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:

• 

  good not great - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By fordfan - August 21 - 2:10 am

  Compared to our 99, it seems Ford had to change some things just for the sake of change. Whats improved: very quiet, great ride, all seats very comfortable, dual zone A/C, reclining 2nd row seat, rear HVAC controls. Should have been left as they were: door pulls, memory seat and heated seat controls (now on the console and not convenient), 2nd row headrest non- adjustable and non-removable(interferes with child seat), side mirrors (clunky looking and do not have full range of travel), console shifter (Id rather use the space for storage), dash design. Some complaints here about dash reflections with the tan interior. This is easily solved with a dark color dash cover.

• 

  Great little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By rubydist - August 20 - 11:04 pm

  Now approaching 120,000 miles, and all Ive had to do is brakes, clutch, and 2 iac valves for repairs. It has very comfortable cab, seats and controls, with lots of creature comforts. It handles well and rides well - as much like a sporty car as a truck, yet it can haul a good-sized load. Im getting between 19 and 20 mpg in mixed use driving. The 4-door cab is an excellent feature, making it much easier to get stuff in and out of the back of the cab. Overall, an excellent small pickup.

• 

  Ford, some mods and keep going. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Dragon Fly - August 20 - 11:00 am

  I brought it on 2000 no major repairs, just regular maintenance and every 60k miles timing belt service and plugs. They are not fuel savers but extremely good machines. Imagine 6 years running on nitrous once a week without breaking anything.

• 

  Stealth cop cruiser! - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Larry H. - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I love the look on peoples faces when they slow down behind me to make sure it isnt an unmarked cop car. Power. Just put your foot down to the firewall - and HOLD ON! The fabric on the drivers seat is showing wear. On long trips there is not another car on the road which brings such pleasure to drive. I cant wait to buy a 2003 Sport model!!!

• 

  fun to drive - 2002 Ford Focus
  By andrew99 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  pretty good. very stable, better than most japanese cars. not enough power though.

• 

  Completely Satisfied - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By billux - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I wrote an excellent review of this vehicle, but because of Edmunds limit of 700 characters, you wont get half of the valuable info that I wrote about this vehicle!! The 4.6 L V/8 is _. The 4WD system works _. Stability is_ as are the brakes, even while trailering. The 290 watt sound system on the EB version is __! I opted for the 5 passenger version which has __ cargo space. I just wish Ford had offered a __option on the EB as they now do on the new Lincoln Aviator. Maybe some day! Ive been following all the strange problems that folks have experienced with the new version Explorers in the Town Hall chats. Lets hear from you on this.

• 

  A great vehicle! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Orion8 - August 20 - 12:09 am

  I had been planning to upgrade to a large SUV and found that the Expedition offered the best mix of features, utility and value. I found a fully loaded, low mileage model and have been thoroughly pleased with the purchase. The ride is extremely smooth, elegant and quiet. The power adjustable seat is comfortable and easy to customize. The handling is surprising easy for such a large SUV. The vehicle came with second row captains seats, which makes access to the third row very convenient. The engine has more than enough power for easy and quick acceleration. Gas mileage is about 16 mpg in the city. Dealers are practically giving these away due to high gas prices. Now is the time to buy!

• 

  Great Every Day Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By My Ford F 150 - August 19 - 10:53 pm

  Overall great truck. Sits nice and high rides well. At 62" interior room is top notch. Looks great though leather seats could be more plush

• 

  Best of three - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Pat Cavanaugh - August 18 - 9:20 pm

  Get 20 mpg on the high way all the time. Use Motor Craft oil in all changes. Always starts, A/C is cold, comfortable for long trips. Companion can put seat down or a child can sleep on back bench. Tinted windows are what I would have installed in another vehicle. Just the right tint. No rattles.

• 

  American Muscle Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Ricco - August 18 - 9:03 pm

  Been in love with the car since I got it. Leather in great condition, seating comfortable, handling was great, performance was very good.