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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  98 Ford Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By BBQBuff - June 28 - 10:00 am

  In a nutshell, I have been very pleased with this SUV. More spacious than Jeeps Grand Cherokee. However, it does ride rather rough. Let me just say that is is not my wifes Mercedes. Cargo room is good, and so far no quirks or bad experiences.

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  gagicar - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By BillSchmitz - June 28 - 10:00 am

  We have had no problems and the vehicle has been well maintained. After three years, there is minimal to almost no exterior problems. Total mileage is 33,000.

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  Does the trick - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Vikefan - June 28 - 10:00 am

  We leased this Explorer and have had really good success with it mechanically. gas milage sucks, avg is 15, but its an SUV. in 2002, the tranny slipped several times during the winter and service center did not seemed concerned. Wierd sound sometimes when using the turn signal. Ample room for family of four. Cut through snow pretty good.

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  Finally, a thought-out SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Neptune - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Priced my XLT Premium 4X2 4.6L using Edmunds, and ended up with perhaps the best, easiest, and fastest buying experience Ill have for a long time. After 4 months of waiting on our special-ordered 02 Honda Odyssey, the 03 Expy rolled out and it was the next best buy (better?) after researching it. 2nd & 3rd row seats fold flat, standard towing, BIG engine, lots of room, highly competitive, price-wise and feature-wise, against any minivan on the market. Even side running boards are standard. Fuel Consumption? Check rates on 03 Expy XLT Prem 4X2 4.6L versus 02 Honda Osyssey EXL-RES, and what you pay in gas you save on insurance. EVEN TRADE OFFS.

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  Super Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Karpman - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck that meets all of my needs. It has the room to haul my large family and all of our stuff. The interior is extremely comfortable both front and back. I highly recommend the combination of the sunroof and sliding rear window. With both of those open and the side windows up you get a great breeze with little noise. I have 36,000 miles on mine without any mechanical defects. If you need a truck but want the luxury of a Lincoln, this truck is for you!

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  Sad - 1995 Ford Contour
  By cag - June 28 - 2:00 am

  The problems with all the recalls and having your wiring system burn up in the car and having to have it rewired three times has been a nightmare. The first two wirings were done in town and I finally had to take it to a dealership in another town to get any satisfaction. I was told that the transmission needed replacing around 80k miles. I have managed to put on around 24k at this time without replacing it. I made a point of having the car serviced, but I guess it didnt matter. The trunk has leaked from day one and never been able to fix it. I have almost decided at this writing to never buy another American made car again.

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  Love My New T-bird - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By birdlover - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Drove past the dealer and saw my new T- bird. Knew it was mine before I bought it. I love the ride and the feeling I get when driving it. Draws lots of looks and filling up with gas is fun. Attendants just stand ans stare at the car. I usually find a crowd around it when I return to wherever I park it.

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  Thank god we bought this van! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Chris Fordfan - June 28 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I traded my 2000 F-150 (std 2wd, 5 spd sport truck...bought 2 weeks before my wife became pregnant w/ our FIRST daughter...worthless for kids)and we traded our 96 Taurus LX w/ the 24v motor and duals, leather, etc. The dealer paid off our trades, and we paid 17,500 for a 2001 w/ 20k. Dealer was honest, fair, and easy to deal with. Van has great fit and finish inside, except passenger side sliding door rattles over bumps. Van feels solid and safe, and for once I got a Ford with a smooth shifting tranny.

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  Probe - 1991 Ford Probe
  By Supra04 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is 11 years old and after about $800 for minor problems, it runs like new. The car is fun to drive and different from others in its class. Even gets some ladies, no lie.

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  wanted to love it... - 2013 Ford Escape
  By dlw2001 - June 28 - 12:04 am

  I leased 2.0 liter 4WD SE, (not listed in review choices?) - No bells, just My Ford Touch, and tow package. Overall, not a bad vehicle, but needs big improvements. Had it for 3 weeks now. Wanted it for over a year. At this point i must say it needs major tweaking by Ford. Glad I only leased short term. For the price of this vehicle (just over 30 grand) I would expect much more however. Simple things like better bolstered seats, one touch up windows, better storage, and back up sensors should really be standard Ford! They are on other vehicles for sure. And for over $30,000 one should be getting push button start and back up camera!