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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  Transmission failure - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Rob - September 27 - 10:59 am

  My wife bought this car new to carry kids/dog/groceries and liked the third seat and the gas mileage. Didnt get the AWD to get better gas mileage, although we should have. At 31,000 miles, the transmission failed in heavy traffic, freeway driving in a driving rain. Suddenly in neutral and no forward power after a catastrophic weld failure in the CVT trasnmission. Thankfully under warranty but repairs would have been $3500. Now forced to trade the car or buy the extended warranty for $2000. Would not buy another one.

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  Not sure what to think - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By carguy89 - September 26 - 11:00 pm

  Bought it brand new in 03. After about a year or two the autolock on the doors quit working, rear wiper was sticking, and plastic molding on doors was badly sunfaded. Had to replace brakes twice with less than 100,000 miles. Every once in a while when you start it a clould of smoke puffs out of the exhaust. When you start the car with the AC set to On you hear a loud "klunk". Just replaced front wheel bearing and still need to replace back one mechanic said. For not even having 100,000 miles on it weve done quite a bit to it. Looks sharp. Hoping to squeeze another 100,000 out of it. Dont know about getting another one. Engine is loosing its "get up".

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  Takes getting use to... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By clarkt69 - September 25 - 6:43 pm

  So far so good. The Hybrid in and of itself isnt the hard thing to get used to, its the fact that the vehicle never shifts! The CVT is an interesting device. Lets hope it works better in Fords than it has in other vehicles. The seats are comfortable and well positioned. Ford has NOT loaded this vehicle with extras, thats for sure, but as a whole this vehicle is reasonably quite, handles well, brakes very well, and is easier on the gas than the regular Escape. Ford should convert everything they build to this technology. That would put an American company out front for a change and let the others play catch up.

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  Fun Daily Driver - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Kevin S of NC - September 25 - 4:46 pm

  I purchased my 2.0L Zetec with automatic transmission at 26,000 miles. Now at 154,000 miles, I have experienced one major problem: lesson learned - change the idler pulleys with the timing belt since the OEM bearings are failure-prone. Small oil leaks from the valve cover were resolved with a new gasket and grommet set. I have really enjoyed this car and have kept it up with an excellent preventative maintenance program. Being a mechanical engineer may have something to do with it, too.

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  Dependable, tough, minor issues - 2000 Ford F-150
  By jeff - September 24 - 8:53 pm

  Bought new, now 82,000 miles (Driving this truck less now due to high gas prices). Only mechanical problem has been door actuators, which I have had to replace. Have used 4wd a lot with no problems. This has been a very reliable truck I can count on and even though is depreciating fast I have no plans to sell as long as it holds up. Rides like a big luxury car on highway. Is developing some rust at bottom inside of doors. Back seat is not comfortable for adults. Gas mileage is poor, 12/16.

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  Bad Brakes - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Jennifer - September 24 - 1:15 pm

  It needs its rear brakes changed for the 3rd time and the rotors redone for the 2nd time! Its going to cost another $400. They were just changed 22,000 miles ago. The rear door handles were also recalled because when it gets too cold they would pop open while driving. The O ring in the transmission had to be replaced with less 100 miles on it. When it rains water drips from the passenger visor screw hole and they cant find the source.

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  A Winner - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By JLS - September 24 - 11:11 am

  This SES has the Duretc 24 Valve and on the highway at 2000 RPM consistently delivers 32 MPG - in town it fluctuates from 25-27 MPG. Leather seats comfotable, even for my 65: frame. At 2000 miles the check engine limit came on and the dealer replaced the entire gas tank and gage system. No problems since. At 61,000 miles the trnasaxle seal leaked and the dealer replaced it no charge. 1st Saturday of every month gets oil changed, tires rotated etc. Very good vehicle.

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  SuperCrew - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Peter - September 24 - 7:50 am

  My only other consideration was a Nissan Titan. I found the Ford to be much more what I liked in the end.The F150 just felt more like a truck and its bigger. The Titan is nice, but its almost over refined. I want a truck that feels and looks like a truck. The F150 is easy to add mods to and I liked that as well. Im glad I went back to American vehicle ownership. It makes me proud to drive it everyday.

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  Safe yet fun - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By KnBama - September 23 - 10:55 pm

  Wow. Lots of room! I have the leather trim and moonroof which adds to the comfort. The trunk space is awesome for bat bags and luggage. If you need a safe full size sedan this is a great choice

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  2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer in Toronto - September 23 - 3:16 pm

  Well I hope I dont jinx myself with this review but I have to say I have been pretty fortunate with my Explorer. I bought it used in 2006 with 63,000 KMs, one week before the arrival of my son. It was either an SUV or a minivan and quite frankly it was a nobrainer for me since I dont like minivans and they stink in the snow anyway. 2 years later the truck has only given me 1 problem which is I had to replace 3 wheel bearings. Other than that I have had zero issues thankfully. The truck is very comfortable for long drives, the family loves it. I put in a 10" overhead DVD player for the family to watch movies and the kids are happy campers.