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:

• 

  MACH I is fun!!! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Agent Orange - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my MACH I and didnt know what to expect until I drove it. The first time I mashed the gas I was sold. Ive driven GTs, the MACH I is a whole different animal. Pure power and performance.

• 

  My second Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Robert - January 14 - 5:58 pm

  Just bought this used truck, a 1999 Ford Ranger, having looked around at most other brands. I liked the size and build quality of the Rangers. This truck was very clean with low mileage and quite appealing to look at. However the 3.0 with auto trans is no performer and fuel consumption seems quite high so far. However I didnt buy it for performance and it suits my needs very well. Having read many reports on compact trucks I liked the Rangers score the best.

• 

  Half way there - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By By - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the design, it is perfect for me. It great for lugging stuff but not to much stuff. Roll down rear window, seating, 4 doors, perfect design, great, bravo. That said, some quality would be nice. At 46K I have been 4 set of brake pads, 1 rotor cut job, rotor replacement and a transmission valve body replacement. The rattle I have been trying to address from day one is still present, no one has a clue. The most expensive to maintain car I have ever had. If only Ford had an engineering department to back up the design department it would be great.

• 

  185K and still running - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By aaron - January 14 - 9:35 am

  The only thing other than brakes and tires all around the things I have had to change are, powersteering pump went after 134k miles,the fuel tank,and the waterpump now with all the bugs worked out it runs awesome for a car built 14 years ago. Would definitely recomend and will be buying a newer one, probably a Mercury Sable though they are a little bit nicer.

• 

  nothing but trouble - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By KELLY - January 14 - 2:13 am

  Bought it New and it has been a headache. Door locks lock when I turn the ignition on when it is cold out,key does not turn in door or rear door when it is cold . Doors all freeze and i have to pry them open with a chisel. Compass does not work,shows a different direction every day even though it is parked in the same spot. Fuel gauge shows full then suddenley drops to 1/2 tank,not accurate at all and clock will not stay set. Tires lose 10 lbs of air a week and now the alternator is bad at 15,000 miles. Runs real rough and shaky when I first start it. Tailgate door falls off if you dont hold it real tight and carefully open . Parking lightbulbs keep burning out and have to be

• 

  Horrible Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By nellaru15 - January 13 - 11:22 pm

  Bought this car with just under 15,000 miles at about 20,000 the problems began. Gone through 2 sets of tires, 4 wheel bearings, sway bar links, 2 alignments, many wheel balancing and still shakes all the time. Just going through a brake light problem-cant figure out what it is, not bulbs fuses or brake light switch. Not to mention the interior lights and headlights flicker all the time. If under 20 degrees outside the headlights go out when turning down from high beam. Radio screen has lines going through it so you can barely read it sometimes, and occasinally turns itself up and down, and mute button works on occasion. Doors very hard to open. Horrible car at least this years model.will never buy a Ford again. Very dangerous car. Wouldnt recomend to anyone.

• 

  My wife liked the exterior design - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Marco Basto - January 12 - 8:05 pm

  No problems until now, poor air conditioning, good acceleration, poor dashboard gauges, to evaluate reliability I will wait to put more miles on it but we drive 2000 miles to Texas and no problems

• 

  Fun in the sun - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Larry M - January 12 - 6:50 pm

  Have owned several convertibles - 05 Vette was my last. The Shelby is just more fun. When you mash the pedal to the floor - it just plain hauls. Smokey burnouts at will - and will lay rubber at any speed in 1st gear. The ridgity of the car could be better but it not as bad as some of the expert reviews state. The car lacks some of the bells and whistles of the Vette but who cares if you have to turn the lights on & off. As far as the wow factor goes - its high. Lots of thumbs up and questioning admirers. I think for 10-15K less than the Vette its a steal.

• 

  A Great Compact Car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Paul Cox - January 10 - 3:18 pm

  I bought the car with 62k and it now has 122k. Ive owned it for 7 years. I change the oil and filter every 4,000 miles. Other than normal maintenance items, Ive replaced the timing belt, cooling fan, gas tank filler pipe, alternator, battery and front brake pads. The gas mileage is between 35-39 mpg. By far, this is the most economical and dependable car Ive ever owned! Im 63 years old and will never part with it!

• 

  Skip this vehicle year (2002) - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CMJBJT - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Currently have 25,000K. Vehicle nothing but a headache. Problems with drivetrain - shifts hard and vibrates. Ford already replaced all 4 tires at not charge (tires replaced at 23,000K), still cant fix vibration or shift problems. Interior flaws - ticking sound in front dash. Ford cant fix that either. Hatch replaced once already. Still leaks and doesnt close flush. I love this vehicle but without the problems. Dont buy this model year. Also, if you have dogs, dont get the 3rd row seat. Dog keeps falling between the 2nd and 3rd row (with the 3rd row folded flat). Dog manages to slide the panel back every time and fall in. (I have a lab.)