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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  What Happened To Fords "Quality"? - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jerry - February 22 - 8:33 pm

  The engine and transmission began presenting problems shortly after I bought the car. The engine idles rough, runs rough and stalls when stopping. When the tranny changes, especially up/down from second to third gears, it sounds like pouring a bunch of screws into a metal bucket. Now is is slow going into gear from park. I cannot recommend buying any Ford Focus.

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  I guess I got a good one - 2000 Ford Focus
  By EE - February 22 - 8:21 pm

  165,000 miles and its only now starting to have problems. I was a victim of the frozen ignition thing - if its giving sticky warning signs, heed them! The timing belt isnt due until some ridiculous mileage, mine went at 155,000. If you are planning to keep the car long term, change it before Ford advises. No leaks of any kind, so far. I am a painter and have loved how much stuff I could cram in the back and still be able to park it in San Francisco, and the gas mileage is great. If you are looking at this used, try and find one where you can research the service history, I guess. Im going to try and take this one to 200,000 miles.

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  Old-style power and reliability - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Polychrest - February 22 - 4:22 pm

  This iteration of the Explorer has been given a bad rap by the Consumer Reports mavens. Its a competent, comfortable, reliable ride with only one bad habit: it drinks too much. If you need serious hauling capacity, sweet highway manners, bad-weather & bad road capability, and arent averse to a little interior luxury, this ride deserves a look. Ive had it for almost a year, and its been a pleasure from day one. It laughs at winter (and weve had a bad one so far).

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  nice truck for money - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Tony - February 22 - 12:16 pm

  I bought this truck for looks and for the options that could be added. I suggest the power moonroof and captain chairs. The truck has been very dependable in the two years i have owned it.

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  Still trucking - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By stone - February 21 - 5:25 pm

  Bought used in 01 w/ 70K. At 204k now. avg 22mpg! std 2.3L dual plug version. Still runs great, but engine is fially tapping on hills now.

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  Reliable - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By stone - February 21 - 5:19 pm

  Wife bought new 94. Couple of minor recalls taken care of by Ford dealer. Wife neglected oil in 2000 for over a year, and became sludge- had to flush engine oil. But still runs fine. average 17mpg. get 19 hwy. Routine care otherwise. Inside passenger back door handle mechanisms abused by kids and wife replaced herself! Needs front wheel bearings replaced and repacked now but thats it. 140000 miles now.

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  So far so good. - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By MandaLou - February 21 - 4:03 pm

  I bought my Explorer about a year and half ago. I am pleased with it. Its a fun little gadget to drive, but not too roomy if you want to haul around friends. Body style is great and the handling is good as well. The fuel economy could improve, but that is with all SUVs. Good car if you are young and on the go!

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  Great Value and Excellent on Milage - 2007 Ford Focus
  By buckinca - February 21 - 3:17 pm

  I bought this (new) because I needed a cheap commuter car to get to work. I bought the most basic, bare bones Focus I could get and was able to get it for under 10,000. I got the 5-speed manual and if driven smartly I get about 41mpg highway and about 35mpg city. No joke, I track it very closely as money is tight. With rising gas prices, this car is a life saver on gas. I highly recommend this if youre a college stuff, like myself, or want a very reliable basic car with great gas mileage. I drove this vehicle the day after I bought it from San Jose, CA all the way to Atlanta, GA and had absolutely no problems anywhere along the way (52hr trip, no stops except for gas). Great buy.

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  A manly station wagon - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Mark - February 21 - 9:43 am

  I am a 48 year old male driver who thinks an SUV is overkill. I want a versitile vehicle that can pull a utility trailer for trips to the home improvement store, hold a roof carrier for beach trips, and comfortably take the family of four on a trip and still have room for Grandma. I bought this vehicle out of frustration of not being able to find a mini-van without a DVD-entertainment system but still had stuff like ABS. It has grown on me. Even though it is the base model, this "car" has all the features I wanted, and after driving it for a couple of years, I can say I still like driving it. If I had to replace it right now, Id probably buy another.

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  Awesome little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Doug - February 20 - 4:42 pm

  I love driving this truck. I would have liked to have a 5 speed, but circumstances at the time dictated that I take what I could get. My last truck was a F-250 with lock out hubs. I love this truck that all you have to do is turn a switch and youre in 4WD. With the off road package, its a little rough on fuel, but not the worst that Ive seen.