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:

• 

  Love the Ford Escape! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jus2rosi - May 30 - 2:00 am

  A great SUV for the price! V6 engine is a real plus with this SUV, can really get up and go. Lots of space and cargo room, seats fold down with little effort for even more cargo! Independent wheel suspension is awesome, has a smooth ride. Extras like electric moon roof, locks, windows, mirrors, seats, 6- CD player, rear defroster and tons of storage just add to the comfort of this vehicle. The Escape is great in all weather conditions and is a real surprise with the two wheel drive! We have been so pleased with the Escape and its performance, thanks Ford for a real WINNER!

• 

  Hello Ford? No Answer. - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By bigdriver222 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  With a new child we went looking for a safe and affordable minivan we could grow into. However 53,000 miles down the road I am ready to drop my Windstar like a bad habit. First problem was at 43,000 miles - a new transmission. Ford offered to help with 80% of the costs, still thats money you shouldnt have to shell out after 43,000 miles. Then 1,000 miles later the Rack and Pinion steering went out. $700 more dollars. Just yesterday the air intake system went. I would not buy a Ford again unless they offered a 10 year/100,000 bumper to bumper - on everything from light bulbs to engine block. Be afraid - be very afraid.

• 

  Worst Car ever - 1993 Ford Probe
  By One Rolln - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This was a really fun car to drive when it worked. The expen$$$$ive repair costs and the dual build of the cars (ford,Mazda)may be the problem. Engine repairs and normal fixs are outrageous. Definatly do not recommend!

• 

  Awesome! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By BlackSVT_4Ever - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I was really not a fan of the Focus when it first came out but, since the release of the SVT, I have done a 180. I absolutely love this car. It is not just a focus with Ground Effects and 17s. It is totally re-engineered vehicle. Pretty much new everything but the body.

• 

  Never been better - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By NHRA - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a joy to drive every day. This is my second ranger and I enjoy all the changes. My 2003 Edge regular cab 4x2 came with a 3.0l v6 and a 5 speed manual transmission. This engine can pull! There are plenty of options and packages available that anyone should be able to find what they like. Oh yeah, and edmunds, quit saying the "Ranger needs a V8" because you neglect to say this for the Tacoma, Frontier, S-10 or Sonoma. If you get the 4.0l, or the 3.0l in the regular cab, you will see there is power aplenty in the one compact truck with the best features and value on the market.

• 

  I guess I got a good one - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By 99Limited - May 30 - 2:00 am

  For the most part, and probably since I have the extended warranty, my 99 Ltd with 4.10 LS and rear load leveling (air shocks) has served me very well over three years now. Sure, its been in the shop, no more than my Integra, Camry or others Ive had. Most problems have been with minor items dying such as the rear wiper motor (2x), rear gate shocks (2x), door locks not working from remote and front brake grinding (dealer probably over-tightened the lugs when rotating wheels). I recently replaced ALL fluids ($400US) at 40k and it runs better than new. Trust me, it works and will probably extend the life of your "Exploder".

• 

  Ford Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By brenfin - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I will never buy another Ford Explorer. Plagued with numerous recalls from the beginning, this vehicle performed poorly. Comparing cost to value received, I did not get my moneys worth. I expected more from a $30,000 vehicle. Little things like malfunctioning windshield wipers, stereo/radio,sticky gas pedal, etc. are results of slipshod engineering.

• 

  FORD - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By SCOOTERFX4 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD 13 CARS, TRUCKS, SUV IN THE PAST 7 YEARS AND THE EXPLORER IS ONE OF THE NICEST VEHICLES I HAVE EVER OWNED OR DRIVEN

• 

  NOT ON THE ROAD - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By insul8 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR A WEEK

• 

  Its BLUE - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By mcsp00 - May 29 - 10:33 am

  Ordered mine on 11/19/12. Got it delivered on 2/13/13. LooOoong wait. So, hows the gas mileage you ask? Fine. After 2 weeks of driving, the EV+ feature is recognizing my work, parents, and home locations. That means it goes full electric within 1/2 mile of location. Very nice. On some trips, Im measuring 48mpg, and it is COLD and SNOWY/SLURPEE muck here. Overall, I see 31.5mpg in 2 weeks of driving... The interior is quite nice. Sync works very well, and simple to me. I recognize it would be intimidating to some. The ride quality is smooth. The acceleration can be surprising! This car rocks. Low-ish reliability because I already have had a "flat" battery...