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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  solid suv - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dannylv - January 3 - 10:00 am

  after about a year of researching used mid-sized suv trucks i decided on the explorer and i couldnt be happier. it has everything we need, having a newborn and a 6 year old, with the optional 3rd row seat and 2nd and 3rd row air. the 210 hp engine provides plenty of power and doesnt lag even with the a/c pumping full blast out here in the desert heat.

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  Ford, is it the best in Texas? - 2005 Ford F-150
  By kevin cosby - January 2 - 4:43 pm

  I believe Ford has come a long way in the re-engineering department. I love the quiet ride. I own a 2002 Ford Explorer also, and the new F150 is a much quieter ride. I do believe they all need running bars for short people.This should be standard on all of the Ford pickups. As always there is still room for improvement.

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  Poor durability of door weather strip. - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Gallen - January 2 - 4:07 pm

  Since buying my Freestyle in June 06, I am now taking it in to have the door weather stripping replaced on the passenger side for the second time. I bought this vehicle to accommodate my three kids. They get in and out of the passenger side daily. It has been two months since the first replacement of the weather stripping. Now were back again. The stripping cracks and then pulls away from the frame. If this vehicle is supposed to be durable for kids, Ford needs to go back to the drawing board to address this issue.

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  2004 Ford F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jmartinez - January 2 - 9:07 am

  The only bad problem I have had is a light lagging at 20 mph in the transmission when changing gears. Ford says it is normal and I have talked to other F-150 owners and they have had the same problem.

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  2003 Cobra convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Rick D. - January 1 - 12:06 pm

  Ive owned this black 2003 Cobra convertible for about 8 months. I havent had any problems. Since moving to Florida, I was looking for a convertible. The car shakes a little (probably because its a convertible). It has plenty of power, but feels HEAVY. The stock exhaust is too quiet.

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  Very nice, but twitchy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Wes - December 31 - 2:38 pm

  We purchased the Explorer in 2004, with only 62,000 miles. It was joy a drive, and very comfortable, but I wondered why so low mileage. Did not take long to figure it out. Its almost possessed in terms of twitchy issues. When its hot outside (which is 6 months a year in Vegas) the car will sometimes just not start, then wait 5 to 10 minutes and it will. The mechanic was baffled, but after researching it online, discovered its a vapor lock in the fuel pump or pressure sensor. $800 to replace it according to the dealer. In the winter the excluder seals whistle. According to Ford it is a noise not a defect, but would cost $1500 to make it go away. but when its not acting up its a blast to drive.

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  honesty. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Shayne - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I like my Ford Windstar, however we have had nothing but minor problems with this or that since the get go... over all i would have to say that these problems have been quite... frustrating... Ford should pay more attention to the details.

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  Sweet beast - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By MacDaddyMD - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Leaps and bounds above prior Expeditions. Easily matches comfort with Sequoia. Not as powerfiul as it oughta be, but fit, finish, styling and extras are great. Best suspension in this class. Very atractive, fun, safe and easy to drive. Highly recommended!

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  I love this car! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Timmy Powell - December 30 - 11:33 pm

  This is the 2nd Mustang GT that I have owned the first being a 2000. I love everything about the car. It is fun to drive on the freeway and through the curves. The 02 is much improved over the 2000. The clutch and transmission seem to be in better harmony with the car and the driver. Given the chance, I would purchase the same car again.

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  love my truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By brian - December 30 - 2:33 pm

  I love having a truck that is so luxurious; it turns heads whereever I go. The interior and exterior design are flawless.