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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  Its just ok - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By dsershion - June 14 - 2:00 am

  At 72K the transmission died. The second died soon after. The power stearing leaks. 4wd broken. Differential leaked. Multiple coolant leaks. Replaces ball joints both sides. Ac never worked since Ive had it. Only getting 260 to a tank. Used to get 340. Even after replacing mass airflow sensor and both oxygen sensors, it did not help. Im even using factory recommended plugs! Also have rust forming inside of my door jams and on the bottom of each door since the design allows for trapped water. Now with 150K, I have developed a new oil leak. Fortunately I think its just the valve cover gasket.

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  Almost There!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Londont513 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Ford Expedition is awesome. I had a 00 Expedition Eddie bauer, but really liked the silver birch metallic XLT Premium. THe new headlights are definitely cool and the handling are very noticeable improvements. The new styling is also an improvement.

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  Review quality Parts - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Maximo2002 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The Truck is good, but the quality of parts is so bad, cheaper material or low quality in asembly process, cause problems like internal sounds or engine problems.

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  Tried it, like it - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jenny - June 13 - 9:30 am

  My husband works for Ford and it was time to turn in the car I had so I decided to lease the 2006 Ford Fusion. There werent that many on the lot, so I took an SE I4. I like it, its comfortable, rides smooth, and nice.

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Cobra23 - June 13 - 5:43 am

  This is my 8th mustang including an 03 Cobra and 08 Bullitt. This car is outstanding in all areas and I am super impressed with the build quality and performance. I have owned 40 cars and this one is in the top 3.

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  Nothing but good - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By mmccormack - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I am the second owner of this car and it has been absolutely maintenance free. Still rides and drives great with 113,000 miles. Replaced the headgaskets once (which was a Ford recall). The 3.8 motor has lots of power and everything still works great today. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one at all.

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  White Escort - 1991 Ford Escort
  By pro - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I got this escort really cheap in good condition. This is our 4th Ford Escort. These are great cars. I highly reccomend them. Theyre great on gas and parts are cheat. These vehicles are very reliable. People only complain about these cars because chances are they dont take car of the car like theyre supposed to. Youll have that with any car.

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  A Step Backward - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By katz_n_jamer - June 12 - 7:33 pm

  Having owned a 2004 Explorer, the 2006 changes proved to be a step backward. Changes to the interior door handles are not intuitive, the dash is busy, Ive counted as many as 20 separate plastic pieces. The change in the tailgate from the split tailgate to the liftglass makes it much more difficult to load anything without opening the entire tailgate. The movement of the shift lever from the column to the floor eliminated a lot of storage space. The gas mileage on my 4.0L 2004 consistently ran 20 - 21 mpg in highway driving. So far the 2006 is giving me 17 - 17.5. I hope this improves with added mileage. All in all a disappointment.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2007 Ford Edge
  By K6 - June 12 - 6:20 am

  Bought in Feb 07 and have found it to be a great vehicle, fun to drive, and very roomy. Ford all around did a nice job for a 1st year vehicle and entrance into a new market. Looked at Toyota Highlander and Saturn Outlook. Even looked at a couple of vans and went with the Edge. Mileage is OK. Im now getting 17.3 around town but you have to let the mileage calculation span over a couple of tanks of gas to get a more accurate reading. I would definetely recommend seriously considering it if youre in the market for new vehicle.

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  Good handling but under-powered sedan - 1998 Ford Contour
  By grtgrfx - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought used as an end-of-lease car from dealer, and it had high mileage. This car was the GL but with the Sport package (tach, leather wheel, 15" aluminum wheels, sunroof, fog lights, better suspension, etc.). I put 17" wheels and performance tires on, and handling increased dramatically. Its always been comfortable inside but lacks the power that the V6 engine provides. If I did it again, Id go for the SE or SVT models. The sunroof had a $10 plastic gear break, resulting in a $2,500 repair bill (warrantee, thank God). Warning lights do come on intermittently and theyre hard to diagnose (check engine and air bag on mine).