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:

• 

  Its been a year now -- no regrets - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Goose bumps II - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my LTD Explorer a year today and Ive had to say this has been the best Truck ever. Rides nice, handles well, fuel is what Id expect from a V8 19 in town and 24 on the highway. Not one factory repair as yet.

• 

  owner - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Redz - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the car a few weeks ago, love it, it takes me back to what a car should feel like. Yes I am 68 years young again. Thanks Ford; oh yes I had to put louder pipes, sounds like the good old days. No GM to compete with this baby, too bad but I will go it alone. Build more like this one and Ford could save the US market. GM should try a 1957 or 1958 look alike. What fun.

• 

  Great Truck - 1999 Ford F-250
  By Nehodamd - September 14 - 8:18 am

  This is a very good truck. I only have the 4.6L V8 but the performance is still good. I get 22 MPG with mixed city and highway driving with the a/c on! I was never a fan a ford but now i own one ill never go back. This truck even with only 2WD can go anywhere i ask it too. I dont go off roading but I have taken it a few places other trucks would have gotten stuck.

• 

  Focus was good for first year, stinks now - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Manfredo Sauce - September 14 - 5:46 am

  Saucy car but breaks down after a year. It was awesome in high school, then i had to keep going for recalls to the dealership, and a noise from the rear wheel never went away - even after having the dealership fix it 3 times in a row! They probably just sit around and wish I would forget about the problem but its difficult when youre driving with noise in the back of your car and you get embarrassed when people ask you waht the noises are. Its fun to drive but the road noise is killing me. I wouldnt be surprised if my hearing decreased due to this car. All my family buys is Fords but i am disappointed.

• 

  Not Happy - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Stephanie G - September 14 - 3:20 am

  After driving a klunker for years, I was really looking forward to my brand new Escape. Unfortunately, thanks to the capless fuel system, my SES light has remained on most of the time Ive owned the vehicle. Debris gets into the system (imagine that!), which causes the light to come on. Ive taken it to a dealer twice. It comes back on a few days later. New vehicles are not supposed to have problems! Its been a disappointment for me.

• 

  1998 ZX2 Escort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 87irocZ28camaro - September 14 - 12:15 am

  The Escort isnt the best car but for the price come on. It never had trouble only needed a new pair of cheap tires and some cheap brakes and that was right before I sold it. Its a great car. Family look but great performance. Get one if you want a reliable cheap sport car.

• 

  If I could change one thing - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Frankm - September 13 - 7:17 pm

  We have a 2WD XLT with the 5.0 engine and it has been great vehicle with no serious issues. My only gripe is that there is no camber adjustment for the front end alignment and it eats front tires something awful.

• 

  Sweet Memories - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Jim - September 11 - 3:04 pm

  I learned to drive in a 1965 red 2+2 fastback, and loved that car. Obviously I have a soft spot for Mustangs for that reason. The body style of the 2007 coupe has a strong nostolgia effect, but that is where the comparison stops. The 07 is so superior to the original it cant be put into words in such a small space. I normally ride a motorcycle (FJR 1300) and love to ride at speed on a twisty mountain road. I never thought I would, or could have as much fun on the same roads in a car. Well, I am smiling now just thinking about it. Sweet memories, sweeter reality. Thank you Ford for continuing this magnificent line.

• 

  Real Good, Not Great - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Frank Kiv - September 11 - 2:52 am

• 

  My LTD - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By shadyjd - September 10 - 5:30 pm

  Bought at 30K and 30 months old. This gave me a little warranty time to check for bugs. Buttons in the steering wheel went out & passanger seat heater was always on. Wiring fixed & wheel replaced by dealer ($750) since then tires, brakes, oil & battery. A few minor problems. Passenger door doent auto lock, am/fm light out (clock2), rear window loose (I often drive with it open. Great to haul in. I ski new powder. Great in snow with new tires( req: wilderness), slide a bit on ice but I do too. Over 6" I got chains. 12" No-problem! Leather seats are too hard. Engine lite on but I am getting +3mi/gl. so I have not reset it. Rough idle at start. Needs more nooks. Would not trade it for the world.