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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  More rattle than nerves of steal - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By timothy - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The more I drive it the more it rattles. First is was the suspension that needed to be tightened and now the interior doors and dash. The rear wings do not open consistently. Has Ford forgotten about Quality???? !!!! This is the 3rd XP and my second was clearly the best.

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  Little Did I Know - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Jack - September 6 - 6:21 pm

  I bought a Ford because I had driven a Ford rental and found it an extremely comfortable drive. I make frequent trips of over 100 miles and my previous car just wore me out- it was so uncomfortable. The Focus front seats are very comfortable, as is the steering wheel. Then I discovered the shuddering joys of the dual-clutch tranny. I couldnt believe a car manufacturer would knowingly produce thousands of cars with such clearly defective and dated technology. Especially as they were trying to make a comeback in the car market. Anyway, I got used (believe it or not) to the shudder I experienced when starting up and just appreciated the comfortable ride, the bluetooth technology, and being able to listen to my ipod while driving. The car gets decent gas mileage (approx. 31 highway/26 city) and has been very reliable. Ive mostly just taken it in for regular maintenance. The interior storage is the worst Ive ever experienced resulting in there being hardly any. The glove box is most poorly designed glove box Ive ever seen (no sides), to the point where its almost useless. I ended up putting a squarish bag in there just so all my stuff wouldnt fall out. I hate to think what Ill get for my Focus in trade or resale.

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  Average vehicle - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By ryster - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 Explorer is a comfortable, yet flawed vehicle. The ride is very good but there is just a bit too much wind and road noise. Build quality is only fair, as mine had two significant manufacturing defects. The B-Pillar was misaligned and the body welds were not correct. This necessitated 5 trips to the dealer to repair, with the 5th trip requiring the dealer to have the truck for 17 straight days. I was provided with a loaner free of charge. Aside from a horrendous rattle in the dash I have experienced no ther problems although it is gradually loosening up (creaks in the dash and door and other trim pieces). Performance is adequate, although there are times I wish for slightly more power. The truck will cruise easily on the interstate at 75-80. The seats are very comfortable. My truck, with the 4.0L OHV V6 averages 17-18 mpg in mixed driving. I have been doing my own oil changes with synthetic blend oil and have noticed improved and quieter engine performance. I would not hesitate to look at the 2002+ Explorer if I were considering a new SUV. However, I think I will go back to a mid or full-size sedan next time around. Disappointed with the high d

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  Personal Experience - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mitchell - September 2 - 1:26 pm

  Purchased for wife new. Car is underpowered, power steering is unsually stiff. I drove others and the steering is the same, stiff. Takes more effort to turn. Transmission went out at 37000 miles, heated seats stopped working twice shortly after purchase, repaired under warranty. Stopped working again past warranty, still dont work. Front wheel bearing went out at 39000, air conditioner quit at 71000, rear brakes and rotors replaced under recall, engine extremely noisy when down shifting/acelerating to pass on highway. Also had to replace bulbs in front fog lamps and rear tail lights.

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  Hate this Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By unhappywith Explorer - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but problems with this truck. The interior lights never go on!! when the car sits and you open the door- nothing-darkness. ive taken it to get looked at several times and no one can help. The driver seat track has already been replaced but still the seat moves when you come to a quick stop or turn. Also several of the interior handles and cargo nets have broken.- as well as the homelink receiver. I would love to dump this SUV but the trade in value isnt close to what I still owe!! Never will I buy another Ford- for the high end model- Im more than disappointed

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  very thirsty, very very - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mcbrad - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I loved this SUV but I could not get any better than 12 MPG. I was not heavy on the foot. Highway / in-town, did not matter - extremly poor gas milage. I owned a 2001 Expedition XLT with the 4.6L and it did a whole lot better. I thought the 03 would come close, not even. The estimated MPG that Ford puts on the sticker is a LIE. I fortunately sold the SUV and did not lose much money. I will make it up with the difference in my Toyota Sienna - that I am waiting for. You do not have to wait for a Ford Expedition - I wonder why!!!

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  Average SUV Should have more bang for the buck - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Andy Sizemore - August 23 - 4:32 am

  Couple of things. You should test drive one very extensively. Discovered on a rainy day after getting the 2017 Ford Escape SE 4WD with the 1.5 EcoBoost , the 4WD system makes a horrible noise from the rear when in tight turns, thought the car had broken an axle on my third day of driving. Then on a dry day it basically went away. Ford said this was normal. Should have gotten the 2.0 engine. The 1.5 is extremely under powered. The SE is basically a "Enterprise Rent a Car" version with very little features compared to the Titanium Trim Level. Has the 200A package, which isnt much for the money spent on this SUV. Controls are easy to reach, and the instrumentation is about normal for SUVs these days. Gas mileage is awful for such a small engine even leaving the Auto Start and Stop engine control on. I guess the 1.5 Turbo has to work so hard to move the car it eats gas. Can barely get 13 gallons in the tank from empty, and as I do a lot of interstate travel in a multi state job position, I am constantly having to keep track of where a gas station is between towns. Hope this thing gets better over time, but I am not thinking that will be the case. Not impressed with this vehicle after all of the hype. Will most likely look at some other vehicle when it is time to turn this one in. Not being mean about the car, just being honest. This is an average car, The best thing Ford could do with this car is two things: 1) Put a real 4WD system in this car and get rid of the Intelligent 4WD System, then you may have a hit on your hands, 2) I dont see the 1.5 Turbo staying around long. The fuel economy hype is just not there to support downgrading to such a smaller engine in hopes of saving fuel and producing better fuel economy numbers when it just doesnt happen by giving up "sooooooooo" much performance compared to the 2.0 Turbo. Actual fuel economy is so close on these 2 engines, yet the 1.5 is so under powered its almost a joke. Ford expects you to buy into the hype that the 1.5 is going to save you a ton of fuel operating costs. Sorry folks, it doesnt.

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  Disapointed - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Bubba5 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Thought the gas mileage would be better...I average 20 mpg...the drivers seat is terribly uncomfortable after 20 minutes of driving...I had to take it to ford to replace the seat cover after 10,000 miles...the metal frame cut through the cover...maybe I just got a bad seat cause other reviewers seem to like these seats...automatic is sluggish...needs more power and better brakes

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  Nothing but problems - 2003 Ford Focus
  By IR - August 11 - 2:33 am

  Purchased this vehicle on the recommendation of Consumer Reports. So far this car has had nothing but problems. Ford dealership replaced the clutch, airbags, alternator, and the engine computer. Overall quality is below average; theres a reason why this car has a low resale value.

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  Horrible reliability - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Phil L - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I loved this vehicle when I first got it. Great power, OK handling (for a truck), and the perfect blend of size and capability for me. But it has turned into a real piece of junk. Problems too numerous to list here. My last Ford.