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:

• 

  Nice ride but lacks in quality - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Ronster - January 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great family van. We have the two sliding doors with the captains chairs in the middle. Very comfortable even with 6 to 7 adults inside. Great for our family of five, with plenty of room. The main problem has been the reliability of the van. Transmission had to be replaced within 2 years and the new ones does not work perfect. Have takin it back but Ford says it is fine. Also, we have had two recalls on the vehicle which were fixed in one day. Sterio has had to be replaced (went bad) and seems to idle rough. Although it was a new van, both my wife and I do not think that it is a very reliable car. Ford should think more about building more reliable cars.

• 

  sexy - 2002 Ford Focus
  By PattiThePotato - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Sexy car for a great price. I had many friends rudely tell me I made a wrong choice and that I should have bought a honda civic. Well, how can I? I bought it, so I must deal with it - so quick complaining! Its not your car!! Anyway! :) Besides the breaking, everything is fine. Generally, the car is noisy when stopping. Although the breaks do not squeak, I can hear from underneath my car each little push I make on the pedel.

• 

  Solid compact truck - 2009 Ford Ranger
  By nick - January 19 - 12:13 am

  Have put 600 miles on the truck after purchasing new. So far, very satisfied with purchase. Put to work on day 1, but only light duty hauling. Build quality, road manners, handling, and road noise all better than one might expect for this basic truck. Fuel efficiency has been on target to EPA estimates with mostly normal driving. I rated performance very high - but not based on unladen driving. Power is not "excellent" but instead basically as good as expected. However, power under load is excellent - with 1/2 ton of lumber and other materials driving manners (handling, clutch performance, braking) did not significantly decrease and power was great. Will update once Ive put more miles on it

• 

  The Best - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Anon - January 18 - 10:39 am

  One of the best vehicles I have owned. The 6.8 V10 engine is not that good on gas mileage, but could really haul something down the road. It sits very comfortably and is still running strong today with it just going over 325,000 miles.

• 

  Good job Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By jmalik1 - January 18 - 4:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 3 weeks and have 1000 miles on it now. I am very happy with vehicle so far. My average fuel efficiency over this period has been 41.1 mpg with sensible driving (not hypermiling). I have had shorter city type driving trips of ~55 mpg with very careful (hypermiling type) driving. I belive if one drives the Fusion Hybrid without paying any attention to the fact that its a hybrid then the average fuel economy is probably going to be about 36-37 mpg. From a feature set point of view this vehicle has a lot to offer. I have owned a Toyota Prius before which I liked a lot but Fusion is just in a different category. Its unfair to compare it to a Prius but thats my only p

• 

  07 Ford Focus 5dr SE - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mike - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  Just got the Ford Focus SE 5 door. So far I like it. The gas millage is great. The Focus seems to handle very well.

• 

  Cant wear brakes out - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mark - January 15 - 11:38 pm

  Bought this loaded XLT with leather for my wife. I call it the red rocket. Goes like stink. Just changed the original tires at 100000 kms. Still has the original brake shoes and pads, half worn only. Very agile and fun to drive. great gas mileage. Tons of leg and cargo room. Easy controls to reach on dash. Only complaint is the CD player is a pain to load while driving. Selecting a slot to put a CD in should not be an option. It should be automatic. Just bought an 06 LTD I like them so much. My Expedition is a tank and can travel over any terrain. This SUV is not meant for that. Its fun and looks cool and is practical for everyday use

• 

  A lot of flaws but incredible ride - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Eddie - January 15 - 6:33 am

  I actually own a E-250 van which they dont include here when choosing your model. The ride and comfort are second to none although the front passenger side has very little leg room. The front end on this van is awful and my mech has told me this is because of the frame that Ford refuses to change and has been the same since the stone age. I bought this as a new van with only 5 miles on it at purchase and have spent easily 5k on the front end, Ball joints, shimmers, tie rods and have gone through numerous tires because of the front ends problem. Most of my problems have been with the conversion company which is named Explorer. I have had a leak in the seal of the roof. Numerous sm, prob w/con

• 

  i love my truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By HUE - January 15 - 2:00 am

  i lover driving my sports trac,it handles beautifully. so far no problems.im surprised the editors rating was 7.2,but i do agree it handles better as a suv than a truck. anyway i love,im a first time truck buyer and im enjoying the ride.

• 

  happy overall - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By osufan - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have broke down once and had several warranty items to deal with.