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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  best all around - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By pete - December 2 - 8:46 am

  Ride and handling are excellent but not for long trips. Bucket seats should be standard on all models as well as a gps system for police models. Otherwise leave well enough alone and keep making a quality product. I love my "Vic."

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  So far so good - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By hammonds1 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Had mine for a month so far so good.

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  F150 4x4 4.6L - 2004 Ford F-150
  By hharle - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it last week and only have 300 miles logged but I am enjoying this vehical. I just traded in a Grand Marquis with a performance package so even though they both have 4.6L engines the F150 doesnt accelerate nearly as well(it is also dragging around a 4x4 driveline though) but is just as quiet on the highway and "thats impressive".

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  Wish I never purchased it. - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By jnice - November 30 - 10:00 am

  It may be because I purchased it used w/ 30,000 miles, but I have too many problems. At 50,000 miles (1 year later) A/C not working, rear locks not working, something wrong with the transmission, the expensive warranty I purchased does not cover. Trade-in value is low and I have to pay thousands to get rid of it. My previous car, a Toyota Camry of 5 years/66,000 miles had no problems. Make sure you plan on keeping it if you buy it. I would consider another SUV like the Escalade or Navigator.

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  Love It! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Carse - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Should have bought one of these a long time ago.

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  2nd Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jacqui - November 29 - 2:06 am

  This is the second Explorer DH & I bought. The first was a 2000 that was nice but nothing to brag about. When Ford redesigned the Explorer for 2002 I fell in love. I love the NBX model because it has a fun feel. It seems everywhere you turn someone has an Explorer and it was nice to buy one with some difference; however the roof rack does weigh down the truck. The truck itself drives beautifully (much better handling than the 2000) and the third row seat has come in handy plenty of times. We also have a very dark charcoal color cleanable interior on the truck which I absolutely love. I hate light color interiors which show so much wear and tear and the dark interior on the seats and carpet helps.

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  Better than the new Prius - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Brad - November 28 - 7:40 am

  Unless max MPG and cargo space are of paramount concern, the Fusion Hybrid is a better choice than a comparably- priced Prius V. The Fusion has a roomier interior, better exterior styling, drives better, and has better features overall. The car is a tech-lovers dream. Microsoft SYNC is amazing, and the SmartGauge instrument panel is state of the art. Blind spot warnings is a plus. I highly advise splurging on the fully-loaded package, because the nav screen is great. The ride is smooth and surprisingly quiet. Hybrid integration is seamless, and the 2.5L engine provides ample acceleration. Leg & head room are good, front & back, for my 6 frame. I love this car. Way to go Ford!!

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  Best Family Vehicle Ever! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Mojeecat - November 27 - 10:30 pm

  I love this car! I went to the dealership looking for an SUV or minivan & the salesman suggested this. I never even knew they existed. I have elderly parents & small children. This vehicle has plenty of room & is easy for them to get in and out of. The CVT was strange at first but I LOVE it now. I have about a 30 mile commute every day & it rides great in stop & go traffic. You can really feel the difference. Not quite ready to go to a minivan, so this was a great alternative. We recently went on a 5,000 miles road trip through the mountains and the car handled beautifully through all the curves. Not to mention it held 4 adults & 2 kids with all their stuff. Go out & get one today!

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  Great economical sport hatch - 2012 Ford Focus
  By grizpin - November 27 - 4:29 am

  I searched for months to trade in my Dodge Nitro (19mpg) for a more family friendly economical/sporty car. Nothing I found compared value wise (space + economy) until I found the Ford Focus Hatchback (32mpg). I enjoy driving again with the Focuss German designed handling. I am able to maneuver swiftly through traffic so I not only save money on gas but I save time from my commute. I also still have enough cargo space to take my kids on weekend road trips when we want to get away. The dual clutch transmission takes about 2k miles to break in but once it does she runs as smooth as a standard automatic so drive it like you stole it for a while ;) Great car!

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  This is the last one... - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By 3rd Ranger - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Well, this is my 3rd ranger... and my last. My first was a 93 XL short bed, flawless! In 1999 I turned it in for a new 99 ranger because it didnt have A/C. Turned it in at the end of the lease looking forward to the new 2001 with the big new 4.0. Enjoyed it for about a month, then the noises started. The front brakes began to squeal, the vibrations got worse, unsteady end erratic engine idle (from ~700rpm to ~2200rpm), constant knocking from the front axles, extremely poor gas milage (roughly 15mpg), spotty engine starting, manual transmission got loose and clunky very quickly.