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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  VERY EXCITING EXPLORER - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rodney Anderson - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it handles. The ride is superior. The room is immense.

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  Great truck except the shake and rattle - 2001 Ford F-150
  By toursound - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this 4x4 Super Crew for 3+ years, its been extremely reliable, mileage is as expected, Comfort is great for a pickup, but the interior has started rattling! In like 3 places! The truck also shakes at highway speed.

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  Paint flys off in sheets off of roof - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By haasis3 - July 22 - 4:46 pm

  Our experience with Ford and this Ford Explorer has made us decide not to purchase any more Ford vehicles. This vehicle has had problems with warning lights showing up when there is no problem (started happening the very first month!), after 4 years the paint on the roof peeled off in sheets down to the bare metal and then rusted. Ford would have nothing to do with it (talked to Customer Service, the Ford body shop and dealership in SC). They wanted just under $1000 to repaint it even though it is obviously a flaw in the manufacturing and I have seen other reports on the internet. Also, now after 4.5 years, the gear shift indicator showing if you are in Park, Reverse, Drive doesnt work.

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  reliability - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ryan - July 22 - 11:57 am

  Bought it from company I worked with after it was given to me as work vehicle. I have more than 130k on it and only have had to repair standard wear and tear items (brakes and wheal bearings) never have replaced more than once. The car has been hammered on with rough roads and long winters. It is great for towing. I put a brush gaurd on the front and it looks great. I am 6ft 5 and it is very comfortable for me. The car has been put through a lot and runs like it did when I got it.

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  The Best. - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By VictorV. - July 22 - 12:53 am

  Purchased with 90k.What can I say,of all the vehicles I have ever owned,this one was my favorite.I had the sport model.The most spacious and confident vehicle I have ever driven.sure it had some maintenance issues,but so does my Camry.The ac was the best at getting my rig cold in the hot summer months in Las Vegas,and the AWD was a blast to drive.Took it to Big Bear one Xmas,and it tackled the snow with ease.I would never had sold it,but for financial reasons,she had to go.I have regretted that decision ever since.One day I will buy another low mileage Expedition.

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  1998 ford contour cng - 1998 Ford Contour
  By josh - July 21 - 10:29 pm

  i own a 1998 contour gl it has been great to me 123,000 miles on it original tranny , motor it has been very well takin care of maintanice wise.its my work car it also runs off natural gas it is the cng equipped model. so i can use natural gas and 87 unleaded fuel.I love this car never been to the shop for nothing serious just oil changes and brakes, tires routine stuff.great gas milage for one. even better with the bi fuel when gas prices are ski high i use the natural gas cant beat that only 1 percent come with that on this vechile. if i got rid of it only because i got offered alot for it for mthe natural gas set up on it.i rate this car a overrall 8.all around good vechile.

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  My 2005 Explorer-information needed - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By jscottelwood - July 21 - 8:39 pm

  Bought with 89,000 miles, now has 105,000 and still looks and drives mint. Need to find out two things. Have a leak in the sprayer hose for hatch window (somewhere between passenger front and rear doors) and lumbar adjustment has quit working. I would like to know where to get repair information on these two subjects. Can anyone help?

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By kman - July 21 - 5:26 pm

  Just as the title states, the Taurus really exceeded expectations. We almost got in an accident during the test drive when a huge truck swerved in our lane. It handled beautifully, it is surprisingly nimble for a large car. We also get complements all the time about how nice the car looks! I know! It is a basic white FORD TAURUS! We bought it for safety, affordability, and to get us another 100k miles, but we secretly thought it looked pretty sweet ourselves! We would recommend the Taurus to anyone who wants a reliable, comfortable, affordable (and pretty cool)car.

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  No Problems at 49K - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Marc - July 21 - 5:02 pm

  Purchased it new, mostly hauling stuff and occasional people. Only problem was the brake recall. Only service - minor front end work, new tires (too early, imho) and regualr services when the change oil light comes on. I did buy the extended service from Ford, so I hope the tranny fails before 75K if it does at all. Oh and if you drive it carefully you can get 25+mpg on the highway at 65mph. I know because I have done it.

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  Cant Believe its a ford - 2009 Ford Focus
  By smokedis - July 21 - 3:27 pm

  I have owned BMW to Toyota and back again but stayed away from ford until this focus. The IIHS just rated the coupe #1 for safety. I am very happy with the car over all. I have no regrets. The SE is not bad for under 15K out the door. No big frills just what ya need. not to mention 25.0 MPG city and I speed everywhere.