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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  1991 that I cant get rid of - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By james martin - April 1 - 8:16 pm

  I bought my 1991 from a person who took good care of it for 2 years. Before that, a soccer mom thrashed it. I got it with180k miles on it and now has 203K, and it runs as strong as ever. I have had tranny work done, but come on over 200K most 1st generation 4runners have had engine and tranny transplants. Simple mods like a K&N filter, exhaust, and other cheap mods give it close to 175 hp. I can burn tires easily! Great truck!

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  This is my 2nd Escort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Ford Escort Wagon - April 1 - 6:18 pm

  This is my second Escort, loved my first one, very reliable, both the drive tyrain and chasis was bulit by Mazda. Ford built the body. I had a 4 door 1.9 now a wagon 1.9 i seem to have lost a bit of power. The wagon only has 50kgs of more weight, but lacks of power accelerating. I would love a 5 speed but very rare. This car is very pratical and reliable. I love my Escorts. My 1991 had 250,000ks on it and was still going strong. Thats why I bought an another one. My opinion? Buy an Escort, good and reliable cars.

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  What a truck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By boaloo - April 1 - 1:09 pm

  This truck has been very good to me. I must say the only problem Ive had with it was the blown head gasket at 23,000 miles, but it was all under warranty. Other than that, its great.

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  Escape Shortcomings - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Driver - March 31 - 12:17 pm

  Air conditioner under-powered. Headliner shows in rear view mirror partially blocking vision. Dust gathers around the rear hatch so one gets dirty when using the hatch. No mute on steering wheel results in distracted driving. Cruise control in awkward to work. Camera is small and intensity is poor. Passenger seat adjustment is awkward to use.

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  263,000 miles, Wow - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By NE Oklahoma - March 31 - 12:17 am

  This is a one owner vehicle. It has 263,000 miles on the original and untouched motor, which was built in Ohio, USA. It still starts easily and goes smoothly at 75 mph. The manual transmission has been difficult to shift at times since 60,000. But, it is still the original transmisssion, having been worked on twice. I just keep changing the oil. Nothing fancy, not synthetic.

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  Best Truck Ever!! - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Bob - March 30 - 1:01 am

  I am 18 and this is my first car. I have the manual tranny and it is great. It is ten years old and has never broken down. It gets great gas mileage which is good because I have to pay for everything in my car. The engine is good and has a nice kick but if you dont have the manual I think it will not be as much fun. I do take it off road sometimes, but only on small easy courses. It handles fine on and off road. Overall great first vehicle or farm vehicle, which is what it originally was used for.

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  So Far, So Good - 2007 Ford F-150
  By JONJON - March 29 - 9:46 pm

  It runs well, very comfortable. I love the captain seats and the interior room. The fuel economy could be better, average around 14.5 mpg on hwy and city. Vehicle has good power but is a little sluggish compared to expectations.

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  4 years and Running - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jesfam - March 29 - 9:23 pm

  I like everything about this van. After 4 years the style is still current with other van designs.

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  Be careful with rear brakes - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Rick Martinez - March 29 - 8:30 pm

  I had to have the rear brakes replaced on this vehicle at 20,000 miles. I have also read on other forums where people are having to replace them over and over. Ford will not help with this because brakes are only covered for 12,000 miles. If you do not know, rear brakes should not fail at anywhere close to that mileage level. Original tires are also almost shot at 25,000 miles.

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  Recommended - 2003 Ford Focus
  By TheReverend - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed our ZX5 Focus a lot. The power is adequate, though not great, and it handles like a champ on all types of roads. I love the way the interior is laid out, ergonomics are good, seats are comfy. Our minor problems were that we had to have it re- aligned after only 17K and the paint chipped off the shifter knob at about 15K. The alignment could have been my fault, I do drive it pretty hard. The exterior looks get a little old after awhile, but aftermarket parts are everywhere.