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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  Satisfied - 2008 Ford Edge
  By bob - April 29 - 9:22 am

  I think Ford hit the jack pot with this one. The engine is a little noisey when starting off or increasing speed on the highway,this should be improved.

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  Great Vehicle, No problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JKT - April 29 - 8:36 am

  Bought used with 33,000 miles a little while ago. Great family vehicle, love the 3rd row seat. Gas mileage for SUV is acceptable, compared to OTHER SUVs. Interior is well appointed, heated seats great, interior os sturdy. love the factory subwoofer. Exterior is fine, but plastic molding around foglights made cheap. Have to replace all 4 disks and pads already. Would buy again.

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  Great, Safe Family car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Freebie05 - April 28 - 11:35 pm

  No problems after 40K miles. Two repairs in the three years we have owned it: oil pump gear for the AWD mechanism, electronic sensor for the transmission went out. This is one of the safest vehicles on the road. I would only say the CVT is a little noisy around town. Acceleration is OK. It is a versatile family car that seats 7 passengers comfortably.

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  Mostly Pleased... - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By GuyInIndiana - April 28 - 9:33 pm

  I purchased this used truck for towing, however, my 2000 XLT only has a 5.4L V8. Edmunds says the base engine is a V10 6.? something. I pulled my new camper of 4100# for 280 miles... refueled 32 gallons. OUCH... but... it pulled it very well. I noticed on the main page for the 2000 Excursion, my 5.4 V8 isnt mentioned as an option in the 4 wheel drive, which mine is. Overall, Im happy with it. Its a very solid ride.

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  08 Focus SE - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Justintime - April 28 - 6:06 pm

  Gas milage is great getting 35 to 40 mpg with mostly hwy driving. Sync software works great for the cost of the car its very impressive. Great Daily driver!

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  still very tight - 2008 Ford Focus
  By rfruscel - April 28 - 5:08 pm

  Ive owned this 2008 focus since june 2008. I have 11k miles with absolutely no problems. No rattles or anything..still very tight. I can achieve 40mpg on highway trips if I keep the speed at or below 65mph. The automatic transmission is nice and smooth. great quality all around for the price.

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  Worth Mud - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Explorer - April 28 - 4:24 pm

  Dont buy this unless you have money to waste. Every year since I have owned this vehicle I have had to put money into it. All four wheel bearings at about $400 each, now the rear differential is going out. If you have money to throw away buy this Explorer. If not better buy foreign! America needs to catch up or the big 3 will fail in the near future.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Don Queen - April 27 - 3:29 pm

  After reading reviews here I decided to purchase a 2008 Eddie Bauer Expedition. I consider other SUVs including Toyota Sequoia and Chevy Tahoe but now I glad I selected the Ford.

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  MY LITTLE LEMON - 2008 Ford Escape
  By TBM - April 27 - 3:03 pm

  July of 2007 I purchased my 2nd Escape. I traded a 2005 model for the 2008 due to transmission problems. Upon purchase of the 2008 Ive had a constant spark knocking that even occurs with an 89 and 93 octane along with more tranny problems to boot. With the purchase of my 2008 Escape came a 60,000 mile drivetrain warranty which covers the transmission and motor. After 40,000 miles I just had to shell out $850 from my pocket because the transmission cooler started leaking which Ford conveniently would not cover under the warranty saying it was not part of the drivetrain. My advice to anyone thinging about buying the Ford Escape, save your money. I will NEVER own another Ford.

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  Motor Fell Out At 86,000 Miles - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Bill Mack - April 27 - 2:11 pm

  I bought this Windstar van new & all went well till the Warrenty run out at 60,000 miles. Then the repairs started Power stering,brakes,engine seals,rack & pinion,warnig lights not going off , set belt light...But the big problem come at 86,000 mi. The engine fell out! All the mounts let loose! So much collaterial damage ,it was not worth the repairs...lost trade in value & charged 6.9% interest on replacement vehicle. NO not the 0% Ford pushes on TV.