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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  Surprised at some of the poor ratings - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jpw1138 - December 29 - 12:57 pm

  I guess I am lucky, but the only thing I have had to repair on this vehicle since purchased new were the actuators on the power door locks. Other than that, it has never seen the shop except for routine maintenance. I am sort of sorry I paid for the extended warranty because I dont think it is likely that I will need it. Very reliable car.

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  Not to Shabby. - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By CPW - December 28 - 12:48 am

  My first truck, reviews from friends and family helped decide to purchase a Ford. Plenty of power down low, sometime you have to really get on it to get up to speed on the highway. <11mpg in town and 18mpg highway>. Its practical for the region I live in. 4wd. The Goodyears arent too bad but I havent really heard anything good about them. The windows fog up really fast and that disturbs me. Overall I couldnt be happier with my first truck, hope to have it for many years.

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  Ford - 2004 Ford Escape
  By nkw1013 - December 27 - 9:19 pm

  Purchased the vehicle for my wife three years ago. Vehicle has not had any problems. Just routine maintenance and fuel, no complaints.

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  Truth Be Told... - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By db13 - December 27 - 3:18 am

  I thought it was the best engineered car around...for the money and its functionality and form. Its simply a beautiful, comfortable, and fun-to-drive car. Untill the power steering pump, and rack went out at only 30k. $1100.00 ouch! Now, at 57K Im hearing howling as I drive to work at night. No, not Halloween warewolves, I wish; wheel (axle), bearing. $360.00 if dearler does the job.

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  Great Van - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Rob R. - December 25 - 5:17 pm

  I had a 98 Windstar previously- Freestar has a much better interior, much smoother shifting transmission but gets worse city mileage. I have never had the van back to the dealer for any warranty repairs in more than two and a half years of driving - an excellent reliability performance!

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  Love Truck - Hate The Headliner - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Anthony B from NYC - December 24 - 8:59 pm

  When I purchased this vehicle, I was in awe. After a while the truck began to develop a few rattles but not many as my cars in the past. The most major problem I have encountered with this vehicle was the floppy headliner. I have had to install my own version of a packing foam in the headliner to eliminate the problem. I have currently experienced a problem in cold weather with the headliner tapping sounding as if the rear window is rattling but I have yet to experience any relief. All in all this vehicle was great on long trips. However the retention value is terrible!.

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  good truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Ken - December 23 - 10:26 am

  Had problems with steering vibration right after I bought it. Turned out balancing the tires did the trick, though first time in all the vehicles Ive bought Ive had to have this done right out of the gate. Ride and handling are great, 5.4 is a little sluggish but acceptable. Love the interior and like the deep bed as it gives more inside space with a tonneau cover. Fuel mileage is ok, compares with the 1/2 ton Chevy I had. Love the looks of the truck, again great ride and handling.

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  Nice styling but problematic - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mrmeister - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Had a good experience with 96 Explorer V6. Really like the way the new design style and the 4.6L V8 engine. Too many trips to the dealership though to fix warranty problems - A/C system failed, driver side heat blows cold air, airbag light on, transmission hesitation, now the lift gate recall. Ford quality has decreased, I had no problems with the 96. This is the 3rd Ford Ive purchased since 96 but due to warranty problems this will be my last. What problems will reoccur once 36k warranty runs out? I cant be any worse off trying another brand next time.

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  farm ford - 2005 Ford F-150
  By gmomo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Operate horse farm have the tow package 10,500 lbs handles well with trailer over steers a bit on tight corners hyway mile/gal is about 17/18 without tow with tow 12/14 level ground (three horse trailer) in town driving 10/12 stop and go 10 all work related use is very good handles well when loaded (trailer or box)

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  First Time Owner of Freestyle - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Geof Bashioum - December 21 - 8:37 pm

  The more I drive my Freestyle the more I like it. Lots of room and smooth ride.