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:

• 

  Gas at $1.50 per gallon? - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By swhitehorn - September 4 - 9:07 pm

  There is a learning curve on how to drive a hybrid and Ford gives you several coaching tools to help you maximize your mpg. There are a few things you can do up front. One is to make sure there is 35 lbs of pressure in each tire (check tire pressure when tires are cold or havent be driven on in 8 hrs or more.) Wax your car, slow down and ease on the accelerator and brakes. Use the cruise control in the eco mode whenever possible. Remember, by driving conservatively you also create less wear and tear on your vehicle and for the most part drive safer. As compared to my 08 Accord EXL V6 the combined epa increases from 22 to 47 mpg, hence the $1.50 per gallon of gas.

• 

  Good Enough - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By 73Elsinore - September 4 - 6:26 pm

  I bought this truck with 135,000 miles on it and it now has over 220,000. It is still going strong and is completely reliable. Mine has the 5- speed manual. Besides normal maintenance items (brakes, clutch, tires, etc.) I have had to replace both cylinder heads (they cracked - a very common known defect in this particular Ford engine) and the A/C condenser ($450). Besides that, no other repairs. I have off-roaded it many times and it has always done well. It doesnt have much pickup off the line at all. Mileage is crappy, at 14 city/20 hwy. With the new heads, it does not use a drop of oil, which is unusual at this mileage, so the bottom end of the engine is bulletproof.

• 

  Love this SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By teacher7 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck has been a joy to drive. Feels very safe and easier to park than my 97 explorer. Power fold down seats are awesome!

• 

  QS REVIEW - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By MUSTANGQ - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy with my 2003 Mustang. The one thing that shocked me though, was the fact that after owning it for less than a month, the oxygen sensors went out. That was something that I wouldnt have expected. Other than that, Im extremely happy with the car, and I really enjoy driving it.

• 

  X - 2001 Ford F-150
  By denner - September 4 - 10:00 am

  GREAT truck, lots of fun to drive, plenty of power and comfort. Happy with my purschase

• 

  Above 75,000 plan on some problems - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Brian - September 3 - 1:49 pm

  A very safe and roomy SUV. Never have to worry when it snows, good pick up from a stop. About 14-16 MPG, can see 19 on a long trip. In general a well built SUV for a domestic.

• 

  I Enjoyed It - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By formermustangowner - September 3 - 4:18 am

  I purchased the 6cyl Mustang in 06 at 73,000mi as my first car and drove it about 13,000mi. It broke down twice, both times due to the alternator. The second breakdown was because an old alternator had been used to replace the first one and based on what Ive read reliability doesnt seem to be a common problem with this car. Other than that I really enjoyed the car the V6 had adequate power, although I would recommend the V8. I found that careful driving could get about 20mpg out of the automatic V6 Im sure a manual could be fairly economical. The car was fun to drive on short trips, and I never noticed any issues with comfort on longer drives. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Look Good for Cheap - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Subaroid! - September 2 - 3:29 am

  This is a good, cheap piece of transportation. Theres not much to this car, just the bare necessities. Crank windows, no CD player, no A/C. Its got 108,000 miles on it, and has done well for a Ford. Only replaced the alternator and an idler pulley so far (relatively cheap fixes, $400, $100), have done the brakes rotors and pads front for $50. Its got the 2.0 liter engine and a 5 speed manual so it gets good mileage (25 or so with me driving it hard), has good handling, and is fun to drive. Its due for a clutch, and there are squeaks, rattles, and oil leaks. Interior trim pieces are also falling off.

• 

  Love my car. - 2009 Ford Focus
  By dan - September 2 - 12:37 am

  The car rides great, pretty stiff suspension that handles bumps very well, and its very responsive and tight. It was mainly Sync that got my attention when it came to finding a new car. I do come from a family that has owned quite a lot of fords, because they made pretty decent cars. Take the build quality up a bit, and you get a new Ford. The car feels like its built very well. With only a 140hp engine, it does struggle to get up most hills. paired up with the 4 speed auto and no torque, driving on hilly roads isnt pleasant. Ive only put 2500 miles on my car so far, but it seems to be pretty great.

• 

  Mixed bag - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Bassic Steve - September 1 - 11:17 pm

  I bought my Escape new and have taken meticulous care of it. The transmission failed me last year at 60K miles - $1K for new solenoid and fluid change. A year later, the transmission is misbehaving the same way again: near 45 mph, skips 2 gears into OD then stutters when you touch the gas to re-awaken the engine. If I want to keep it, Im facing another $1K repair, with no guarantee that I wont be out another $1K next year. Ive enjoyed driving the Escape. However, this issue and other quality defects (window gets stuck open at times, center console vinyl cracked when leaned upon, radiator leak required patch, etc) have turned me back toward a Toyota Highlander.