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 Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By LJ - June 30 - 8:43 pm

  I have had very few problems with my Escape other than the recall issues. Its in the shop now for a new alternator but that after six years and 219,000 miles of driving. Thumbs up!

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  Ford Probe SE/04 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT - 1994 Ford Probe
  By scooby doo - June 30 - 8:42 pm

  Sick car. Bought it 4 months ago with 86k miles. Since then I have put my old 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT engine, and it runs great. When I bought my Probe I couldnt believe it was a 94 it has been garaged for 14 years so it pretty much looks brand new. Paint job looks relatively new and there are no dents, rust, or scratches.

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  1997 Aerostar has been good to me - 1997 Ford Aerostar
  By MrT - June 30 - 3:32 pm

  The Aerostar has been a solid performer for me. I bought new and was worried initially about things like the air conditioning and automatic transmission. Thus far after 11 years neither has caused me problems. The worst problems have been sensor-related. Two sensors replaced at fairly high costs. Also the electrics through the steering wheel have been iffy (intermittently working but generally fine). Brake wear has been reasonable and Ive enjoyed owning the vehicle.

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  My old F150 - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Al - June 30 - 12:05 am

  This truck was either a lemon or a truck that had some really hard miles. I bought it used and it ended up needing a lot including, new starter, new clutch, new steering box, rebuilt rear end, new oil pan, new leaf springs and mounting brackets and it is rusting apart. Has only 98000 on it too.

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  A family friendly vehicle - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By hansonfamily - June 29 - 9:34 pm

  We bought the vehicle for the size and we have a large family. We have been allover the East coast, never have had any problems. At the present time we 185000 miles on the truck, and would not hesitate to drive it anywhere.

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  Ford had come a long way! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Fouad - June 29 - 7:31 pm

  It was hard to believe that this car is a Ford. I have had some bad experience with Fords in the past and swore I would never buy one again. This car changed my mind completely!The quality is very impressive. People,this car is tough. !Its built solid and so far no built quality issues at all. Overall performance is good. The 4 cylinder engine is fantastic, but just a tiny bit too weak for this heavy car. I recommend you get the 5 speed manual. Transmission shifts nicely with no grinding at all. I average 25 mpg and my driving is almost all city. The car looks very nice and I get lots of compliments. The suspension is marvelous,handling is great,a very fun to drive car. I am very happy with my purchase!

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  My Expy - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Bruce - June 29 - 7:29 pm

  It has been a great truck except for the transmission. We are on #3. All under warranty but, the last was the extended warranty. Look elsewhere if you tow a trailer. The gas of course if now a problem.

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  Swiss Army Knife of SUVs - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Paul - June 29 - 6:45 pm

  This vehicle hauls 8 people comfortably, effortlessly tows my 5,000 lb trailer, the rear rows fold flat for hauling plywood and has near minivan manners on the road with 4WD available for our Canadian winters.

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  Solid - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By dntwry - June 29 - 9:35 am

  Bought it new in 97, It was originally mine, and I have given it to my son. We both agree on what will be said right now. For 22k its a great car. The engine could have been put together a little better, easier to get to parts. We had to replace the heater core, and it was a royal pain to get to. Also for it being a RWD V8, you would think you could go a little faster. Smooth ride, classy car, powerful, and great moon roof. Gas mileage could be a little better. Its around 17-18 MPG.

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  Great Towing & Family Transport - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Steve - June 29 - 8:57 am

  We purchased our first 4x4 as a pre-owned certified vehicle and were originally sold on the Ford as compared to the Suburban based on the interior layout and fold-flat seating. The vehicle was needed to tow some heavy loads off-road and it has performed superbly in this role. The only complaint is a somewhat noisy (whiny)transmission low gear transfer case and the unpainted plastic door protection outer trim that is prone to oxidize. We have had no major mechanical problems and only a window drive motor to repair.