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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  Poor gas mileage - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By MUSKIEFISHER - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, looks great, had lots of good comments on it. Was very road noisy on cement pavement. Tires really hum. Changed to Nito tires and much better. Gas mileage is terrible. 20MPG avg with most miles at speeds of 45 -55. Best I ever got was 24.6 on a trip all highway mileage. I do not pound the pedal so it is not driver abuse.

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  Solid Performer - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Dave - April 23 - 9:34 am

  I bought my Escape new and drove it for six plus years. I wanted some of the conveniences (space, height and 4wd) of driving an SUV but was not willing to pay where the next size was priced, did not want horrendous MPG and back in 2002 most large SUVÂ’s still felt like driving a pickup truck. I got what I paid for it was a no thrills solid performer. The car was only in the shop twice for two minor recalls and the well known air sensor. I had the cd changer issue and the moon roof switch that was a pain but I did not ever get annoyed when it happened. It was a great drive as acceleration was excellent and the handling and feel of the SUV felt like I was driving a car.

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  Great SUV--if a little quirky - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Sammybosox - April 22 - 3:00 pm

  Traded in a 2002 4Runner to get the new Explorer. Never looked back. Great interior space--my dogs love it-- and the Audiophile sound system is better than anything Ive heard from the factory. Ride and handling is great, almost no body lean or roll during cornering and power is outstanding. Got the V8, its worth the extra money and the gas. Interior is a little strange looking; the dash is kind of lumpy and the materials look cheaper than they probably are. But fit and finish seem good, and its super quiet. Would recommend the Explorer to anyone looking for a new SUV--and the dealership has been awesome.

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  Nice truck for couples - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By JJJohnson - April 22 - 9:27 am

  I traded my F150 in for the Ranger hoping to get above 20 MPG in which I barely get 19 with the 3.0. Other that than this is a nice small truck which handles well. It pulls my 14 tandem trailer with ease.

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  Great value for the price - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - April 22 - 8:56 am

  Im amazed at other reviewers complaining because they bought a used vehicle and it had maintenance problems. If the hood wont stay up, replace the supports for $20. After a decade or so they might have worn out. Overall, other than the radio, this is a well designed vehicle which when properly maintained will last and last. The V6 has almost as much horsepower as the V8, but gets almost the same milage as well, so you might as well get the V8 and its increased towing capability. Mileage will depend on how you drive it, Im getting 20 MPG combined, and I know of one man whos getting 30 MPG (mostly highway).

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  2002 Explorer Review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TJ2509 - April 21 - 11:00 pm

  A vast improvement over the previous Explorer in Ride abd engine performance. Visibility is improved, and instruments and accessories are better arranged.

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  2002 Mustang 3.8 M5 - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Paul - April 20 - 8:26 am

  Love this car. Bought it for my daughter but she cant get the 5 speed down so she doesnt like to drive it in town. So I drive it to work since its good on gas. About 30 miles on the hwy each day. Gets really light in the back end at over 100. I see why the GTs have the spoiler.

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  Love my Explorer! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Mandy - April 19 - 10:38 pm

  I purchased my Explorer brand new from the dealership. I was contacted for minimal recalls that did not affect the driving performance. The only problem I ever had was a problem with my back window not wanting to roll up or down. It was out of warranty so I had to pay to fix it. During the warranty period I even had my stearing wheel changed because it started to show some worn spots. I think some of the people who complain about cars dont know how to take care of them. If you change your oil and fluids regulary you shouldnt have many problems.

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  Gets me from A to B - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By cheap transport - April 18 - 1:03 pm

  I got this car free from my gramps a few years ago with only 50k miles on it. It now has 110k miles. Replaced the starter, and thats about it. The 3.0L doesnt have a lot of snort by todays standards, but it does just fine. And my ASE-certified mechanic says this engine is one of the better designs out there. He says stay away for the SHO 3.8L, its prone to major issues, many of which require specialty tools and training to remedy. This has been a good commuter car. I wish it got better mileage though, 25- 26 mpg overall (mostly hwy miles). Thats the price you pay for throttle- body FI instead of multi-port EFI though! Body seems to be holding up well against MN winters with salty roads.

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  Exceeds expectations - 2003 Ford Focus
  By P K - April 17 - 11:11 pm

  Bought this car at 1 yr/8k thinking I would sell it in a year or two. But it has been a great car for four years and now 50k miles. It has been reliable and drives pretty sporty for 130 hp. The premium stereo is amazing for a factory model. The interior is larger than you would expect for a car this size when the rear seat is down. I have only two gripes. The brakes have always been squeaky and the gas mileage of the automatic is not as good as you would expect from a small car. Small complaints compared to the value of this car. I have been very happy with this car.