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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  7 years w/few issues - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tolland Mc Murray - September 27 - 10:28 pm

  On the hole, this has been a decent family truckster for seven plus years. Major issues have been the leaking rear differntial and an alternator that quit on the freeway during rush hour. Transmission now starting to slip a bit at 87000 miles. Has been great in the snow and on other lnog-distance trips, good combination of passenger room and stuff hauling ability. I have been very pleased with my Explorer, look forward to having it for many more years.

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  2010 Limited Expedition - 2010 Ford Expedition
  By bb432 - September 27 - 7:29 pm

  We have had the Limited for over a month now and have found it very practical as well as fun to drive. We purchased ours with the upgraded package. 20s Nav, moon roof, deployable running boards, heated/cooled seat, and rear load leveling suspension. Drives smooth and quiet. We were torn between the Yukon and Expedition. The Expedition won out hands down after test driving and looking at the cost and features provided for each. Plus I did not want to drive a Government Motors car at the present time. Dont get me wrong I love GMC cars.

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  81800 miles and no problem, almost - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mt - September 27 - 5:27 pm

  I bought the truck new in sep of 2004. I have put all 81000 miles on the truck. I had to replace both electric window mechanisms for 155.00 a piece did the labor myself. Brakes squeak when they get hot. Not a big deal. Truck runs just like new. I use mobil 1 oil and I dont use the truck much for hauling loads. Always starts, hot or cold, good fuel mileage 17/22. No leaks. I am still driving on the original michelin tires and they still look good.

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  realibility plus - 1998 Ford Escort
  By monty - September 27 - 10:17 am

  i purchased this auto from my employer 6 years ago with 74k on it. i now have 140k. i get 25mpg around town and 35mpg highway.the timing belt broke at 110k. did not cause any engine damage as with many autos. purchasd new belt for $20 at auto parts store.alternator went this year,very easy to replace. ($45used with 1 year warrenty)as with most drivers i would like a newer auto but the escorts reliability and very reasionable replacement parts cost will have me driving it for a few more years.

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  2000 Taurus...Good Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By BrandonH - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Taurus is an overall good vehicle, I plan to sell this one, and get another one soon. I would recommend them to a friend or family member

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  perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By ludam84 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  this is the most perfect and good looking car I ever had.

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  Not a bad choice - 2005 Ford F-150
  By fear the voices - September 26 - 1:10 pm

  For the selection of trucks available, the F150 isnt a bad choice. I bought mine used due to the bargain price I paid for it. General ride and handling are good for a truck this size. Performance for the 4.6L engine is rather lethargic though. Rated at only 230 hp for 2005, it is merely sufficient for the weight it has to contend with. My previous Ranger with a 4.0L and 4WD would easily put this thing to shame in all performance categories. However, fuel mileage for both trucks are much the same, about 14-15 mpg for the mostly spirited stop and go driving I do. I prefer the styling over the 09 model year which is way too boxy now, 04-08 was sleek w/o looking overly squared off.

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  william2233 - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By william2233 - September 25 - 11:22 pm

  In the years Ive owned this van, bought for wife. Went thru two sets of front disk brakes at 31,000 and 62,000 miles. Had too rebuild transmission at 80,000 miles thru Ammco transmissions, then again at Macys transmission at about 100,000 miles. went out again at 150,000 mile junked it.

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  Bad start with Ford - 2009 Ford Escape
  By YB - September 25 - 5:23 pm

  This is the first Ford vehicle I buy and I am very disappointed with the build quality. First 2 weeks and there is already a welding spot inside the left rear end that causing a constant ratlle sound upon departure. The dealer fixed it but it left me with a very sour taste about Ford quality. Especially because I had driven only in city roads and not off-road. Now I noticed the sound that many forums people have experienced. I really wonder what is next...

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  I go far in my ford aspire! - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Levantera - September 25 - 1:47 pm

  I lived in ks, ar, and now ia. I make frquent trips back and forth to those places. It costs me $35 to get to Ar from Ia.This car has amazing gas milage. I have put over ten thousand miles on mine in the last 4 months and it only has 85k on it as of now. My dad got it for him self and then upgraded to a 2007 crown vic. So he gave it to me he payed $900 cach for the aspire. Bad things about this car: My trim around the wind shield is coming off. The to trim that seals the car comes off. And its sorta fast but not really. i think its acceleration is descent for a ford aspire (mainly cause its a stick) So yeah its a great starter car good for long trips on gas not comfort.