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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  Solid, reliable transportation - 2007 Ford Freestar
  By cradimer - January 8 - 5:35 pm

  Vehicle has performed as well as the 2000 Windstar it replaced but with more power for trailer-pulling and better fuel economy.Rear door rattles and front door mis-alignment were corrected by dealer. Very stable on highway excellent visibility. Easy to lower rear seat to carry longer cargo.

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  Just had to get one - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By karateguy43506 - January 7 - 2:14 pm

  As a previous Mustang owner on every major model year I just had to purchase one of these. My 07 Stang is very much a V8 sitting in a V6 engine with more tourque and HP than my other GT models in the past. The interior is sporty but very cheap. The seatbelts are out of reach and non adjustable but work fine. The rear leg room is barely enough for my 8 year old, but she loves the rumble and car. Performance wise I feel that Ford should have installed better air flow technology to increase mpg and hp. The rear exhaust really needs to be dual for the pony to breathe better. I did these upgrades and I get 22 mpg city and 28 mpg hwy and run at 245 HP and 250 torque. All in a great car.

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  Sporty, economical & less than a Celica - 1999 Ford Escort
  By teriana - January 7 - 11:57 am

  I purchased the car with 93,000 mi on it and paid $4,300 out the door with every option available (over half the price of the Celicas I was looking at). The car has an awesome stereo with premium sound. I drove it until 119,000. The only thing I had to replace was the thermostat. When I bought it, it did have a slight transmission leak that I always meant to have fixed. Instead I just put more fluid in every once in a while. When I sold the car, it did seem like it had the beginnings of real transmission trouble, but Im not positive. Trans problems are the one thing that can plague this vehicle. I cant ignore the fact, though, that my brother-in- law owned two with over 250,000 miles.

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  Reliable and Comfortable - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By David - January 7 - 8:42 am

  Bought used w/20,000 and am now up to 170,000 - no major problems. Replaced the ball joints was the biggest cost item. The Explorer has always started and is great in the snow, 4WD is superb and easy to operate. Had a Jeep Cherokee, which also was great in 4WD, but the Explorer is much more comfortable and roomy. Visibility is also very good. Worth a lot more than its valued at, not sure why it gets any low ratings (because Its American I think).

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  Style, Safety and Quality Great - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Jeff - January 6 - 4:03 pm

  Our Limited looks great, gets a lot of compliments and is a very nice vehicle to drive. Big vehicle and you feel very safe but pay in gas mileage, but nothing unexpected, avg for us is about 14.7. Major disappointment has been useable storage space. The front of the vehicle is largely taken up by the center console. There is just one big hole in the armrest and little else. If two people up front you will have stuff tucked under your legs, on your lap etc. especially if you have kids. Back seats not much better, seem like always stuff all over the floor boards. Coming from a T&C minivan the space has been a real issue. Power could be slightly better, but did not expect to drag race!

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  Ive owned three in 15 years. - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By john - January 6 - 12:05 pm

  The 4.0 V6 is impressive. Lots of power but they could have improved the fuel economy. Id rate the pickup of this truck equal to any small V8. I get about 20 mpg highway. I expect a slight increase when the truck bed cover is installed and I do something about the air intake system ( K&N). This pickup replaced a 05 f150, Interior room took a little getting used to but still its not bad. Mine is the Sport version with a 5 speed. It pulls my 18 foot boat without even struggling.

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  Never thought I would buy a FORD - 2005 Ford Focus
  By chevyfangoneford - January 6 - 10:36 am

  Well this an update for what I wrote last time. Ok I have 6k on the car. I have had the car 6 months. I have issues with the paint 4 times; not too happy. The paint had been bubbling up on the doors and hood and also the trunk. Brand new car and had to have them paint these parts 4 times. Ford really needs to do better quality checks before sending vehicles off the assembly line. Also had the CD player replaced; was skipping all my CDs. That problem has been solved. Still have the paint issues though. But in all fairness the cars has been great. No other issues, if so I will write again.

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  Adrenaline rush - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By road runner - January 5 - 6:56 pm

  The re-issue of the Mach 1 Mustang is an excellent performance value for the money. This car has a tremendous amount of low end torque and easily runs the quarter mile in high 13 second range without any modifications, just as from the factory. The Mach has a distinctive muscle car exhaust note that is reminiscent of big block cars from the 60s. One drawback is the interior, which could have been done up with better quality. Fuel tank is relatively small (15 gallons) and requires frequent re-filling , especially if the car is driven hard.

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  1992 F-150 with 200,000+ - 1992 Ford F-150
  By C.A. - January 5 - 6:05 pm

  I bought my 1992 F-150 XLT with 100,000 miles already on it. I had to put an new automatic transmission in it with in six months. I had a small electrical fire when I put a new alternator on it, the rotors over heates and the calipurs were of poor quality, and I have had five accidents in this truck. Once you get past the minor problems, its not a bad truck 225,000+ on the original 6 cyl motor. I do love this truck.

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  Like Appearance and Driveability - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Gordon - January 5 - 12:24 pm

  Highlights: Reliability and looks. Disappointments: Lack of power. Center consol breaks if you lean on it. Steering wheel pattern disappears with wear. Believe mileage suffers from 4w drive, but dont check that much.