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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  Monochrome Black Rocketship Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Commander - August 11 - 7:02 pm

  Great Truck, great V-8 economy. Its fun to drive, sounds great roaring up to speed, and hits 60 in just about 8 seconds. Factory tires began to dry-rot after 3 years and 35k miles, replaced with Michelins, averaging 18.5 mpg. I wish RSC was available prior to the 05 model. I wish we had rear a/c in the AZ summers. I love the factory sound system in the Eddie Bauer. Im glad I didnt pop for the 4x4. Friend with an 05 4.0 4x4 is only averaging 15 mpg.

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  2005 Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary Manley - August 9 - 12:36 pm

  Very nice car for the price range with WONDERFUL gas mileage. I drive 100+ miles per day, mostly highway, and my average miles per gallon is now 36.2.

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  Alright Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By daf58 - August 8 - 10:12 pm

  Purchased this car at 30,000 miles. Has been very good to me, only minor repairs have been needed. Have owned this car for almost 10 years and I am very pleased, I now have close to 180,000 miles and this little Escort is still running strong.

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  Still driving the Mom Mobile - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Mfranck - August 8 - 6:02 pm

  Until this week, I never had a single problem with my Windstar. I cant wait to get it back from the dealership (lets hope the extended warranty covers the ABS failure). At 74,000 miles this car has held up and drives beautifully. In the snow when the SUVs cant make it up our hill, my Windstar out performs them all. Two kids, five dogs and the interior still looks new. I truly cannot say a bad thing about this car except that since my kids are older it isnt cool to drive.

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  Explorer has wheel bearing issues - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Phil Gilbert - August 8 - 11:02 am

  Like the truck except front wheel bearings need replacing after only 52,000 miles at a cost of $1,000. Ford would not assist, not covered by warranty. Dealer says that most issues are rear end failure with low miles. This is clearly a design or parts issue that Ford should assist owner with Will not purchase another one.

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  Quick - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By macspec - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Excessive road noise from tires and suspension Something needed to make rear door easier to maneuver.

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  Great F-150 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By gus - August 5 - 9:35 pm

  The design inside and outside is great. The space in the supercrew backseat is great. The only fault is the 4.6 feels underpowered.

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  Nice - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Stephanie - August 5 - 12:45 pm

  Its very nice inside and out. Ive had more than 1 Toyota and the last one i had was a 4x4 4-Runner. This expedition drives smoother than that. I was skeptical about getting another vehicle other than a Toyota but once I drove this i was happy.

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  Love This SUV - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Robert P - August 5 - 11:03 am

  I drove the Toyota 4 Runner, Jeep, Hummer H3, Comander and Nissan Pathfinder. All were OK but the Explorer won out. It had more room and the ride was great. I had a 95 and this one stickerd for $5,000 less with similar options etc. I cannot believe how much better it got in 2 years. I got the Iron Man because I do not like to be a little different. Unlike the 05 the back is totally flat. I just love this SUV. I am 62 and drive on the beach so a 4X4 was a must. I had 0 porblems with the 05 with just over 40.000 miles. I leased that one. I bought this one because I plan on keeping it 10 + years and put to many miles on the last one.

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  Good Small Car Overall - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Joel from IL - August 5 - 2:57 am

  I like the way this car drives. The engine is peppy and it stays glued to the road. So far, after two years this Focus has been mostly reliable. Its been to the dealer for a trunk latch and windshield wiper switch problem. All were fixed. There are just minor issues that bug me though. Compared to the 2003 we had the interior is cheap looking and plasticky. Seats are not very comfortable. The taillight bulbs burned out at exactly 2 years. Just little ways to tell Ford has cut corners. At highway speed there seems to be quite a bit of road noise which may be due to the low profile tires. The fuel economy leaves room for improvement at real world 20-23 city, and 30-32 highway.