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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  Built to last - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Rick - June 25 - 5:17 pm

  I bought my truck new in 2006, needing a 4wd family vehicle (traded my 94 Cobra for it). The only problem Ive had is my manual lumbar support breaking twice. The transmission problem everyone is talking about is solved with a simple trip to the dealer to get the transmission reprogrammed. Problem fixed!!! It gets about 14.5 mpg in the city and 21.9 on the hwy at hwy speeds. if you drive aggressively though, expect it to be worse. Weve driven across the country and its very comprortable for me and my family. The V8 is powerful enough to haul a trailer and get into traffic with ease, and sits at 2k rpm on the hwy. Have a light foot in the city and get respective mpg there too.

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  Paulos focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By pauloantonio - June 25 - 3:38 pm

  Best mileage so far is 36.5 MPG. Five speed manual shifts easily. On open road, car interior is very noisey (road noise), and is the only downside. Fit and finish was ok since hatch was not aligned very well from factory. Placement of the aux power receptacle is questionable since located very high on the dash. I use the car for basic commute averaging 75 miles per day. Unfortunate that Ford decided to discontinue the hatch. Smaller engine (1.5 liter )and taller gears (2 thru 6 instead of 1 thru 5) would have made great mileage candidate. Advertised split rear seat refers to seat back only, and not seat bottom, so not truely a split seat configuration.

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  Never Liked Fords - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Dodge Man - June 25 - 1:34 am

  I bought this pickup from my buddy. he talked me into it, even though I never liked Fords. The pickup was babied. It is very fun to drive with the 351 with 2 1/4 inch dual straights, no cats, no mufflers. Very loud! I actaully liked it until I hit a puddle and got water in the air intake and cracked a piston. They are not water proof. Im a redneck so I got hunting and fishing in it all the time and I havent seen a prairie trail too rough for it. All in all its a pretty good pickup, never had any problems except for the piston, my fault. Has 179k miles on it, solid runner. And I prefer manual lockouts, just because theyre more reliable, 4x4 on the fly. Works good. I reccomend this pickup.

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  Sweet! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Robert Jones - June 24 - 3:43 pm

  After looking at Saturn, Mazda, Cadilac, Buick, and Ford Crossovers, the Edge was and pleasant and impressive surprise. A great riding and handling vehicle with a well- engineer interior space to seat its riders. My wife was immediately drawn to the luxurious look and feel of the stone colored leather and the pearlescet white sand mica paint. The 20" tires with their chrome clad wheels gives the Edge a final touch of sophistication and well-connectedness. Engine is quiet and responsive with all the power you need. No jerkiness, no hesitation, and one of the smoothest transmissions weve ever experienced. Beats our Lexus RX330 all over the place. The panoramic moonroof-a real wowzer!

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  Great Car So Far - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Charles - June 24 - 11:01 am

  Bought mine a couple of months ago. Its a good solid consistent series of vehicles. Ive always had them. Actually had leather put in. Mileage isnt that bad. I got it up to 21.1 after four hours on the highway. Gotta have the leather though. Dealer actually put it in fore me. smooth ride, great interior and though it doesnt display it, it will take e85 ethanol!

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  Big Red - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By HABEEB f. DUNN-EL - June 23 - 10:35 pm

  So far my driving experience has been fabulous. I like being up high in the dirver seat. I can see way down the road.

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  Tough little truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By myrating2008 - June 23 - 1:00 pm

  My Dad bought this truck new in 1992 in Washington state. Its been all over the US from Arizona to Ohio. And from Georgia to Ohio back numerous times. Now the truck is mine as my dad bought a new Ford Ranger. We live in Ohio with some pretty bad winters. Even on the coldest of days truck runs great. I will never buy anything other than a Ford!

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  Do not buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By mbistoocool - June 23 - 9:17 am

  Too many problems to recommend purchasing, trans, plug wires every year, oil pressure regulator, wheel bearings, timing chain tensioner, back hatch that cracked so many times dont bother getting fixed anymore, paint chipping on roof, many more. Very nice truck to drive and still love the look of it after 6 years, interior has held up very well. Too bad reliability is so poor. When its not in the shop it is a great truck.

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  We dont fix it, we have a better Idea - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Edgar - June 23 - 12:02 am

  I bought this car in 2001 with 60k miles on the car. My wife wanted a convertible and this car had a higher entry into the car than the GM F- bodies. So, I work a good deal and drove it home. Within 6 month I had to replace the alternator and battery. No biggy. About to months later the coil pack. Well this went on about every 4 to 5 months. Also within the first year I had to remove the intake and clean it because of carbon build up. For use a poorly designed valve cover which lets engine gases escape into the PVC line. At 120,000 miles the head gasket blew, and I had enough of this car breaking down. The door windows hit the top when opening and closing. 2005 got the better idea fix.

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  I cant complain - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ANDYLANT2003 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my explorer with an outstanding deal. I wanted a blue one with less stuff on it, but got a black one fully decked out. The towing package is a very nice add-on. Loving my Explorer.