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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  So Far So Good - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By heidiho - February 24 - 4:07 am

  Its been almost a month with 1600 miles. Im doing 42 mpg and live in a hilly area. Ive notice that when I drive "with" the car instead driving like my old cars (heavy footed) MPG increased. When the battery activates, I go gentle on the peddle to avoid using gas. Im enjoying the car very much. Im hoping the technology will last. I only gave a "3" for reliability. Too soon to say. The only complaint so far is the isync. They cant understand my voice yet. It keeps wanting me to go to Newark whenever I say a town with an N. I dont care for the navigator but itll take time to get use to. MPG will improve if u go easy on the peddle. :)

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  They are wonderful... buy one - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Satisfied 2nd owners - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Ours replaced a Land Rover. We use the 4WD and we drive it more than 30K mi/yr. It continues to be a superb vehicle. We have every intention of replacing it with a new Expedition.

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  I enjoy it - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Marcus James - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, comfortable, secure feeling while driving.

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  Pretty decent Suv for the bucks - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Eaton52 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my expedition since 1999, it hasnt given me much trouble, couple interior parts come apart which the dealer wanted way to much for ( wanted 300 bucks to fix a $5 part which literally took me 20 seconds to put in myself). the performance is decent, but could be improved with the 5.4 litre. i cammute to work everyday and it gets me there in back with comfort, it is great inside, very fun to drive and is an easy riding car with great vision out of the power front seats.

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  A $30000 Yugo - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By WARRIOR6521 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 2000. Nothing but problems - brakes, multi-function stalk, coil packs, fuel mileage getting gradually worse...will be the last Ford I will ever own!

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  The Best Beast! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Adrprk - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful truck! Plenty of room which = Comfort! Handles very well considering the size. Great pickup (accleration)...no need to worry about short highway ramps, the v10 can haul!!!

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  Buyer beware, worst car I ever owned! - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By dunnr - February 24 - 2:00 am

  In less than 20K miles of driving, all but three of the door switches that turn off the interior lights have failed , one window motor failed, the rotors have failed, one caliper has failed, the EGR valve went bad, the camshaft position sensor went bad. I should have read reviews before I bought the car, I will read them before I buy my next one.

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  V6 - 2 Door Coupe - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By lmb471499 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  A very good handling car that is fun to drive. Gas mileage is decent too, around 24-28 mpg depending on the type of driving you are doing.

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  fix or repair daily - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By chevy owner - February 24 - 2:00 am

  we had our explore for 5 years. It was in the shop at least once a month for the 1st year they could never fix the problems. A loose rear sway barwas fixed after 4 vists. then stuff really started to go wrong. we replace the rear door handles 3 time under warranty left the broke after that. replace the ball joints 8 times!!!! each one at least once the cv joint once had to send the front end 200 miles toi get it fixed. and could not get parts for except form ther dealership for 4 years not even the 25 dollar air filter. Overall the car always ran but needed constant

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  Needs improvement - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By bimmerchick - February 23 - 10:00 am

  At 35,000 miles this vehicle has had the wheel bearings, and u-joints replaced three times. A new waterpump at 30,000 miles, brakes at 27,000 miles. Brakes at two days old squeak continuously - dealer cant do anything about it and suspension is very loose. Great design, but lacks in performance. All these issues are leading me to trade in for better European or Japanese imports.