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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  Great Transportation - 1994 Ford Escort
  By BrianCHenson - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new. (with 38 miles) I have had this car for 10 years now, and could not have asked for a better built or more reliable car. It has 200,000 miles on it, and I have not had to do a single repair to the motor. Everything on the car is original (excluding brakes and tires) This car is so dependible I would put my 79 year old grandmother in it to drive acrossed country with no worries.

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  Ford F-150 = The most reliability ever!! - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Fordlvr - February 11 - 2:00 am

  We got this truck in february of 2002 and it is february 11 2004 and we have not had 1 problem except for the dual exhaust breaking, and thats it, the 4.6 V8 sounds awsome up in the 5,000ks and it rides smooth like a car, the 6 cd changer is a great amentity and the speakers are impossible to blow and sound great. the truck is at 114k now and runs like brand spanking new, if you see one of these trucks for sale and you need a truck, HERE you go, buy it.... Ford TOUGH

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  2001 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By PHIL L. - February 11 - 1:20 am

  I think Ford made a mistake widening the body width after 2001. This car slides into parking spaces with ease, and the performance and ride is better than most. Currently have over 90,000 miles and cant find a better replacement. The utility of the open cargo area is the best thing since sliced bread, and the rear seat fold down is also handy. Long lumber can be transported by sliding down the electric rear window -- a really slick feature.

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  4,207 Miles in 14 Days. - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jacob Tennessen - February 10 - 9:58 pm

  I rented a 2016 XLT for a long road trip and enjoyed. Overall I would give the vehicle 4 stars for attractive redesign and decent road manners. The vehicle had alot of nice features for the price of that model. It was all wheel drive and averaged only 21 mpg, but with a heavy foot (avg 85mph on interstate). It held the road well at high interstate speeds. The six speed auto behaved well outside of the almost always wanting to downshift at the slightest hill. The best word to describe the feel of this SUV is "pudgy". It is thick...dash, pillars and body. It drives similarly...not fat like a truck based SUV but you can still feel the weight in its performance. I found myself looking for more power on occasion, but the V6 is a decent mover when pedal is mashed. Nitpicking small things annoyed me like the design of the steering wheel. You cant hold the bottom of the wheel and the buttons for the functions were numerous and difficult to discern by feel...you have to look down to find right button...not good. The cloth interior (Black) was actually pretty nice. Durable and easy to keep clean. I didnt miss the leather and sunroof, but I did miss the auto climate control and auto rear view mirror. I hated having to constantly adjust. The third row lays flat nicely and the depth of luggage area increases when seats are pulled up which comes in handy, but still, as with most midsized suv third rows, its pretty tight in the back for people and luggage when the seats are up and not easy to climb back to the back seat for an adult. Overall though I would rent again. If for no other reason than decent space and comfort.

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  Worst car Ive owned in 20 years of driving. Run. - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Russ D. - February 10 - 3:17 am

  Loses 50% of value in one year. Shifts horribly. Particularly from 2nd-3rd, as well as down shifting on down hills when applying the brakes. Not at all the time, but enough to make you flinch, expecting it to lurch you forward in your seat. Didnt happen during test drive or I definitely would not have purchased. Took it to dealer, was told this was "normal behavior" for this transmission and handed a print out of internal service bulletin ststing the same. Note to Ford: If you get so many complaints about an issue there is an ISB created for it, perhaps your definition of "normal behavior" should be reevaluated. Cheap feel to materials on interior, especially the doors. When you press on the door to exit, it just feels like dry-rotted foam behind it. Doors dont seal well, lots of dust/dirt spring through fall, doors freeze shut in winter. Trim doesnt line up, just a general lack of attention to detail. Rides smooth and quiet, perhaps the best on those 2 items of any car Ive ever owned. Beyond that...Beautiful aesthetically, useless functionally. Begrudgingly looking to trade in despite the huge financial hit.

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  best truck out there. - 2003 Ford F-150
  By chack - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I coould not ask for much more out of a truck. It is a blast to drive. Quiet and smooth. The only thing I would improve on is the gas mileage, at 1.70 a gallon it is punching through the wallet quick. Great truck

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  Nice Truck, but needs improvements - 2001 Ford F-150
  By DataDude - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Over all, it has been a dependable vehicle that lives up to the Ford name and image. The interior is super comfortable for the driver and all passengers, front and back. The four doors is a nice advantage over king cabs and standard pickups. The four doors are easier to load passengers then the king cab, and you have storage from the eliments for packages in the back seat, that are not left outside the cab to be stolen or rained on.

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  Overall Satisfied - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By Ken in CT - February 10 - 2:00 am

  After 10 years of my first Ford, I can say it has been fairly reliable - had some Mass Air Flow Sensor and O2 Sensor issues at about 50,000. Also, it has had 2 out of the 3 faults that I am told it is infamous for - broken motor mounts and now the tranny is shot. Never had problems with the third one - head gaskets, but it was probably coming. An excellent handling car in the snow, providing you have good tires on it. I would consider buying another one, but I would research a bit to make sure the tranny and head gasket problems have been ironed out.

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  Great Car even with +++ mile - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By MikeyB - February 10 - 2:00 am

  My son wreched my wifes 97 Escort, this was the replacement car. I am 64" and actually fit comfortably and my son in the back seat still has leg room. Car has high mileage but the engine, trans, exterior and interior are still excellent. Ride is wonderful and handles were nicely. Like it better then my 1994 Explorer Limited for long trips much better mileage also, about 30.2 on highway @ 70mph.

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  review - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By jessicam16 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car to drive