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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  Great 4WD - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Reno, NV - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Almost has 100K and Ive only had to replace the Alternator. Still have original battery. Also, I just did the 100K service, sprark plugs were pretty bad, it took me more than four hours to change. I would highly recommend this vehicle to any one looking at one.

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  The Super Wagon! - 1992 Ford Escort
  By canadian1der - May 31 - 2:00 am

  At 140,000 miles it has had almost no problems. It has a torquey engine that has good power at lower RPMs, but it seems to run out of steam in the 4,000- 5,000 RPM. The interior is functional and well designed, the exterior is conservative yet handsome and almost looks slightly athletic at certain angles. The engine gets good gas mileage no matter how I drive it. It runs well. Road and engine vibrations are felt throughout the car. It handles well despite its relatively soft suspension and the generous body roll. The steering is relatively heavy and is fairly frictionless, but it can be a little numb.

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  2002 XLT Expedition, 5.4L - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By skir - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Initially was not considering Ford (had 2000 Windstar with 3 trans, 2 valve bodies and torque conv. in 19k miles). Drove lots of sport utes and vans, bottom line is Ford had best deal (0.9% for 5 years) and willing to negotiate on price more than anyone else. Got ext. warr., of course. It turns out we love this beast. Mileage is abt same as Windstar. It is very comfortable and great for road trips. Hope its holds up as well as my previous Fords (van excluded).

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  Better Than Original - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Yette - May 30 - 3:13 pm

  I previously owned a 2004 Sport Trac, the 2007 version is a much better vehicle, quieter, quicker, better handling and more roomy. When I drive down the highway, the Limited edition is as tall if not taller than many F150s and Chevy trucks. The handling is car-like. The Sport Trac does well in snow and rain where the 2004 felt like it could get away at any time.

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  head gasket - again? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By kgreen - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This van has undersized barkes which mean that they need to be replaced more often then they should. The head gasket blew 1, 2 now 3 times, and we are working on transmission #2. Not reliable. rear heat and air dont have temp control - on & off only.

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  Happy SE Owner - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By jonl - May 30 - 2:00 am

  After 7000 miles, we have no complaints about our SE van.

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  1992 Ford Trucks - 1992 Ford F-350
  By betthat - May 30 - 2:00 am

  My truck came with a 7.3L Navistar Diesel Non-Turbo engine. This is one of the poorest motors ever built. Im currently on the second motor(I like the crew cab room). There is a known problem with pinholes developing in the cylinder walls. This causes engine coolant to enter the cylinder(major repair expense). This motor is also poor for hauling a heavy load.

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  Genes new car opinion - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Eugene Dawson - May 29 - 7:26 pm

  I have the SE model with automatic antilock brakes traction control and upgraded 6cd sound system. Color is silver vapor metallic with charcoal interior. This car is built like a bank vault no squeaks or rattles and is according to the computer getting 35.4 miles per gallon on the first tank of fuel. This new model is much quieter and rides better than the previous year, overall a much improved vehicle. I did a lot of research before buying my new car and I would like to suggest if you are in the market for fuel efficient car that you give one a test drive. I think you will surprised by the new Focus.

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  safe,practical and fun - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By texprof - May 29 - 11:53 am

  I drive two vehicles, my C5 Corvette and an SUV. I had a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but I never really warmed up to it. It leaned a LOT in curves and gave poor gas mileage. Front leg room was inadequate. The interior was very nice and the highway ride was fine. My 2005 Explorer rides much better, is quicker (though relative when referring to SUVs), and handles far better than my Jeep. It is quiet, smooth riding and has a super stability system. It has more cargo room than the Jeep. Gas mileage is very good for an SUV. I have averaged 21.6 in mixed driving. The Jeep I6 gave me 16 -17 mpg. The five speed automatic is smooth and seems to anticipate my next move. I like my explorer.

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  Dependable Small SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Misc - May 29 - 10:30 am

  I have over 140K mile bought the vehicle with only 6K. Bumpy rode but not a bad vehicle at all. Just out grown. Bought the vehicle when it was only my son and I now Im married with additional 2 kids. Need more room now. ***Not a family car*** But dependable and reliable. Just the normal maintenance needed so far.