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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  Love my truck! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Sam - July 7 - 6:56 pm

  We bought this truck new off the lot. (Gas was much cheaper 8 years ago!) We opted not to buy the extended warranty and have not had any major problems within the first 6 years of its life. However, with that being said, within the past 2 years, we have had to replace the sway bar, new brakes (twice), new front end calibers, new shocks, new emergency brake (prior mechanic cut it!), and just now - a new alternator.

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  5 year review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Brant - July 7 - 10:51 am

  Our XLT is now 5 years old with 75K miles. The car has been relagated to light duty and occasional use due to the awful gas mileage (12-19 mpg). The car has been very reliable with only a minor recall (rear window glass pins) and one bad valve cover gasket. The ride is trucky and the car is slow and ponderous but by 2003 standards, not bad. Highway comfort and utility is great and the car is a comfortable long distance cruiser. The gray monotone interior has held up well though the cloth seats love to attract lint. Unfortunately, with crossovers now on the market and the lousy gas mileage, this car is fast becoming obsolete.

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  Not bad - 2005 Ford Escape
  By acceptable - July 7 - 8:31 am

  Bought this vehicle Jan 06 after having a base Taurus. I like the zippyness I get from this 4cyl 5 speed. Gas mileage is great for an SUV at 27 hwy summer and 24 hwy winter here in MN. As read in other reviews cant stand the poor quality paint but to go along with design we do travel on some gravel roads and when wet or muddy the doors in the rear will get mud and dirt between them and the inside - my other vehicles never had this and I think this is terrible. I am quite conscious of this so I make sure to clean this area afterward because I dont want it to rust out before its time

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  15 Years and 193,000 Miles fun! - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Tom - July 6 - 11:31 pm

  I bought the car new 15 years ago. Its getting way up in miles and age, but I will miss it, when the new car comes along. This car has and still is giving me a fun drive. It may not be the quickest car out there, but even with the Auto Tran it is fun to drive. I have even went to all season non- performance tires now that it is simply a day driver. The new rubber makes is very good in the snow. I will be sorry to see it go someday. I am hoping to pass the 200,000 mile mark. Nice work Ford/Mazda!

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  OK, but better out there. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Andy - July 6 - 10:00 pm

  Not a bad little truck, extended cab has come into handy with putting hunting and fishing stuff right behind the driver seat. Stepside gives a trendy look but doesnt do much good with the Tanoe cover. Got the 3.0V6 with the 5speed automatic and it has little trouble hauling half a ton and towing 3/4 of a ton which is pretty exceptional for a small truck. Only problem I have had was the master fuse blowing and the alternator not charging the battery and the truck dying while driving through town. (Not fun at all.) Overall 8/10.

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  Overall very nice truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Earl - July 6 - 4:08 pm

  Very comfortable ride. Quiet engine. Mileage good for large truck. Has 100,000 miles on it. Looks and runs like new truck

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  Fun in the twisties - 2000 Ford Focus
  By John - July 6 - 1:21 pm

  Its been a great first car. Had a few recalls, but Ford fixed them all no charge. Other than that, just replace a sensor or two (I have 90k miles) wheel bearings, brakes. But those are all wear items, so its not really a problem. Never left me stranded. OK power with the Zetec DOHC engine, 0-60 in a 5-speed takes under 9 seconds, which is fine for freeway merging. Handles great for such a cheap car, very fun when the road gets twisty.

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  Good car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Caymro - July 6 - 5:33 am

  Horrible seats and SYNC sucks. Drive train great. Fender benders cause not much damge to body but a lot to other cars.

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  18 years of reliable power - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By Dan - July 6 - 12:10 am

  I bought my Bronco when it was two years old and have driven it for 16 years now. Almost zero repairs over its life so far. I love the handling, the power, and comfort. Its been a great vehicle and what I would choose for bad conditions (snow, mud, ice, etc.)

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  Great car, fun to drive! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By maestro300 - July 5 - 11:20 pm

  Performance is not as fast as the Camaro/Firebird V8s; but with a little tweaking you can hit that 300hp line and be right up there with them. As far as comfort; well the 5-speed stick is quite a reach to get to; the most comfortable place for it would be where the first cup-holder is. Same with radio controls; they are very hard to reach. The driver/passenger seat also do not recline very far.