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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  Mechanical design flaws - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Norma - February 22 - 7:52 pm

  There are design flaws in the oil pump that cause engine failure and the transmission is weak. Both had to be replaced BEFORE 100K miles.

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  Hurts my Butt - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Ole Chief - February 22 - 1:29 pm

  Love the vehicle overall. Traded in a 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited. Wanted a new Toyota but could not get one configured the way I wanted it. Wanted Limited without moon roof, AWD or the extras they automatically put on all vehicles like mats and paint protection, etc.. I was able to configure the Explorer the way i wanted it and place an order. Owners manual can be frustrating trying to determine what features actually relate to the vehicle you have. It will list a feature with a note saying "if equipped" but the documentation you have on the vehicle you bought as well as the description on what features you have as listed in the Explorer brochure still dont give you a clue. You are forced to go to the vehicle and try to do or operate the feature and if it happens or not gives you the answer. Touch screen gets finger prints all over it very quickly and trying to look at screen and various controls while driving to change or select something can be very distracting and dangerous. If we think texting and driving can be dangerous just wait for more drivers using features like this vehicle has. The situation is exacerbated when drivers have not read the manual and have a reasonable understanding of the controls and try to do something while driving by just trying different things until they get the results they want, give up or run off the road or worse. Wish that the tailgate window would open separately from the lift gate itself. Many times I want to put things in the back like when Im grocery shopping and want to lean them back against the tailgate. Cant do it on this vehicle. Have to place things carefully so they dont fall out when you open the lift gate to unload things. The absolute MOST DISAPPOINTING FEATURE for me is the front seat seats. The Explorer Limited has contoured seats with raised side bolsters that appear to be sized for someone quite smaller than me. Im not at all large. After driving for about 15-20 minutes the seat pressure on my right hip causes my sciatic nerve to hurt and Im very uncomfortable. My wife has also commented over how extra firm her seat feels. Not real comfortable for driving any distance. My Highlander Limited seats did not have this problem. I noticed that Ford Edge owners have complained about the seat configuration in those vehicles as well. Had I driven the Explorer for 30 minutes before buying it I would not have purchased it and probably bought a Toyota even though it had things I didnt want on it. Ill be web surfing for solutions to the problem and might even consider going to an automotive upholstery business to reconfigure my seat. Will also try to contact Ford for possible solutions. Might be just me, but that is why different people purchase different vehicles. Have not had a real chance to form an opinion on all of the vehicles features and thus the neutral rating given on many of them. Im still optimistic about my future with this vehicle and hope for the best.

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  Nice Job Ford! - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Fire488 - February 21 - 9:15 pm

  I have test driven almost every SUV and crossover in the market that were all similarly priced. I have never owned an Explorer in the past, but this is an unexpected pleasure. This truck is one of the best SUVs that I have ever driven. The ride is quiet and smooth and I dont know why it has been written that the Explorer V-8 needs more power, this truck can haul! Low end and highway. The interior is smartly designed and easy to navigate though. The Nav system and DVD system are also very easy to use. The sound system is outstanding. Keep up the good work Ford you have a repeat customer.

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  1994 Mustang GT - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By walter - February 21 - 3:14 pm

  It has been a great car. The only major repair was a water pump.

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  Pleasantly surprised and thankful - 1997 Ford Contour
  By T.Amundson - February 21 - 2:22 pm

  I bought my car used with low mileage almost ten years ago. I have not had one problem with it and have experienced only normal wear and tear. The car has been serviced regularly, consistent oil changes and new tires when necessary. Its great on trips being comfortable and reliable. At present it has a little over 100,000 miles on it and could go for another 50 to 60,000 miles. Car does need some cosmetic work but very little. Interior in excellent condition with no tears or cuts. Dashboard still in pristine condition as is the stereo (tape deck only). In short it has served me well...want to sell for automatic due to broken arm and age.

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  The envy of the office - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By MeLLowJive - February 21 - 11:37 am

  Working at a Fortune 100 company youd think there would be less minivans and Hyundais in the parking lot. But mine is like 1/4th Mustangs. But mine has the pony package and interior upgrade. I love the looks and get tons of compliments. Its fast, handles well, gets OK gas mileage, great on highway, really bad if you look at the digital mileage while idling or city driving. Shaker 500 sound system is terrible, its very bulky and doesnt match with my aluminum dash. They should have made all the climate knobs silver and stereo trim. Water always drips off the roof edge onto my seat when its raining and you open door. Water sits in the gas cap area, can rust? No trunk release inside either?

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  Most Fun in the Sun - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Karen - February 20 - 1:27 pm

  This car has been so wonderful to drive. I bought the car with 34k miles. It now has over 120k and still runs great. The only major expense has been to replace the top. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  One year in, still a happy camper. - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hotpotato - February 20 - 4:27 am

  Im over a year and 15,000 miles into ownership now. Car is holding up nicely. Since late 2012, Ford has issued several updates and recalls for the car to increase safety, MPG, and reliability. This may damage consumer magazine reliability scores, but results in a safer, more economical, more reliable car for all current and future owners -- I admire Ford for doing it. My mileage went up 1-2 MPG after the new software, for instance, from 36-37 to 37-38.

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  Ford - Not your best effort for a 4X4 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Mango1 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I recently upgraded my 2001 SC 4X4 F150 to the FX4 SC 2004. The ride is great on the road. Off road is a different story. For off roading the ground clearance stinks. My wifes Toyota Highlander can make it through ruts without bottoming out like the new FX4. The new SC is more an SUV then a real off road 4 wheel drive. Ford should be ashamed. Lift the truck by 4 inches minimum.

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  Great fun for the money - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JohnS - February 19 - 11:11 am

  I bought this car used with 72k miles, and its the best value I could hope for. Great fun to drive, steering and handling are super, will zip when you stand on the throttle--five speed with 16v 2liter 4 are more than adequate. Plenty of power for passing and mountain driving. The hatch and fold-down rear seats add to its utility, and rear seat room surprises all who crawl back there. A/C and heat are both powerful, all accessories work great. Cockpit is cozy and ergonomics are great a very comfortable driving position. I paid $5700 and cant imagine more fun for that money. The original owner took care of recall repairs and its been trouble free for me.