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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  2003 ST - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TChapman - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This my second Sport Trac and I love this vehicle. It fits all of my needs with its bed and interior room. I have had no issues with it since purchased.

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  Awesome car - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By pmd - August 22 - 12:09 pm

  I have had this car for 8 years and its gone about 243,000. I have only had two minor repairs, an alternatior and a thermostat, less than $500. Anything else was normal, like tires, brake pads and oil changes. I thought I should sell it 2 years ago but kept it and am so glad I did. It just keeps on going. My locks dont respond properly and the drinkholder broke but the car moves with no problem and has not let me down.

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  My Escape Rocks! - 2007 Ford Escape
  By LOVEMYESCAPE - August 22 - 12:03 am

  Did plenty of research here and elsewhere before I ended up getting my Escape. Great vehicle! Do yourself a favor, get a K&N air filter, learn to feather the gas from stops and enjoy 23+ MPG in the city (with the V6 no less!) I get 26-28 Hwy. Use the cruise control, its your fuel efficient friend! The Escape can be as much of a gas hog as you want it to be. The Audiophile System is awesome and a great perk. One of the best things I love about the Escape though is its size. Its really nice to maneuver in tight spaces. I went from an F-150 to this so the maneuverability and double the MPG are greatly appreciated. My only real issue is theres no temp in the info center. Enjoy!

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  Ford Tough - 1993 Ford F-150
  By fordy - August 21 - 2:55 pm

  I bought the truck with 2000 miles on it, it has been very reliable. 351-v8, usual maintance stuff, brakes, water pump, starter, hoses belts, battery, changed tranny oil (auto) every 30000 and never had any problems, though have never really towed anything heavy for a long distance. Great simple reliable. I wish the new trucks were not so complicated to work on. Oil change every 3000 and still runs strong. Would I buy a new one, not till this one dies and hopefully not for a long time.

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  Tires Tires - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Teresa - August 21 - 9:27 am

  Good car overall, interior is roomy but cup holders far away and cups tip over. Have always felt the car pulled to the right, Im a women so the excuse I get its just the road. Steering is stiff to me. Pirelli tires not good, only 21,000 miles and already need replaced. Ford states tires have even wear but baldness not their problem.

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  Not Too Bad - 2005 Ford F-150
  By FordTruckGuy - August 21 - 2:28 am

  Ive had my 2005 for about 4 months. When I first bought it, used, the front differential sensor was out and 4WD wouldnt engage. After the fix, its been okay. Mine doesnt have the limited slip and is virtually useless in the snow, even with 4WD engaged. Other than that, the interior is great, ride is nice and it pulls my 23 trailer just fine. (With a bike and generator in the bed.) I have 33" tires and the fuel economy is horrendous. I get 10-12 empty and 6-8 with a trailer. (My trailer is about 4,000 pounds) Ive had 3 previous F150s and they have been better off-road, but not nearly as comfortable as my 2005. Reliability hasnt been as issue with any of them, with normal maintenance.

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  Not bad at all - 2005 Ford Focus
  By nichole - August 20 - 1:09 pm

  Definitely not a bad car. Only problem is when the alternator went up. Scared the crap out of me and seemed a little ironic that it happened with less than 20,000 miles on the car, but whatever. Not too impressed at needing new tires at 20,000 either. Partial blame on the dealer for not doing it and then the other half on myself for not knowing to ask. Handling is pretty good and parking is really easy. Not thrilled with the road noise at high speeds but Ill take that over having to turn off my AC to get moving above 30 mph in my old car.

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  What was Ford thinking? - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By NicoleN - August 20 - 11:07 am

  Bought this car used with 125k miles on it. Within a year my transfer case was shot and I needed a new one. Ive replaced my brakes multiple times and have only had it 3 years. My muffler got very loud and when I had it fixed the mechanic told me that for the 97 they completely changed the muffler and then changed it back in 98 because they probably figured out it was bad news. Last but not least, my timing chain just blew and when the mechanic looked at it, he said What the hell was Ford thinking when they did this? Theres 4 chains that need to be replaced and you have to remove the motor to change them because they are all over. I dont wish this on anyone.

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  Gas mileage not as good as expected. - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Jody Saylor - August 20 - 10:48 am

  Great upgrade to many parts of the vehicle. i like the new body style from the previous more boxy style. The road noise is much more quite then it used to be. the only down fall was the gas mileage was not as good as to be expected. i averaged about 22/23 including hwy driving. i noticed i filled up more often. Otherwise, its a great vehicle. Plenty of room!

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  Ranger Reliability - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Lone Ranger - August 20 - 10:12 am

  11 years old with 234,000 miles with only normal repairs, brake pads, alternator and battery. The 4 cylinder is not powerful but is reliable.