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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  look at the facts - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Rick Casorio - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Rust on the inside bottoms of the doors. (common problem) Fuel ecomony averaged 14.9.(common problem) Fuel gauge was always inaccurate. Trans had to be rebuilt at 8000 miles due to a blown gasket inside trans.(common problem) Fog lamps replaced 9 times due to moisture build-up inside lens.(common problem) 3 recalls in 1 year. Driver rear door needed re-adjusted because striker wasnt alined. Squealing from front drive wheels.(common problem) Needless to say after a year and a 1/2 of ownership I just sold the truck. As of date this was my worst experience of ownership of a vehicle I ever owned.

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  What was I expecting from a ford? - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By SHOstopper - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Wow, i have so many mixed feelings about this car that i dont know where to begin. Yes, i loved the SHO when i first bought it. However, the constant are dissapointing. The transmision on the car has been replaced 3 times before 100k. The electrical system is a nightmare. The coolent system is in disrepair. I will never recomend a ford, unless you are prepared to be wrapped in thier Coccoon of Horrors.

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  I love my hybrid and heres why - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By spacefan - January 14 - 1:43 am

  First, if you have the fuel/electric usage interface for the navigation system you know what your mileage is and can adjust your driving style. Second, the system provides an average miles per gallon, not the actual miles per gallon. Third, check your tire pressure every two weeks to ensure proper inflation--it is amazing what effect properly inflated tires have on gas mileage. Fourth, with the exception of a recall on the electronics for the big battery (and the need to replace the big battery), this vehicle has been wonderfully reliable even in really cold weather (keep in mind the battery starts the engine). Lastly, during the worst of the gas crisis I was smiling all the way to the bank!

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  Wonderful Mid SUV - 2013 Ford Edge
  By HeySpanky - January 13 - 5:10 pm

  I wish that the trunk would open higher and I wish the side mirrors were larger. The touch screen entertainment center needs to be revamped as the "buttons" tend to work 80% of the time when touched. Also, attempting to connect a smartphone to the cars Bluetooth can be quite the headache-inducing chore if it works at all. This is a wonderful vehicle. Bravo, Ford.

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  Staying with a winner - 2008 Ford Escape
  By back for more - January 13 - 3:56 pm

  This is our second Escape, got hooked on the interior roominess (at 64" its a primary concern). Love the handleability of FWD in the ice and snow while still getting a smooth ride on dry roads. One complaint, the cruise control creeps up in hilly interstate driving. Both of our Escapes can gain 3 to 5 mph when going up hill and then it stays there after cresting. Overall its a great auto.

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  Waiting to get clutch repaired for over 8 months - - 2014 Ford Focus
  By TR - January 13 - 6:41 am

  Ford sold a car with a knowingly defective transmission. The clutch slips, shutters and shakes the whole car. When I took it into the Dealer 8 months ago I was told they know about the problem and there are so many to repair and with the backlog, it would be months before they had a replacement clutch for my car. They added me to the the bottom of a very long list. The car is miserable to drive and I find it unbelievable that it takes over 8 months to get service parts when its a current model production vehicle. Fords lack of customer support is atrocious. How much longer before I get the call that they are ready to replace/repair the clutch is unknown, I call about once a month to check the status and they always give the same answer; "we have so many we need to repair it will take a while to get to yours"

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  WHAT A TRUCK! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Tim - January 13 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our 2003 Excursion, traded in a whimpy burb for it. Outstanding is the word to describe this vehicle. The diesel is awesome. This thing starts in -10 degree weather with no problem. We also love the dvd player.

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  WHAT A TRUCK! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By Tim Ebert - January 13 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our 2003 Excursion, traded in a whimpy burb for it. Outstanding is the word to describe this vehicle. The diesel is awesome. This thing starts in -10 degree weather with no problem. We also love the dvd player.

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  Great Car - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By sdfasdfasdf - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Never a problem except the check engine light came on and the dealership kept saying it was a fuel pressure problem. Upon getting an emmissions test, the tester said the gas tank cap wasnt providing a complete seal (required by GA emmissions tests). The replaced cap solved the fuel pressure problem and the check engine light turned off....

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  great fun - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Everal - January 13 - 2:00 am

  we have only had this vehicle 2 months and love it. My sister liked it so much she went out and got one. its great in the snow and lots of fun in the mud. It handles well for the size and I love the tight turning radius.