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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  2003 Centenial Edition - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Andy - August 25 - 10:18 am

  I purchased this truck figuring it would be great for many years! It has been good, but of course, its had it share of problems. I dont care because, even a high end car has problems. Anything man made in reality. What I dont like is you have to jump thru hoops with Ford to get things fixed. Things they know about. Not untill I printed the TSBs for the problems did they get fixed for free. Ive had the rear end done, lift gate replaced from the typical crack, shift interlock problem, wheel bearing, rear brakes locking up, and Im sure a few others. Love the truck, just wish Ford could do a better job. No wonder they dont campaign "Job 1 Quality First" anymore :(

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  Great mileage- bland interior - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Keith - August 24 - 7:06 am

  Having just traded in a VW Jetta for a Ford Focus, I have gone from flashy to bland. Thats not a bad thing. The Focus gets much better gas mileage. It simply lacks the interior quality & design of the Jetta. The Focus handling is very good. The noise level is superb. There is none. If one is looking for a commuter car that offers great mileage , the Focus is a great choice.

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  Pleasantly surprised! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By cashewfeni - August 23 - 11:29 pm

  This has been our first American car. We bought 2 years ago When it had >100K miles. We have had only minor annoyances but no major problems. The engine runs strong, we got good gas mileage, the ride is comfortable, the braking is good...it has been an awesome buy! The biggest issue is that it has just 3 doors. This is bad for a family with 2 small kids as it is really difficult to place an infant/toddler behind the driver. Considering the fact that a minivan is supposed to be a family car, I find a 3-door design just absurd. Sometimes, the car wrongly thinks that a door is open and the interior lights stay on - there is no way to manually turn them off!

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  Sporty and Fun! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By AngelOU - August 23 - 7:46 pm

  My parents ordered this Explorer from the factory, custom-made for them. It has performed well after being shipped around the world, including surviving a typhoon. Regular maintenance is a must, and you will have to fix things as they break. We replaced the CD player with an MP3 player after the 6 disc changer went out. A few minor repairs along the way, but nothing more than a few hundred dollars a year. Its now my college car, and Im enjoying it! The gas mileage is less than desirable, but its normal for an SUV. The paint looks excellent with regular washings and waxings. The plastic covering on the drivers side seat has broken from regular use, though. Speakers stink.

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  new Platinum Expedition - 2017 Ford Expedition
  By Butch - August 23 - 7:54 am

  so far the gas mileage is not even close to what the manufacture rates it, when we drove it home it had a wind noise on the drivers side that came from poorly installed weather stripping, our dealer fixed it perfectly but it shouldnt have come from the factory that way, raising and lowering the center seats to get in the back is not that easy, must always remember to tilt the headrest in or they dig into the front seats. On a positive side, it has a lot of room particularly in the third row where you wouldnt expect much which is the only reason we bought it vs the GMC Denali model. At this point we only have a 1000 miles on it so tough to do much more rating.

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  Best bang for the buck! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By pwl - August 23 - 2:38 am

  Purchased new, passed 100,000 earlier this year. Cars these days have become more powerful, but in 1999, this car was the best bang for the buck other than the high-school-kid-styling Camaro/Firebird twins. Works well as a daily driver, but fun to drive and can burn some rubber when you feel like it. Aside from a few initial fit/finish issues, car has been very reliable with no major fixes. I did recently have to have the rear differential rebuilt with new parts for >$2k due to the oil leaking out after poorly designed speed bumps dented the diff. case. However, I believe this was a freak incident and should be even less likely to happen to a stock car. (Mine is lowered around 1.5".)

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  Great small truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By JC - August 22 - 11:25 pm

  Cant say much more than the title. Have owned this truck for about two years now and the one thing that stands out is that it will go just about anywhere. Have taken it up 45 degree hills with no slippage in mud and snow and it tows my 16.5 bass boat as if it was not even there. Have experienced some of the normal, minor problems of this model but all of the info available on the web makes fixing hem a breeze.

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  A Solid 9 - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By ChampionDriver01 - August 22 - 8:31 pm

  Reliability- in 110K, needed only gas, reg maint, a hose, 2 transaxle seals, and the low coolant light comes on 4 no reason. Build quality is a 9 b/c panels come loose, and cruise button quit. Ext design is perfect. Interior design is str8up. Is A lot of fun 2 drive. Gas mileage is poor, 20 city, 23 highway, and I do 95% highway. EPA is 20/27. Comfort-9 (see below). Performance- 9. For cruddy gas mileage, would love another 100HP, 200 and 24V isnt enough. But I love it, perect family car. Dont care for the Fusion, may go for 2008 Taurus, because I loved the 500, but never got one.

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  More HP - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By BOB CASEY - August 22 - 6:36 pm

  Excellent car; so far only have 5000 mile on it. Could use more horsepower. It is a little sluggish from 0-60, other than that very well built car.

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  Waiting for the Camaro - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By dave1958 - August 22 - 8:24 am

  Couldnt wait for the Camaro so I bought a Mustang GT convertible. I am not greatly impressed with the 300 HP. I would have bought a Shelby except for the $25K upcharge