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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  Rear Differential Problems - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Grey goose - January 17 - 3:12 pm

  Excellent vehicle as far as the looks and feel goes. However, the 2002-2004 Explorers have a reputation for having to have the rear slip differential replaced/repaired multiple times. The manufacturer is absolutely no help and denies that this problem exists.

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  My 94 performance Mustang - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Josh Froiland - January 17 - 10:08 am

  Ive dropped a lot of money into this car, making it faster than before. This is one of the most fun vehicles Ive ever had. It has a great blend of old American muscle, integrated with new technology.

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  Hot Hot Hot - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By MIchael - January 17 - 9:33 am

  I have enjoyed the Explorer - it has only failed me twice once my fault and once the SUV. The radio runs too hot and you lose the lcds on the radio. Not expensive. Transmission needs to be service every 30000 miles. The ERG needs to be replaced too frequently. Rides great. I have only been stuck in snow once (about three feet of snow). Good pulling power. I will buy another one, but with 3rd seat for use sometimes, not daily.

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  Ford Fusion Hybrid 2013 - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ksaclo - January 16 - 6:00 pm

  Owned for 7 months and reading reviews to see if there were serious issues I may run into. The majority of the reviews are right on target with my findings and the only bad reviews are from people who do not drive the car properly or are having a specific one off issue, then blowing it out of proportion (e.g. tires rupture easily. Huh?). Currently getting 44.4 MPG once I learned not to punch the gas pedal and keep the gas lightly applied esp. on the HWY (60-70). Teenage daughter driving goes down about 10 MPG (2+2=?). Love this car and is the best commuter car ever purchased. That coming from a very experienced southern California driver and a friend who owns the Titanium agrees 100%.

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  My second Explorer-less quality - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Scott - January 16 - 1:46 pm

  This is my second Explorer (1996 and 2003). Overall it is a good vehicle but not excellent. I have had more repairs than I expected. It is in for servicing now and at 60,000 miles both front ball joints have to be replaced. The driver heated seat no longer works. I have a DVD entertainment system and it had to be replaced (luckily under warranty).The tailgate hydraulics have never worked in cold weather (need to physically push up tailgate). I am concerned about power window motor going out in rear passenger window (does not always work). I have been satisfied for the most part with this vehicle but am concerned that too much is going to fall apart. My 1996 has 130,000 miles and held up better.

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  They got almost everything right. - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By wood - January 15 - 7:40 pm

  I purchased the Limited edition with every option and was the first to receive at the dealership in December. The car has come a long way from the previous edition. The interior just as many amenities as my $90,000 Mercedes. DVD entertainment with wireless headphones is great for the kids. Plenty of space. Electric 3rd row folding seats and electric tailgate are more important to me than I thought. Seats are very comfortable. Engine is smooth shifting. Plenty of cupholders and interior space. On 20 inch wheels it rides fantastic at 75 mph. The only thing I still would want is more hp under the hood. Something closer to 400 would have put this on par with anything out there.

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  BlueBeast - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By jared - January 15 - 2:22 pm

  I just bought this in order to get me through the recent Colorado blizzards. It has done its job thus far. Its 302 has 170,000 miles and it runs very smooth. I have had no problems getting through the snow drifts. It has WAY more room in it than I am used to.

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  Thumbs up for the Explorer! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By ski_dog - January 14 - 9:19 pm

  We bought it used with 58K on it, and have added over 60K ourselves in the past 3 1/2 years. We have done maintenance, replaced the computer, and the automatic hubs need replacing. Besides that it has been flawless. Cant ask anymore out of a rig than that!

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  Nice, but not my bag. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By giznad - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I rented on for a week long trip. It was what I expected in an American SUV. Bland exterior and interior, underpowered engine, but it its defence. It did swalow all my cargo and make it from Orlando to Key West on one tank of gas. For my 30K Ide look to an Audi Wagon or an Infinity FX 35/45

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  Live axle - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By 38 yrs ford Tech. - January 13 - 1:09 pm

  I am a Ford/Lincoln Mercury Tech for 38 years. I have owned three Lincoln Mercury MK-VIII s and compared to this Mustang, Ford missed the mark . The handling is not near as good compared to the MK-VIII. I have taken curves on a every day basis at high speeds and the Mustang will feel loose in the rear end. This is due to the live axle. The Mustang is a fun car and quick, but would have better handling with an independent suspension. But all in all this is a very fun car to drive for a 58 year old young man. Note - the Mustang will pass just about everything except a GAS STATION.