EB Explorer for over 13 years, and it has been extremely reliable. Had some expensive warranty work many years ago. Only problem now is that sometimes the transmission "sticks" when I put it in reverse on cold wet winter mornings in CA. I cope with that by driving forward a foot or so, and then putting it into reverse. Paint is oxidizing on the roof due to hot CA summers.

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  Awesome - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By JimBGOP - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Brings back memories of my muscle cars. Great little toy.

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  Happy with our 2004 Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By SReno - July 17 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Escape for less than a month. We purchased it basically after checking Consumers Guide, Edmunds, etc. So far, we are very happy with everything about this vehicle. We are getting about 25 mpg. on long distance driving. Ford always knows how to please the consumer.

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  I like it! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By uncle fud - July 17 - 2:00 am

  3.0 liter engine is peppy and coupled with the 4.10 rear end can lead to some surprising performance. Gas mileage hovers around 20 mpg. I am well pleased with the Ranger in all respects.

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  very comfortable car when it runs - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By steven h - July 16 - 2:00 am

  we got this car in 2000 and have had a hand full of problems ever since. we have replaced the motor mounts, rear struts, fule pump, air conditioning unit rebuilt the transmission, replaced the statrer three times and the car over heats. This car has good power and has great room on the inside. To fords credit the paint is still in great condition (this seems to be the exception to the rule however. For the amount of money we put into the car we might as well have a new car payment.

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  All before 20,000 miles - 2002 Ford Escape
  By TinkerM - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Well, the first thing was the battery it went within a month would not hold water, had to wait until they got another from Mexico? And when installed they left it filthy. Second was the drivers window, when lowered was rubbing on panel had to be replaced. Third, a recal for staling at 40 or over MPH we inquired and were told it was not a 2002 problem as with the 2000s and 2001s. And the most scary the bearings were going out on the front wheels. We noticed on right turns around bends going over 40 a noise, thank someone above we did not let it go. We swore no more American Cars and now are back to that.