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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  American Muscle - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By George Koretski - April 13 - 10:36 pm

  I am an advid reader of all of the driving magazines and such and had to think very hard on whether this (being my 4th stang) was in fact the vehicle of choice. I see that the Japanese manufacturing is just almost unbeatable. Every time that I would research cars in this price range the Japanese had it, but this one! So with that in mind I went to the dealership to put it to the test and see first hand myself. From the V8 4.6 300 horspowered engine to the sleek and retro-60s styling, this is truly as car that shouts "They finally built one right." You wont be disappointed with this one I am sure of this. But why does Ford only have a 3/36 warranty on this car. They can certainly up that ante, right

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  Generic family traveler - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MARKSS - April 12 - 6:33 pm

  I have had my Explorer for a year now. It is very strong with the V8, but the down side is gas mileage. I get about 14mpg around town and about 17.5mpg on the highway. Everything works fine. There is nothing spectacular about my Explorer but it does what it was built to do, haul people. It isnt an offroad machine, but the automatic 4wd is great for Colorado winters. Really the only compaint I have is the flimsy back hatch piece just below the back window. I know many people who have broken that piece when closing the hatch window. I am lucky that mine hasnt broken yet. The 3rd row seat is surprislingly comfortable for short guys like me.

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  Surprising Performance - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By dave - April 12 - 10:46 am

  I wasnt looking for a Mustang and have never been a big fan. I saw this 7 year old vehicle with less than 55k miles while looking at other convertibles. I gave it a try because of the low price and was really impressed. I actually liked the handling better than Mustang GT convertibles Id driven. I was surprised by how powerful the V6 felt with the 5 speed manual. My particular car must have spent a lot of time in the garage based on the low mileage, tight feel, and nearly flawless interior and exterior. I thought Id miss the quick open/close of the top that I had with a Miata, but this power top is fast and seems well made. On the road the blue color seems one of the least common.

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  Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TXMOM - April 12 - 4:40 am

  This vehicle has been excellent for my family of 5. It is comfortable and roomy, which is great on long trips. I have not had any problems with it except for squeaky brakes. The gas mileage is awful though. I am only getting between 13-14 MPG in town and between 18-19 MPG on highway. I guess that is to be expected from an SUV this size. Ford needs to improve the fuel economy and this vehicle would be almost perfect.

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  Its a great truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ray - April 11 - 5:59 pm

  I bought this truck new in 02. I now have 140,000 miles on it. It still looks and drives like new. I have only had to do routine maintenance. It was in the shop 1 time for a sensor that went out of range and that was covered by the warranty. All I have had to do is keep the oil changed, brakes, and tires. Its the most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Love it! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JHTKGT - April 11 - 12:54 pm

  When we got this car, I was worried that it felt to much like a truck, rather than a car. This actually wasnt an issue, since I got used to the new feel very fast (we had never owned an SUV before). Its very easy to handle and very comfortable. I love the leather seats, tinted windows and roof rack. It is perfect for us, since we travel a lot. I actually only have one major complaint: The gas tank. This one really irritates me! Every single time I try to fill it up, the nozzle clicks off, as if its full (when its completely empty). My husband said its the gas fumes in the tank, but even when I let the fumes air out before pumping, it happens every time I squeeze the nozzle handle!

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  Watch Those Brakes - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By OmarV - April 10 - 10:36 pm

  I have a 2000 E350 Superduty van with v10. Performance is great - gas mileage ... well you dont buy a v10 for the mileage, you buy it for the POWER. The problem is I have 4 wheel disc brakes and after 45,000 miles I needed a brake job. What I discovered is that Ford uses cheap discs which rusted and required all four replaced. The cost was out of sight! My suggestion is watch out when buying used; check the discs.

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  07 Eddie Bauer - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Dave - April 10 - 8:25 pm

  SUV is a fine vehicle except for the fact that I have to drive a mile or two before it will upshift into the higest gear. This contributes to excessive noise and kills gas mileage

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  01 Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Jerry S - April 10 - 12:06 pm

  Power and handling are about what Id expect from this V6. My wife started driving it as a company car with about 6K. We bought it from her company at 36K. Goodyear did all maintanance to there. I have done all maintanence since, Mobil 1 oil. Trans service regularly. The EGR went out at 36K and again at 100K. Three sensors are out now with 107K showing. I had to take it to a shop to replace the serp. belt as there is not enough clearance to put my wrenches on it. Then the belt adjuster blew up at about 60K. Back to the shop. To replace plugs is major surgery. Brakes and suspension have lasted as expected. Locks quit at about 100K. My daughter drives it now so all bets are off.

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  An Unsung Gem - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By shotsy - April 10 - 10:13 am

  Press had lower reviews for power and styling of this car, but I like it. The Limited version looks very nice from all angles. Body is solid. You can tell the door and panel structure is well engineered (doesnt have that paper thin feeling). The power is fine for me as I dont view it as a sports car. Interior is very clean looking (no unnecessary clutter on dash or console). This car is an excellent choice for taller people like myself. This is the first car I have owned where my knees are not hitting the dash even with the seat all the way back. Plenty of headroom as well.