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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  Good truck - 2002 Ford F-150
  By rt - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The Lariat is an outstanding combination of a work truck and a very nice (not luxury) auto. Sharp, handles well. Leather seats are great. Gauges and sound are superb.

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  1999 Ford Explorer 2 Dr. Sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By LUVMYSPT - February 18 - 2:00 am

  First of all this SUV is loaded with virtually everything you can put on one. I love this vehicle. I have large, but not illegal, Michelin tires on it. I can see all that is occurring a long distance ahead of me. I am 6 3" tal and weight 230 Lbs. and I am comfortable in the vehicle, except I cant wear a hat. This is one of the nicest and safest vehicles I have ever owned. I have only 45,000 mile on it, and there is hardly a mark on it anywhere inside or out.

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  2002 Expedition 4x4 - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By drdbouquet - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Expedition, I owned a 1997, 1999,2002 and in 2 days I am picking up a 2004 Expedition, which will be our 4th. I just love it and my husband prefers this vehicle to the Explorer. I love that I sit high and can carry anything in the back, I can just about haul anything. I drive some distance to work and I am always comfortable.I have never had a problem with any of them,other than Goodyear tires, they dont last.

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  Learning how to drive all over again - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Juris - February 17 - 7:56 pm

  Received car less than 1 week ago, after 5-wk wait from date of order. So far its everything I expected. No production laws. I am excited by the "game" of driving efficiently, and the electronics in this car give me lots of tools to work with. The car handles beautifully and is surprisingly responsive when I need to accelerate. Holds the road very well. Though still has just a bit of a sporty feel. Xlnt brakes, no "hybrid" feel to them. Interior appointments are very sharp. I love Fords Sync system -- which accommodates the phones of everyone in the family (Bluetooth), as well as gives ample connections for iPhone/iPod, USB. (Bonus: I get a 110 V receptacle for my computer.)

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  My new favorite car! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Raymond Brock - February 17 - 3:06 pm

  I just bought the car about 3 days ago, and I absolutely love it. I traded in a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am that had only 50000 miles on it and was already trying to quit on me. It had brake problems from the get-go and the alternator was shot. This new Focus makes me see why I started out with Ford in the first place, and now Im back where I belong.

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  Transmission Defect - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Betty - February 17 - 3:06 pm

  My Model is the 2016 Escape Titanium FWD (front, not 4-wheel) 2.0 L GTDI Echoboost Engine 6-SPD Selectshift Auto Trans, with a sticker price of $33,624.99. There is a bad "shudder" in the transmission which is felt and heard when going from reverse to drive. My dealer says, after I had it in for repair 2 times, once for 4 days, "Ford Motors is aware if this ISSUE in these models. However, they are not authorizing any repairs at this time", giving me no time frame as to when a solution might be found. I only have 1200 miles on this vehicle, and owned it for less than 90 days. My dealer (Sanders Ford, Jacksonville, NC) is offering me no solution, buy back, or promise that I might be broken down on highway or what this means for my investment. Service manager referred me to the Ford Hotline Consumer line to "open a case" on my particular vehicle, this was more of the same run around that it will be fixed as soon as the engineers come up with a solution. Then told me to try coming to a complete stop and very slowly take off, and I wouldnt feel the "shudder", which I loved being told to drive it differently to accommodate their defect. I am livid with Ford Motors, and the dealership who is still selling these 2016 Escapes right now from their showrooms and lots. Are they telling buyers today that there is an "Issue" with the transmission ? Did they know of this issue when they sold me mine ? Cannot get a timeframe on how long they knew of this issue, but know I bought one of the first 2016s from Sanders Ford. Looks like I am stuck with this vehicle and at their mercy, but I surely am going to spread the word about not being told and it having a warranty that they will not or cannot use to repair transmission. Next step is going to be the BBB in our area for misrepresentation of this new vehicle, sold with a known defect. Apparently, this "Hot Line" is just a drop box for these issues until they get enough complaints, then they issue recalls. Meantime their unsuspecting buyers/customers are making payments on something that may or may not be dependable. Ford had a "better idea" so they thought, about the Pinto, which they put people off for so long that many people were burned to death..then they recalled ! Think they would learn. Dont think I will ever be happy with this car, no matter how it ends, and will never buy another Ford.

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  If the following are true, you probably want one: - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Cam of the Westside - February 17 - 12:51 pm

  1) You dont need a ton of space for passengers or cargo. Its perfectly reasonable for everyday use, but 4 adults wont be comfortable for more than an hour, and it doesnt have the kind of cargo space to pack more than for like a couples long weekend. 2) You can put up with a stiff ride and some wind noise. The suspension is very firm; the ride isnt crashy, but it is firm. If you open the windows above about 60mph, there is buffeting. Thats it. This thing is a riot, start to finish: energetic, fun, easy to drive, agile beyond its competition, and surprisingly connected and cohesive. It performs with a lovely balance and sort of cleanliness to its handling. The shifter isnt good, but it works well and a shift kit is easy to install. The steering is actually communicative, and is well-weighted with a nice ratio. The engine is charming: revs hard into the limiter and always wants more, with an adorable medium-pitched bellow under throttle. Theres a bit of lag and torque steer, but nothing that detracts from the experience. The handling is as good as the magazines say it is: great turn-in, and puts the power down well coming out of a turn. Brakes are strong and easy to modulate. Youll get mileage in the high 20s even if you drive like a maniac. Base seats, by the way, are fine, or at least not bad. I didnt feel bad about saving the $2k by skipping the Recaros.

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  real nice - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Robert Vrboncic - February 17 - 2:00 am

  this truck is the nices one I have ever owned.I can pull a house with thing, and to drive long distens is a joy

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  Good/Bad - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Silat - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought used w/33000 miles. Replaced engine at 107000. All kinds of minor electrical problems. Replaced heater core. Runs/rides great on highway. Snow no problem. Great visibility 360 degrees. Wife loves it.

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  WHAT A VEHICLE - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By gp2 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  A GREAT TRUCK. WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE!