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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  Very nice - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By djc11 - January 2 - 9:30 am

  After my recent purchase of the new 2011 explorer limited AWD, Im very impressed with the vehicle and road capabilities. Travelled over the holidays in some snow and ice conditions in Ohio and the vehicle was very stable. This vehicle replaces a 2002 explorer eddie bauer, this new version is a very nice upgrade over the previous generations.

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  Overpriced but remarkably solid - 2006 Ford F-150
  By phroggy - January 1 - 12:08 pm

  Huge fan of this truck. Very comfortable, decently powerful, rides like a luxury car. Fuel mileage is acceptable for the size of the vehicle. Ive had a few problems here and there but the warranty covered them all. None of the issues were anything that wouldnt happen in a Toyota, Chevrolet or Dodge. ALL vehicles have issues. Anyone who says otherwise doesnt have a clue how things really are.

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  Well is this it? - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By vue5531 - January 1 - 2:50 am

  I have a 2002 Explorer Limited, but I have the V-8 model, and all I can say is that I absolutely hate this vehicle. The interior is of poor build quility, its not roomy, comfortable, or very attractive. I am 67 and also have a Saturn Vue and it has so much more interior room.The ride is absolutely terrible. You feel every bump and crack in the road. The transmission has gone out twice since Ive owned the car, electronics work when they want to. I think that if your going to spend near $43k like I did (brand new), you can buy so many other vehicles that are much better and cheaper, and with less problems. The only good thing is the power the V-8 produces.

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  I have the infamous - 2011 Ford Escape
  By al_syracuse - December 31 - 10:57 am

  I originally had concerns with build quality, but got those issues resolved at the dealership. However, I am experiencing the infamous "hoot" noise in the transmission, which, apparently, hundreds of 4WD owners are experiencing. At first Ford said it was not a problem, and simply inherent in the transmittion. Then they said a temporary fix would be to replace the chain in the transaxle. Now, they say a permanent fix will be available in the second quarter of 2011. - What a crock! I have owned seven vehicles with either AWD or 4WD and none have had a similar issue. I am very disappointed with Ford, and this may be my last Ford, even though I have owned at least 10 over the years.

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  Head Restraints - 2011 Ford Edge
  By shi001 - December 30 - 11:12 pm

  We purchased 2 of the New Ford edge 2011 AWD Limited full house, and the head restraints position is causing us to have severe head, back and neck pain. This is due to the forward leaning position of the front seat head restraints, they are angled too far forward and are not adjustable except for height. This forces the head to bend forward, chin down in an unnatural position. I have been informed that this might have been a requirement to prevent whiplash injury. I am not a test dummy and this position is causing severe NECK ACHE did anyone consider what would happen if a woman sat in this seat with a ponytail.

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  Egonomic Issues - Beware - 2011 Ford Edge
  By louaye - December 29 - 10:32 pm

  The good is that I love the looks of this vehicle. The build quality seems to be very good. I have only 1500 miles on the vehicle. Cabin is quiet and rides smooth on large tires. Wireless microphone for cell is very good. But I do have some major issues...they are listed below.

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  Not As Good ....... - 2010 Ford Escape
  By martin2010 - December 28 - 9:21 am

  I love my 2004 Escape-129K+ and never a minutes trouble-easy to care for-I hate my 2010! Love the sync & sirius-but hate the interior (dash, console)-no way to keep clean. Also liked running boards on 2004. Can feel wind when driving-can not in 2004-not sure what changed-but would not do it again!

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  Survived a 60mph accident and walked away - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By dwiglesworth - December 25 - 12:19 am

  This was my first truck. I loved to drive it and it handles well. I would buy another ford ranger again and again. I was driving and hit a patch of sand on a corner and the back end slipped out from under me and I was doing about 60mph side ways when I slammed into a steal pole. It hit just a little bit infront of the drivers door. The complete dash was broken in 2 and all the windows were shattered. This was a very very very serious crash and I was able to get out and walk away with no major injuries. I was wearing my seat belt and the air bags did not deploy. I only suffered minor cuts to the face from my head breaking the drivers window. I thank this truck from being able to save my life.

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  Great Job by Ford - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By feels_good - December 24 - 7:32 pm

  After driving the new Explorer Limited Edition 600 miles, we are impressed by the features, smooth ride, and new body style. The MySync features are outstanding. This is definitely going to be a great seller for Ford!

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  LIKE THE ENERGIZER!!! IT JUST KEEPS GOIN AN GOIN!! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By mmfm - December 24 - 1:20 pm

  Ive had my 98 zx2 forever. She never lets me down. Im the third owner. The guy b 4 me literally drove the wheels off of it. didnt change the oil for 3 years over 41000 miles. when i got it did a tune up an a oil change.I only run the best. 93 octane ngk11 plugs an 8mm wires. castrol sytec fully sythetic. has 336,588 miles on it right now. still rips. took it to quaker drag strip ran a 15.3 at 91mph. bone stock. blew quite a few doors off it its time an will continue til it dyes on me. Its a fact if u take care of ur car ur car will take care of u. i have replace everthing on it once or maybe twice but i definatly got my moneys worth !!!!!5 STAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!