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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  Good, but watch out - 1998 Ford Escort
  By wingchunner - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I didnt like the way the automatic transmission shifted. It handles and responds well, but because of the lightness of the car, it is affected by wind which at times makes it a little more difficult to control. Changing the serpantine belt is a little coslty .I thought there was a squeecking noise which I thought was the belt (not), then they thought something was rubbing against the transmission, so that was pulled (not that either), so the mechanic believes that the crankshaft is somehow getting out of kilter or the bearing might be worn wrong. It will cost over two grand to replace the engine or repair the crankshaft.

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  Solid, safe, reliable - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mark Flannery - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive no problems with my Explorer. I drove it for four years before turning it over to my teenage daughter for her first car because it is so solid, safe and reliable.

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  Great so far - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ZX3 review - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Great performance, trend-setting styling for low price are the selling points on this one. It blows away the Civic, Corolla, Echo, Sentra, Protege, or anything else in its class. Weve personally had no reliability problems for 45,000 miles other than some squeaky brakes that Ford replaced for free and a few recalls. Others have had mixed experiences, but I cant say theres anything about this car that has disappointed me.

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  3500 Miles in a week - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By sloan4 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Im not the owner, but drove this company vehicle 3500 miles in a week. Had good ride quality considering 4wd. Glove compartment, storage areas and cup holders were sized and placed well. 4.0 V6 gave peppy performance, although the 5spd auto had to shift often to keep the engine in the power band. Audio and other controls were well placed except for rear-wipers and door handles Base non-power cloth seats were as horrible as anything I have EVER had to sit in. My 81 Chevette seats were better. Padding/support was non- existant.My rear end was sore after 20 miles, and it didnt get better.

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  Quiet Ride - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Max - October 31 - 3:09 pm

  My 2007 Explorer rides very well, the seats are comfortable, and the interior noise is minimal. The driver buttons/controls are well laid out. The tan leather seats look dirty after six months, and the leather does not continue into the rear pockets in the seat backs. The V8 drives nicely, and the transmission is very smooth, except when coming to a stop, where it jerks forward and makes a clunking sound when from 2nd to 1st gear. The dealer recalibrated the transmission...issue is not resolved at this time.

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  Wagons are Back! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By RMN in NOLA - October 31 - 5:36 am

  This is a very underrated wagon. It is cheaper than most but has almost everything you need.

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  F 150 Super Crew - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Steve Melton - October 30 - 11:13 pm

  Good overall truck, nice interior with leather captain chairs with floor shifter and console. Build quality is so far been outstanding. Much stiffer ride than 2001 F150 I traded. Dealer easy to work with

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  Best Vehicle I have Owned! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Michael - October 30 - 9:13 am

  Only problem was initial dealership paint repair. No other dealer visits in 32K miles. Noticeable increase in wind & tire noise. Ride quality is degrading but probably due to use on washboard back roads and rough two tracks (though still only minor squeaks & rattles). Interior cloth stains easily & is difficult to clean. 5.4l gets 15 mpg at 70mph - ouch!.

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  Ford Expert - 1995 Ford F-150
  By ERowe - October 29 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned every truck in the Ford line, Ranger,2 Explorers, Bronco, 2xF150s. Without question, the 94-96 F150s is a better truck than most pickups available. Ford Trucks are as tough as the toe nails on an elephant except for the transmissions! The trucks will nickel and dime you to death with little problems such as rear end gears(not so little) wiper/window motors,lamps, lighting, fuses,wiring etc..... There was a failure of research and development because they are a pain to work on but I love them! I am forever a Ford man!

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  I LIKE IT - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By PAUL SCHNEIDER - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE IT VERY MUCH. LEFT THE EXPLORER BEHIND WITH NO REGRETS. BIG, ROOMY AND SAFE.