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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  Poor Performance - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Frank Cuca - November 1 - 9:46 pm

  Beware of 2002 Ford Explorers with new rear suspensions. After numerous trips to the dealership, the noise was corrected with replacement parts. Now that the vehicle is three years old, the noise is back, and is not covered by the original warranty. It seems the aluminum housing used in this model, rather than the traditional cast iron, has created the problem due to expansion and contraction with heat.

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  fun to drive - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By james foster - October 31 - 2:13 am

  The main reason that I purchased the 500 was the driving character of this car. The ride of this car equals that of the more expensive models.The total design of this car inside and out is what people use to expect of Ford. The 500 is a great value.

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  I love this truck - it saved my life - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By kemss - October 31 - 12:26 am

  I have very much enjoyed my truck... it has been perfect - fits all of my kids friends (big back seat) and I can haul things in the bed. It saved my life when an 18 wheeler decided to rear end me and push me into another truck. It has been great with maintenance... I just wish the paint didnt get chipped so easily when other cars bump their doors on my doors. Otherwise it has been perfect!

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  Another winner from Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jean - October 30 - 10:10 am

  Test drove a bunch of cars: Kia Rondo, Hyundai Sonata/Azera/Genesis, VW Golf, Honda Civic. Fusion won out over all of them altho the Rondos hatchback is my fav style. Have owned 2 Escorts, Contour, and Taurus in last 20 yrs. Went to check out another Taurus, nothing on lot but the Fusion was a real surprise--plenty of room, great fold-down rear seat design, good power. Appreciate Fords handling & ABS brakes as well. Fusion was a much smoother and more polished car than the $38K Hyundai Genesis! Check into Fords service pkg: set price for all service maint to 100K/7 yrs. Its a great deal in high-cost labor areas.

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  2003 ranger edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By oxmill - October 30 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd ranger. i really like the truck. my first was 1999 xlt, the 2nd a 2001 xlt, and my 3rd is an edge 2wd. my only problem with the vehicles has been with the brakes. my first two rangers had to have the brake rotors turned at 25,000 miles which seemed a little early.

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  2003 ranger xl. auto + air - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By algis matas - October 30 - 10:00 am

  no problems at all so far, good value for the money for basic transportation + light hauling duties.

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  Avg. at Best - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bradley J. - October 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is average at best. I was much happier with my 2001 Expedition. Fit and Finish are marginal. Ive had it back to the dealer several times to fix outside trim and interior flaws. Mileage is poor(14-15 Mpg avg.)and the transmission shifts very rough. It clunks when shifting into "D" Drive and between 2nd and 3rd gear. Dealer says this is normal, but I dont buy it. It seems like other consumers are experiencing the same symptoms. After this SUV I will go back to Japanese Mfg. for good. They are consistantly better quality, perform better, and hold their value much better. Sorry Ford.

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  I Survived - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Liz - October 30 - 7:26 am

  Had the little bugger for 6 months, less than 10K miles, when a big bad dog ran out in the interstate at Waco. Little car in front of me slammed on brakes, I smashed her, then a huge fully loaded 18 wheeler slammed me. Escape was obviously 100% totaled. I walked away, minor bruising. I am blessed. That 5 star safety rating paid off big time! It works!

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  Great Kid Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Grant - October 29 - 12:46 am

  Bought this car for our 17 year old. Chose a new low cost car vs used few year old car. Really is fun to drive, great on gas and yes, very reliable for those "Ill be home when the mall closes" evenings. Found we all use the car for that quick trip down to the store.

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  Survives a crash well - 2005 Ford Escape
  By RST - October 28 - 9:06 am

  Was broad sided with seats belt on and unit was totaled and only had broken wing bone and some broked ribs. Unit was still running after being dumped on both side with extensive damage - went out and purchased another of same.. Ok, it was a different color.