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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  Owners Beware! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By leopold fuchs - July 2 - 4:39 pm

  I have a 2006 Fusion 4 cylinder 5 speed. I generally enjoyed this car and was enthusiastic about it until 2 weeks ago when the locater pins fell out of the fly wheel destroying the transmission, clutch and fly wheel. The Ford tech says it is a fault of the manufacturer but Ford says, sorry guarantee is up. To make matters worse I have been waiting two weeks for parts as simple as the bolts that secure the pressure plate to the fly wheel. I bought this car to support the American manufacturer. The next guy I support will be named Hans. This has been an nightmare.

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  Awesome - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Marc - July 2 - 2:03 pm

  This is my first new car, and I must say that I made an excellent decision on buy a Ford Mustang. The car is great to drive if its only going to work.

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  A review - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Fritz - July 2 - 10:48 am

  My Expedition is 9 years old, and I have started looking around for a replacement. What were high end features in 2000 are less than base now in most SUVs of this class. When I purchased this one I was ticked at Ford over a maintenance issue, but the GMs felt too cheap. Now, the new Expeditions feel too cheap. In 9 years I have replaced the the alternator twice, the water pump, the load leveling suspension motor, and the sunroof motor.. The reviews in 2000 indicated the electrical systems are where this vehicle would have problems, and that has proven to be pretty accurate. Back to the replacement... I love my current truck and have decided to just keep driving it.

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  Ive been very pleased thus far - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By brandonh98 - July 1 - 10:23 pm

  When I first bought this truck new in 99 I loved it...At about 25K miles the rear end went...and then I started having trouble with the 4wd at about 30k miles. I thought at that point that this thing was going to start to be a pain in the rear but since 30k miles I havent had to put a dime into it except for normal wear items such as brakes, ball joints etc...at just over 110k miles I can say this is been a very reliable truck thus far...

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  never lets me down - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Eric - July 1 - 12:38 pm

  I have used my truck for daily drive of 50+ miles for 5 years, plus hauling mulch, wood, moving- whatever I need it makes it happen. I have 2wd and living in VA I have never even needed 4wd in the snow. I am not good to vehicles and have only had to replace normal wear and tear. Some of the bottom of the doors has been starting to rust, but I just put on more rustoleum and keep going. About 2 years in I added a KN cold air intake and a flowmaster duel exhaust and this gives me about 3/4 extra MPG and sounds AWESOME! Overall it is one of those vehicles that you never have a doubt if she will start up- I would never part with my truck until she decides to go.

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  So far so good - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rufus - July 1 - 9:21 am

  This isnt my daily driver, but it has been basically reliable so far. The plastic underneath the rear hatch glass cracked inexplicably a few months ago, but that has been the only significant problem. Good highway ride, good in the snow, plenty of room for hauling stuff around. Rear A/C with controls up front is a very nice feature even if you dont have people in the back, because it gets the cabin frosty cold in a hurry even on hot days (American cars always seem to have better, stronger AC than Japanese for some reason). On the highway, mileage isnt horrible for such a big heavy vehicle, but it stinks in town. I expect Ill be getting several more years out of it.

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  The SUVs SUV - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By CB - June 30 - 10:13 pm

  King of the Road. Great SUV if you are going to be in the car alot. Fuel economy is not great, but also not bad when compared to closet rivals like Tahoe or Expedition. Only downside I see after owning for all these years is it is not the best car to maneuver around in stop and go traffic. Great on the highways and trips over an hour. If they made a newer one I would buy it. Would like to see a little better fuel efficiency maybe 15 mpg. Solid safety - I would hate to be in a car that impacts an Excursion.

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  2009 V6 SE - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Snoman - June 30 - 9:42 pm

  Bought as a daily driver to work and back. After 4000 miles it has become a great car to own. This car replaced my 1998 Taurus. With a V6 I average 29-30 miles to the gallon, if using 10% ethanol blended gas then 26-27. 0% for 72 and invoice pricing made it a great deal.

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  More reliable than my Lexus - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By John - June 30 - 8:26 pm

  Purchased used 75000 miles ago

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  Problems with Two Fords so far - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By dawn - June 30 - 7:37 pm

  Our fam of 5, often drives from Denver to Spokane. We got the windstar after the trans on our explorer went out in the middle of WY, 100s of miles near nothing in the middle of the night. This week on the van we replaced the R&P, for DIYs this is inexpensive but difficult 100.00. And the power steering pump, a little difficult but inexpensive 60.00. The ABS light goes on and off for no reason. Dome lights dont always turn off, and door ajar stays on. Cruise control went out after it surged to 95, like the throddle got stuck. Shifts really hard. Lots of room for the kids, not much room for baggage in the back. You have to drop the engine to change plugs, wires