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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  Another poor quality Ford product - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By draks - October 17 - 2:00 am

  In general this truck has been maintenance free but when things fail they fail BIG. The radio failed in the first 3 months. After that it was OK until the transmission failed at 75k miles and (after a rebuild) failed again at 90k miles. The computer generated "OD/ engine" lite illuminates often and it costs $150 to put it on the machine and I learn that "its nothing to worry about". Finally, it costs $150 to get a key and remote control "programmed" from FORD. This is clearly a vehicle made for a 2 year lease = use it and throw it away. Unfortunately, I bought it thinking I could keep it for 150k miles, but sadly have learned that domestic cars are not built for that.

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  Pats van - 1991 Ford Aerostar
  By Mrs. Jones - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This van is a great family vehicle! This van has a great radio. This van has pretty good pick up for a van. This van is very reliable.

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  Love to Drive - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Chasjaz - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with the engine/transmission in this car. 2.5L V6 with 5sp is a blast to drive. A real sleeper that surprises a lot of sports cars. Unfortunately it rides worse than most sport cars. It really beats you up. Leather interior looks nice but its cramped inside and not very well laid out. Ive had electrical problems from day one. Emergency break sticks when it freezes and cannot be released.

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  Great Short Term - Careful long term - 1997 Ford Escort
  By MightyMet - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This car didt give me one problem at all and I never had one item ever break on it and it was never in the shop for anything other then routine maintenance until just recently and it was a big one. The car has 121,000miles and the #1 Piston is hitting the valve and the only solution is total engine replacement. Car was VERY reliable until it hit the 120,000 mark. If the miles are low and the price is right you should go for it as I really enjoyed owning it but once you hit that 100,000 you should be thinking about selling it or trading it in.

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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Jenine - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I have this vehicle as a company car. It is great because I am always carrying parts in the back and I have enough room while the vehicle still remains car-like. The overall reliability has been ok, but the little annoyances make me want to go back to my Toyota.

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  didnt get my moneys worth - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By jvb - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had so many problems with ours, from electrical to transmission. In the past year alone we have put over 2500.00 into it and thats mostly just in parts, my husband is able to most of the labor.I would be very leary of purchasing a used Ford again.

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  I used to be a Ford Fan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rk4p - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used, and did not notice that it already had a rebuilt transmission. The head gasket blew at 75000 miles, Ford fixed it, but I was still stranded with family. The van shakes terribly, and no one can diagnose problem. One mechanic said "I would sell it, probably another transmission" I now have 90,000 miles on it and it has left us stranded 3 times. If not for budget restraints, I would have traded a long time ago. Do not waste your money on this vehicle, go ahead and pay sticker for a Honda or Toyota.

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  why is my gas mileage so poor? - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By sladams - October 11 - 5:53 pm

  I recently purchased a used 2009 escape hybrid 2wd with 42000 miles on it. I think it was probably a fleet car. Its in good shape but Im only getting 25 miles to the gallon with combined city/hwy driving. And, the gas tank only seems to take 11 gallons when I believe it has a 15 gallon tank. I know its hot and the aircon has to be on but isnt that still pretty low mileage? Kind of wishing I had bought a new non-hybrid for the same money now. Any info/suggestions would be helpful in making me feel like I made a decent purchase. thanks

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  None - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Kevin - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Truck runs rough up hills and power from a stand still. Little room for material more for fun. Not good for people to ride in the rear.

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  F-150 Comparison to a Chevy TrailBlazer - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Magpiper - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Previously I owned a 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer SLT. I found towing my 16ft. aluminum boat on a steep grade to be rather poor with the (15.8 MPG Hwy) 5.4 ltr V8. Chevys 4.2 inline 6 cylinder would have dragged this boat to the top while accelerating. I also found the Lariat package of my F- 150 to be rather lack luster. No heated seats nor the simplisity of a pocket on the back of the front seats. Theres no storage room! For the price of this vehicle and the top-of-the-line Lariat package, it should have been much more.