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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  Better values out there. - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Donovon Nichols - December 5 - 5:13 pm

  I really wanted this truck. Test drove a few and loved it. Great ride, very roomy, and aggressive looks! Sparsely equipped until youve up into the sport and platinum packages. Ultimately bought a Chevy Traverse. Got heated seats, Sunroof, and remote start for less than the Explorer XLT would cost.

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  real solid truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By chrisky - December 5 - 2:00 am

  sharp truck, mine is bright red with tinted windows. fun to drive, given me no trouble.

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  Ranger as a work truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By billymc294 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Ranger because of the good reviews I had gotten from Co-workers. I am a courier, had previously owned Chevy S-10s that had broken down a lot, and saw a lot of my Co-workers having good luck with their Fords. My three year old Ranger now has 230,000 miles on it and has held up very well. I bought the 6 cylinder engine because I do some hauling and have been very happy with the perfomance. It doesnt get great gas mileage, but it runs well. I will probably buy another Ranger in the next year.

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  Quality and engine disappoints - 2001 Ford Focus
  By doorg_reater - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have driven over 25k miles in my ZTS. Problems so far included: squeaky dash replaced at 5k, squeaky rear brakes replaced at 17k, broken alternator at 17k, seized rear wheel bearing at 23k. Current problem is with too low idle - engine almost died a few times. Persistent problem is weak engine in hot-dry weather.

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  If I knew then what I know now - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Sasha - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a love/hate relationship with this car. Its been at the dealership 15 times for all kinds of repairs. I cant get rid of it, since its resale value is really low. I am stuck with a car I dont want. Ford put a bitter taste in my mouth. I think newer models are much better.

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  If I knew then what I know now - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sasha - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a love/hate relationship with this car. Its been at the dealership 15 times for all kinds of repairs. I cant get rid of it, since its resale value is really low. I am stuck with a car I dont want. Ford put a bitter taste in my mouth. I think newer models are much better.

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  2002 Expedition Eddie Baur - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Daniel... - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding family vehicle.

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  The one to buy in 03 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By PJC331 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned several mustangs over the years and like most have been in most other sports/gt cars. The SVT team has outdone themselves this time. Not the easiest to drive at first as the clutch is very heavy and the stick a bit tricky - especially from 2nd to 3rd. Nothing a few more reps in the gym wont cure. This car is a looker, a performer and far and away the best bang-for-your- buck there is. My only complaint - I lost a side scoop one week after buying it...but ford replaced it in a week. They are attached with cheap - and i mean cheap - plastic slots.

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  Rugged Riding - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Zhen-Xjell - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been through mud pits, snow, floods, and sand. The Bronco has also been sturdy in transporting heavy materials long distances. Fun is also a key factor when driving this truck. However, one in a mud pit the truck had to be towed out by AAA. Once released, the truck still ran fine, but still took it in for a thorough clean-up. Its fifth year has seen 4X4 break down, and its sixth year has seen the various gauges break even with regular scheduled maintenance. Overall, the bones of the truck are well built and it surely keeps on trucking.

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  Very good car for the money - 2001 Ford Escape
  By doorg_reater - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have driven 25500 miles in my Escape. I have FWD version, so it is not that great on snow, but is still good on gravel and forest roads when it is dry. Overall, I like this this car, especially the strong engine and good handling. (I have driven Hyundai Santa Fe, and Escape handles much better than Hyundai.) I got the cheap XLS version so the interior is pretty basic, but still OK. The only problem so far was failed DPFE sensor at 19k miles.