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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  So far so good! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Jeff - May 14 - 1:08 am

  I think you need to drive this car! You need to decide if its right for you. I recently bought a 2013 SE with 49k. I bought the 5 speed manual transmission, because of the horror stories Ive been hearing about the Focus automatic transmission. I also honestly prefer a manual transmission. The only negative comment I will make is the clutch pedal needs to be further to the left. Im averaging about 31 mpg and love my Focus!

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  GREAT SMALL SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CHAS G - May 13 - 6:33 pm

  GREAT CHOICE FOR SMALL SUV. ONLY 2 MINOR BROBLEMS. A/C ONLY COOLS WELL ON MAX. MACH 300 FRONT DOOR SPEAKERS BUZZ & VIBRATE. THAT SAID, THE IS A GREAT VEHICLE. I LIKE THE LOOK & THE LIMITED DOES SEEM UPSCALE COMPARED TO OTHER SMALL SUVS. I DEFINITELY RECCOMMEND A TEST DRIVE.

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  A very nimble SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pat ORiley - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I put the seats down and was able to fit 20 - 3cubic ft. bags of mulch in it. It has a perfect blend of power, from acceleration to passing. The steering is very nimble. Highway mileage is around 26mpg while the city rating is not what I expected at 17mpg. I am a 6ft. male at 170lbs. The drivers seat makes me feel like I am on top of the vehicle instead of inside it. The ride is smooth but leans while cornering. It seems to hold the road very well and is not affected much by wind. The engine hesitates during the first few minutes of operation and the transmission shifts up an down between 30 - 40 mph. The dealer changed the throttle body due to sticking.

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  My third Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By salty - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. I wish the 3.0L had the power of some other 3.0Ls have, 158hp is low. Mileage is a steady 19 - 21 Average with Automatic. Great sound system, CD with Radio. Tranmission does shift poorly under a light load, OK under a heavy load. Thin gauge step bumper, much thinner than my 92 was.

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  01 Explorer XLT 4WD--my review - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By billapex - May 13 - 2:00 am

  My 01 Explorer has the Sport Package, which I think makes the truck look nice and beefy. The 4.0 liter V6 is pretty powerful, although with the towing packages 4.10 rear gears, mileage isnt spectacular. The 5-speed automatic does compensate well, though. Ive towed 5,500lb. worth of 23 enclosed trailer with a Dodge Viper inside, and it did admirably well for a V6. Interior has held up well except for a smally squeak in the center consoles CD changer area. We only had one recall, and that was for the drivers side seat mechanism. Ive been impressed with the Explorer enough to purchase it when it came off lease.

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  Zippy - 1998 Ford Escort
  By cb - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive and great on gas. There is a small rattle in the engine that is from a cap that cannot be removed so it hits the hood of the car causing the rattle.I also had to change the front left tie rod on only 33000 miles. Those were the only problems that have arised Otherwise I have had no other problems with it.

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  It keeps going and going... - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By OwlMarie - May 13 - 2:00 am

  After being the sole owner for 11 years and 132K all I have to say is that it has been a very dependable vehicle. Easy to work engine, it only has had wear and tear replacements (batteries, shocks, etc.) My car did not come with any power windows or locks but probably because theyre not electrical they are still working. With proper maintenace and scheduled fluid replacements this vehicle just keeps going and going...

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  Love It, But Very Unreliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CN - May 12 - 7:50 pm

  I want to say that I do really like this car when its working. Tranny went out at 30k and now again at 55k. When I asked the service superisor if it was my fault, I was told it is due to junky parts and that I could not have done anything to stop this from happening. Not a good sign. Other problems include back hatch rattling open constantly, water pump replaced, wiper motors gave out, paint between doors bubbling. Doesnt like to start when weather is between 30 and 35 F. Sometimes dies in reverse when first started. It is comfy, loads of room for those tall people, and decent gas mileage for a big SUV.

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  Ohhh - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Al - May 12 - 10:10 am

  Great vehicle so far...my only problem are the seats...what was ford thinking ...if youre buying this suv consider that youll be upgrading the seats some how

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  2001 Ford Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By ben mcdonald - May 12 - 2:50 am

  Very reliable and fun to drive. I have only had to add new brakes and emissions valve. I have owned it for 4 1/2 years. However it is a bumpy ride.