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:

• 

  Tried and true - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By TCap - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My 1998 Ford Explorer has been one of the most reliable vehicles Ive ever owned. Ive averaged 19.8 MPG consistently in combined city / highway driving. At 127,000 miles it still has the original spark plugs and wires,I changed the serpentine belt at 110,000 miles even though it didnt need it and the battery at 97000. I replaced the brakes one time. After over 5 years on the road it passed its first smog check! The clear coat paint is as good as new (garage kept and detailed every 6 mos.) Towed a car trailer and car one time at freeway speeds and over the grapevine here in California, total trip time 4.5 hours not a single problem. Tough truck!

• 

  Very disappointed - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Jimmy D - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Our Explorer would be fun to drive, if we could ever drive it. In the 14 months we owned the vehicle it was in the shop 13 times. Lets just say it is now someone elses problem. Also, the dealership was not helpfull an all around bad experience.

• 

  I love it - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By biggin - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my ranger mine is a xlt with the 4.0 and 2WD but edmunds did not put a place for my ranger so i am putting it here. Ive put 20,000 miles on mine so far and I have not had a single problem with it. I like fuel economy with the 3.55 rear end but it takes away from the towing and acceleration. I recently took it to Panama City and I got 26 mpg out of it. I comute about 25 miles to work everyday and i average about 20 mpg. I also recomend using z-max it gave me an extra 3 mpg.

• 

  great truck for the price - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By bsbillybob - August 23 - 2:00 am

  i have not had the truck long now but so far i love it. it has a lot more power than the chevy s-10 it also rides alot better. i looked for about a month befor finding the deal i was looking for an i test drove alot an i thank the ranger overall is the best deal. p.s. im a chevy guy driveing a ford,something wrong there. chevy needs to step it up a bet. have fun!

• 

  built ford tough! - 1998 Ford F-150
  By bigboy - August 23 - 2:00 am

  i found everything i wanted with this truck. it has yet to have any repairs needed at 70000 miles-great reliability. i have, of course, done some performance improvements to it (headers, hi-flow cats, flowmasters, air intake), but they added to the reliability more than anything. i ahve a manual five speed with 4.6 v8-amazing gas mileage for a 4x4!! 14-16 mpg in city and 17-18 mpg on highway! towing and hauling is great, too-have trouble remembering its a 1/2 ton. this truck is truly built tough! ford tough!

• 

  FIRST FORD FOR ME - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By UncleB - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Ford Vehicle. I was very surprised that Edmunds gave this vehicle a bad review. I had a blazer before this one. It has GREAT pickup and off road capability. I took through 10 inches of mud with no problem. In fact, I pulled out a Nissan Xterra that was stuck. The gas mileage is ok for a SUV; the back end does slip or kick out sometimes. It made me nervous at first but this truck is both very safe and FUN to drive. I get a lot of looks in it when it is all waxed up. Be sure to haggle when you buy it. I shopped around a lot and Dollar for Dollar this was the best buy. It is a great truck. I used to HATE Fords. But this one is a keeper.

• 

  2001 Bullitt Stang - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Vince Scannell - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome i have no bad things to say about it. It handles,drives, and looks great.

• 

  Only 2 small Complaints - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By a1ibddd - August 23 - 2:00 am

  First and foremost, I love my 02 Mustang GT. This car is a blast to drive. I have never owned a car that I have just loved to drive without any particular destination. My only complaints with my Mustang: 1. The manual shifter is positioned to far forward to be comfortable for frequent shifting. It would be much more comfortable if the manual shifter was positioned at the first cup holder or even the second cup holder. 2. THAT INTERIOR BACK WINDOW IS A REAL...YOU KNOW WHAT TO CLEAN. :-) Im really looking forward to the re- designed Mustang in 04 or 05.

• 

  Ford Focus is Fun - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Carlos A. - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Its definetely worth the price. It accelerates with spirit, takes curves with assurance at any speed, and brakes fast and straight. Good visibility all around, nice stereo, interior doesnt look chintzy.

• 

  Fun for two - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Erikgirl - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Our car is great, no problems, reliable. It even has the latch system fro car seats...alas, put a car seat in the back and your knees are knocking the dash board. But it was great while it was just the two of us!