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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  This was my dream car! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By rachelwmu - June 5 - 10:15 am

  My dream car has always been a red Ford Explorer! I am so happy with my car! My car came from Boston, I live in Detroit. Drove it all the way back from the dealer last summer without a single problem! My Explorer is an V8 XLT 5.0L 4 Door with over 180, 000 miles and still going strong! I would recommend this car to everyone (minus the gas, but oh well)! Ive only had to get the exhaust manifold done. Ive never had any major problem with this truck! Very dependable, I never worry about breaking down. I drive from Kalamazoo to Detroit all the time when I get time from school and I feel very safe driving all that way constantly! Being at 181,127, I fully plan on taking it to 250,000 or more.

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  A Solid, Reliable Truck. 1994 Ford Explorer Sport, 2 DR, Auto - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By yragsapo - June 5 - 10:01 am

  I bought my 1994 Ford Explorer Sport in May, 1994 and it has been pretty reliable over the years. Id have to say its weakest point has been its tranny, which required rebuilds in Jan 00, Dec 02 and another one now, as I write this. This is with the trailer towing package with the auxiliary tranny cooler, though I never towed anything with the truck. There have been other parts that have been changed over the years, but not at a faster rate than one would expect. I have to admit though, If I didnt have GEICOs mechanical breakdown coverage, I probably wouldnt have this truck still. Im grandfathered in under the old plan that was offerred in NY with unlimited time and mileage (I pay the 1st $250 of any major repair). They will total the vehicle if the repair is over 75% of appraised value, which is around $2000 for my truck. All the talk of the repairs aside, this truck has been my companion for 17 years and I consider it a part of me. Weve explored all over this country together and Im determined to see its 250K mile "birthday" in the next couple of years, when I can tell people its driven the distance to the moon (and not at the closest point in its orbit). At $223,500 now. I would also like to see my 14 y/o learn to drive in this truck when he turns 17.

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  What a Great SUV...We Couldnt Be Happier - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By larrymcj - June 5 - 8:34 am

  First American car weve owned since 1978 and I cant tell you how impressed I am. Traded in a 2011 Lexus RX 350 (yes, you read that correctly). The cargo space in this vehicle is not only more than adequate, the power-folding rear seats make it configurable for any load...groceries, golf, vacations, etc. As a retired geek from the computing industry, I have to hand it to Ford (or maybe Microsoft) for the SYNC MyFord Touch system. This is hands-down the best navigation and bluetooth device integrated system available on any vehicle or car. The ride and comfort will truly amaze you. It sits high like a truck frame SUV although its now a crossover, so you also get car ride comfort.

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  Love my Escape But !!! - 2007 Ford Escape
  By jlo425 - June 4 - 10:47 pm

  Well, I didnt want to do it but I finally sold my Ford Escape. I owned it for a little over a year and loved to drive it, enjoyed the way it handled and the versatility. It was always fun to drive it as it handled well and was a great looking vehicle. The wind noise was a bit noticable at times but the reason I got rid of it was the terrible gas mileage. I have no idea what people are saying about good mileage. I live in the county and 95 % of my driving is highway and my Escape averages 20 mpg on the highway . My driving habits are quite conservative and Edmunds .com rates it as 21mpg on the highway. On the highway !!! To me this is not acceptable so I had to part with it . Thanks

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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By colorsendinink - June 2 - 11:02 pm

  My family bought this car new in 2004, and its given us very few problems since then. After making the mistake of buying a 1996 cavalier ( died after 4 months of driving with 78000 total miles)...me and my dad made a deal where i would make the down payment on his new car, and i would get his 2005 focus. best descion ive made. since 2004, weve only replaced the brakes once, which was last year, replaced sway links, and we had a minor electrical problem with the windows. the car works great in our buffalo winters, and currently has 150,000 miles and still drives great.

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  2001 Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By frank004 - June 2 - 6:22 am

  I have used and abused this car for app. 5k miles a month. good and safe cars. I noticed people saying the rotors keep warping. I have found that the LIFETIME brake pads are usually to blame!! Try ceramic pads, softer, quieter, NO brake dust and happy pads...frank

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  Waste of money - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By cwiley4l - June 2 - 6:16 am

  I will never buy another Ford. My transmission went out @ 76,000 miles. Cost almost 3K at the dealer to replace. My trac control light goes off and on at will. now I have a check engine light on.. God only knows what that is ... will find out today. Im so frustrated and for the actual cost of the van and to have all these repairs.. ridiculous. There should be a recall on the transmission. Oh and I need to mention.. when Im driving now, it sounds like whales singing. Im fed up.

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  Life with the Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By rroselavy - June 1 - 10:53 pm

  Weve had a Flex for over 18 months now. Summary: 1) Nice outside. Many ask about how we like the car. 2) Roomy inside. Excessive for in town, but great for long trips. 3) 12" longer than our last SUV. Street parking can be more challenging. 4) Poor fuel efficiency. We get 13gph city, and about 22gph highway. 5) Build quality OK. Plastic covers on base of front seats and door handles keep popping off. Engineering falls short in the minor details. 6) Ford Service is apathetic. They do the work, but do not seem to care about customer satisfaction. 7) Navigation system is poorly designed and clumsy. Passenger cant enter address when car is moving. Media player and bluetooth works well.

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  In the Shop @ 21K w/V6 - 2010 Ford Escape
  By jrgleason2003 - June 1 - 4:19 pm

  I bought this used at 21K. Two days after the purchase, the check engine light comes on. I really didnt think that it was a big deal, but I had the time so I brought it to the dealer on Memorial Day (Leith Ford Wendell, NC). Turns out I needed new Cylinder Heads and a camshaft. Evidently this is a common problem. At 21K that is unacceptable. Luckily it was covered under warranty so I didnt pay a dime, but it has been 4 days now and still no car. Thankfully the dealership sprung for a loaner. We will see how it is when I get it back

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  Great Car - 2011 Ford Focus
  By bru2011 - June 1 - 2:26 pm

  I bought my 11 focus in March with a whooping 12 miles on it. I use it as a work car to deliver local newspapers 7 days a week. I am extremely impressed with the gas mileage given the stop and go nature of my driving requirements. I stop at 400 houses everyday and my focus still averages 28-31 mpg. When i get it out on the highway it stays around 36-38. I have put 12500 miles on it in just over 3 months and have absolutely nothing bad to say about it. If fords cars can take a beating like this I cant wait to see how much their trucks can take!