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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  Check under the hood!!!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By blueacid40 - June 13 - 2:14 pm

  Have put 4300 miles on Flex by now. Good vehicle so far, not happy with quality of product. Check under your hood there is electrical tape wrapped around a piece that covers the wiring harness, it is located by the battery. Trying to get people to recognize this issue to me this is unacceptable! Also there is a Special Service bulletin out for the Flex, if your door pillars have dents in them call your dealership!!

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  Just OK - 2005 Ford F-150
  By SWP - June 12 - 11:47 pm

  After almost 3 years of ownership all I can say is that the truck is just OK. Mileage is 13mpg city and hiway. My problems have been: Clunck in transmission when starting from a stop, back sliding rear window rattles like crazy (had repaired once), bracket holding the passenger front window in place broke and the window fell into the door,($425 for that fix) CD player had to be replaced, brakes replaced at 20,000 miles and I do not drive the truck hard, needs a little more power. Good things: Decent ride, nice looking truck inside and out, comfortable seats.

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  Solid, Reliable truck - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Az f-150 - June 12 - 5:51 pm

  I dont think ive done 1 non-scheduled maintenance on this vehicle. 102k miles on original tranny, etc. Still looks good for being 10 years old. This truck easily handles everything i throw at it.

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  Great Buy - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Sam Smith - June 12 - 5:16 pm

  Overall I am very satisfied.

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  Have Loved It - 2004 Ford Escape
  By EMTMIKE - June 12 - 10:22 am

  I bought my escape in 2004 brand new. It has plenty of power and has never let me down. Gas mileage isnt great with my average being 20mpg. Odometer is now at 55,000 miles. At this point these are my only complaints...the center console cover was too weak...I put my arm on it in the winter and it cracked..dash vents produce debris (black crumbs) that are noticeable. Gear shift gets in the way of stereo control. Thats it. Plenty of cargo room and great in the snow.

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  Best new car Ive owned (Ive owned 8) - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Super critical - June 11 - 10:28 pm

  First the bad. Struggling to get a full tank is unacceptable. Turning the nozzle upside down usually fixs the problem. Car is kinda thirsty but for the performance you get on regular gas, its within the bounds of acceptable. I have an automatic and the hesitation on downshifting is unacceptable and unsafe when driving aggressively. Now the good. In over 39000 miles, its never left me stranded. Never been in the shop for repairs. Cabin is squeak and rattle free still. Took it on a 8000mi trip and NEVER got out of it with a back ache. Stereo is great. Seat, console and door armrest position is the best Ive ever had. I love the car and Im not an easy person to please. Worth a look!

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  a little touch up work - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By blondi - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for 4 months, so far no problems mechanically. The driver side seat rubs against the center console and squeeks, and the pink stuffing inside is already coming out on the carpet below. The passenger side seat is already tearing on the corner, and this is barely ever used.

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  03 ST XLT Premium is a solid SUT - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Marc99GT - June 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our first 03 ST 8/1/03. It now has just over 300 miles and it is a nice comfortible ride. The truck feels solid and smooth. It moves fairly well getting onto the highway and the rear A/C controls are a huge plus. The power rear center window is very cool & the 285 watt stereo sounds very good.

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  My Second Mustang - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By DonStang - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our second mustang, our first was an 88 GT, we got 140,000 out of that car. We bought another used one. We understand this is a sports car and a fun car. This car has no utilitie to it. Its for having fun. We put the 2 stage flowmasters on it. Sounds great and works better then are old one.

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  2003 Ford Escape XLS 2WD 3.0L - 2003 Ford Escape
  By colbri - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has by far provided the most enjoyable driving experience of all the Fords I have owned over the years. In my opinion,its handling, performance and fuel economy, not to mention good looks, place it a head above the others in its class that I tested before settling on this particular Ford product.