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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  Think Twice - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Jimbo - January 1 - 6:14 pm

  Bought this car new and sold it after 4 months. Highs------Great looks and fun to drive Lows-----6 cyclinder 4.0 engine is loud and sounds course and unrefined. You almost think that something is wrong with the engine. Dash board rattled after the first week however I did not take it back thinking it would get worse during the warranty period and be easier to find. 5 Speed manual transmission felt clunky, had a long throw, and seemed hard to get into gear sometimes. Seats looked good but felt like cheap material and I will be suprised if they wear well. Neutral----almost no backseat--but I knew that when I bought it.

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  Overall good car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By matt - January 1 - 2:43 pm

  I got this car with 84000 miles from buy here pay here. 5 weeks in, the seals blew out of the motor, but it had been sitting on the lot for a while. Since that repair it has ran like a champ. Very strong 2.0 5 spd man. Very surprising power and handling. Cupholders do stink. The dash is warped, and yes plastic pieces (ie air vents) do fall out. Trunk is big. I like the wraparound headlights. Gets about 24-28 city mpg and 34-38 hwy mpg. Since gas is priced so high this car is very economical. Very fun to drive too. I dont like the hubcaps though.

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  My F-150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By No Name - January 1 - 8:06 am

  Dont like the limited use guidelines when in 4 wheel drive on pavement. Steering while in 4 wheel drive binds up a bit when in tight turns. MPG has averaged 12.5 - 12.7.

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  All About Betsy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cyndi Wallace - December 31 - 1:46 pm

  I went from a sports car to an SUV. This is the first one Ive owned and I love it. Tons of room for kids and pets, great exterior styling, decent performance, and great reliability are reasons why this truck has won my heart. If youre looking for an SUV that will meet all your needs and make you feel good driving down the road, then this is the SUV for you!!!

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  Engine Reliability? - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Tom - December 31 - 7:47 am

  Purch van in 97 with 4,500 miles. The vehicle has been fairly rugged, except the 3.8 L engine, 200 hp and tows well. The intake and timing chain cover gaskets failed at ~ 110,000 miles (should not fail), about $2,000 from a private mechanic including water pump. Gas mileage is 22/17, handles and drives well Problems: Speedo bounces @ 40,000 did not repair ($500) 3 sensors $250 for parts Intake, timing cover gaskets, water pump @110,000 ~ $2,000 Alternator @120,000, $130. Power steering pump hose $60. Weld front suspension supports $250. Intake manifold gaskets 2 hours Labor, $25 for gaskets Need to clean the sliding door contacts every few years (10 minutes a little steel wool)

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  Model T Seat Comfort - 2015 Ford Edge
  By R. Cochrane - December 30 - 10:21 pm

  2015 Ford Edge is a great looking car; but looks can be deceiving. If you want cloth seats you can not buy the Titanium upgrade (which only has leather; but boasts variable drivers seat controls). So opt for cloth which I did with the base model and the drivers seat has little or no control for comfort adjustments. The seating is rock hard and offers very little to make it accommodating or enjoyable. The tiny screen that displays the rear view camera image is a waste... so small you need glasses to use it with any accuracy. I dont both using that image generated by the otherwise clever rear-view camera. I cant get better than 23.9 mpg after 6,000 miles and I am a conservative driver with no lead foot by any means. I like the size of the Edge when compared to the smaller Escape or larger Explorer. I am leasing and have about 2 plus years to go on this. My thoughts at this point are to look outside the Ford or Lincoln family for next lease to see if I can find an SUV/Crossover with much better front seat comfort.

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  Nice little truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By PDEARBORN - December 30 - 10:31 am

  This is a very reliable truck, looks great, runs smooth, drives comfortably even over rough roads - no rattles. I have had the same issues as the other reviewers with the rusty brake lines, door jam WD-40 fix and the intermittent wiper ghost. Mine has a automatic and has not much power but the gas milage and reliability make up for that. Get good snow tires for the 2wd or you will go nowhere.

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  Merely adequate - 2008 Ford Focus
  By JR - December 27 - 11:33 pm

  This car is my company car. It has ABS and traction control, as well as Sync. The radio is disappointing - It fades in and out, like the digital receiver isnt always picking up those Fm stations clearly. No static, just high quality sound to all of a sudden poor quality sound. The exterior is not attractive. Ive heard "at least this is better than before." I disagree. I think the old Focus was quite attractive, and Ford should have totally reengineered it (i.e., the new Euro Focus) rather than reskin this one - it just isnt up to par. That being said, I love the traction control; its very reassuring while driving in snow. The interior is functional and attractive, w/ nice lighting.

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  1997 Ford Ranger Review - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By richfax - December 27 - 12:15 pm

  I purchased my Ranger with 43000 miles on it in 2002. Five years later Im approaching the 100000 mile mark. I bought this truck as inexpensive transportation to get to and from work. I paid $5900 cash and dont regret it. I havent had to take it in for anything other than oil changes, new tires and a new battery. Replacement tires and parts are very inexpensive and easy to find. My annual out of pocket for maintenance is about $100 per year. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 4 cylinder (which I own) as best in class. I dont recommend the 6 cylinder if you are looking for good fuel economy because it is worst in class. Cheap, reliable, good mileage- great so far!

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  Found On Road Dead - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Found On Road Dead - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the first Brand New vehicle I have purchased. The size fit my family perfect. Previous SUV was a 95 Explorer XLT, no problems. I have had a laundry list of problems. 1. Leak in cooling system. 2. Serpentine belt shreded. 3. Paint flaking off front bumper. 4. 4x4 not working property 5. Replace Muffler 6. Rear Vents squeek/gring when opening/closing. Nissan Pathfinder ARMADA here I come!