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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  Lemon or new model year glitches? - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By TVSP - July 20 - 10:00 am

  In the first six months of owning my Explorer Sport the following has been replaced for defects: the electronic control module (the brain), the fuel pump, the back window shield wiper, the outer door molding, the oxygen sensor for emissions, the interior "cruise control lights". This is my second Explorer Sport. My first one (a 1998 model) was the polar oppposite of this one...never a problem and it saved my life in a rollover crash at 70mph. While the reliability on my existing Explorer is questionable, the safety systems are impeccable. At least I have the peace of mind in knowing that this vehicle can and will save my life. And lets face it, that is worth a lot!

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  Surprised - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By Surprised - July 19 - 10:46 pm

  Bought used in 2003 to use primarily as a roofings sales rep van. All of my gear and literature fit perfectly! Heavy driving - bought with 160K and just turned 292K - with only minor maintenance required. Very comfortable - Im 64" and 230 and was never uncomfortable during all of those miles. Van tends to soak up and hold the heat during the summer.

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  #92 on 2003 production Line - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jim Jette - July 19 - 8:26 pm

  Car had no problems until 20-22K. Had right rear brake caliper stick wearing out pads/scoring disk Throttle body (fuel regulator system) had to be replaced. Rear defroster switch stayed on with hard top on drained battery. Had random slap in transmission. Took in twice tech could not find. Finally at 3 year(30K mileage) another tech spotted problem in auto transmission shifting module. The visor (where you view mileage etc) was dirty on inside tech got dirty when removing dashboard to replace rear defroster module. Tires wore out at 31K. Car has had tires and oil changed every 3K. Original tires made you feel like you were floating in car. I weigh 230lbs need seat to go back & recline 3-4 more inches.

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  Big Blue Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By steve - July 19 - 8:16 pm

  V6 auto is slow. Regular cab with a short bed is the most well-balanced look of any pickup. Ride with empty bed is too rough and bouncy over even small bumps. Since I drive it 99% of the time with no load, the current suspension setup is not my thing. Very smooth and quiet highway ride though. Never buy manual window and door locks again. It is a pain when going through tolls. Backup sensor is worth the money.

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  Great First Car - inexpensive to own - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Ryan S. - July 19 - 5:30 pm

  This car is extremely cheap to own, even with gas prices where they are. I can get 325 miles on a tank. Shes not the fastest going up hills, but acceleration is great for a 4 cylinder. I was told there was a recall on the rear seatbelts. I recommend this car for those who dont need a fast sporty car and like to save money on gas.

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  Love the car to death - 1994 Ford Probe
  By GatorAlex - July 19 - 3:06 pm

  This was my first car. I am 16 years old. I love this car and I would recommend this car for a first car because it s reliable and it gets great gas mileage. And my insurance is not bad either. As the title says, I love this car.

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  mixed emotions about this car... - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Ed - July 18 - 1:29 pm

  My Taurus has been a mixed bag of good and bad. Had to have carburetor work done on it, replaced the tires and a battery, have had the brakes serviced twice. Now, the fuel level sensor is going out. May or may not work, and it kicks the check engine light on when its not working. Was told that repairing that involves not only replacing the sensor, but the fuel pump as well? Hmmm... When I last had it serviced at the 3,000 mile interval, the oil was down a quart. Cant find any leaks, and it doesnt appear to be burning oil. Am also being told that the transmission fluid needs to be replaced, but have heard conflicting advice about the best way to do that. Car has 70,000 miles.

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  Practical Performer - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Alleve23 - July 17 - 7:30 am

  Traded in an SUV for this car in the North East. Performs well in the wet/snow conditions. The ZTW has provided me with more than adequate storage space and power. It is nimble and quick with the ZETEC. Rear shocks needed to be replaced at 2000 miles; they have been fixed and have given me no problems since. I have driven the vehicle 26,000 problem free miles per year and it has been holding up very well.

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  Not bad - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Felicia - July 16 - 8:24 am

  I bought my Escort from a couple who wanted a newer car. It had high miles for the year, but didnt look bad at all. Ive had Escorts and other Fords before and this car has been the best one for me to drive. Body looks good, inside fits 1 adult, 2 kids and a big dog pretty good. I had a few problems with it, such as the brakes, and now Im told something is broken in the engine, but that little car still moves. Has always been good on gas, and the only time it left me stranded was when I got a dead battery. I drove this car hard. I live in a hilly region and I tend to lay on the gas. The tranny is good, its just that some mounting thing in the engine is broke, so the car can take a beating.

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  Gas mileage Isnt Close To The EPA Rating - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By michael - July 15 - 12:17 pm

  Ive found our truck to be a fun and nice looking vehicle. The interior is spacious and all gauges/controls are well within reach. Im very happy with the styling and performance of the truck. The only real drawback is the 14-15 MPG which Ive experienced. Im getting this MPG on the interstate with the cruise on!