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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  Work Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By rodger - May 18 - 2:27 pm

  I wanted a bigger truck to replace my Ranger, but couldnt find what I really wanted - a big truck with good gas mileage. I typically drive a lot of highway miles at high altitude and high speeds on long trips and needed more power, speed and comfort than the Ranger could give and this truck does it all. From carrying 20 8ft railroad ties with the tailgate up to driving 800 miles per day or commuting. I think that with a tonneau cover I could regularly break 20 mpg, I regularly get 19-19.5 on the highway and up to 16 mpg in town. Interior has great space and is well designed. Low wind noise at speed and handles very well. Outright acceleration could be better but torque is sufficient.

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  poor reliability, electronic problems - 2005 Ford F-150
  By lee - May 18 - 9:40 am

  Shifts uneven, no guts, electronic problems at 6000 miles. Otherwise the best looking truck on the road.

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  After 8 months looks good, BUT! - 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By doctomof ws - May 17 - 11:43 pm

  After owning a 2005 version of the Explorer SportTrac I was ready to try the newer version. I was attracted by its upgraded styling which I found more appealing than the older version from 2000 to 2005. Also I liked the idea of the independent rear suspension on the newer version versus the live straight axle of the 2005 iteration. It still drives like a truck. Stiff and solid, which for me is a plus. It has the feeling of a vehicle that is strong and capable of hauling around my toys as well as being a dependable every day commuter. Thats a very nice compromise in my estimation

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  Aging car - 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
  By scooter - May 17 - 9:26 am

  Car has the handling and performance package which I feel makes it lively and more fun to drive than the standard Crown Victoria. But, the car is far overdue for a complete update if Ford wants this last big cruiser to continue selling.

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  My Dear Alexa - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Daniel - May 17 - 1:00 am

  I got my 1994 Ford Probe SE with 213,000 miles on her 2 years ago. She has failed me one time. She was in need of a tune up (all the spark plugs fouled out). Front Struts, water pump, and rack and pinion steering have been the only expensive repairs. She has been the best car and loads of fun to drive (only with the five speed). Now with 240,000, she still runs great!

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  Save your money and buy a Honda - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By ROBBIE - May 16 - 4:21 pm

  I have had so many problems with this van it makes me sick. In the past two months I have replaced a transmission, O2 sensor, EGR valve, another sensor that regulates the fuel, and power steering pump. I only have 80,000 miles on it.

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  2006 Ford 500 SE CVT Tranny - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By mts35 - May 16 - 3:44 pm

  Just a quick review due to character space. The car has been very reliable. No transmission issues (CVT does not shift like the 6 speed. I feel others who voice transmission problems actually have the 6 speed as you do not notice gear shifting in a CVT, it is constant and smooth). Bought with 62k miles and presently I have 128k miles and only work needed was a brake change. Now to capture reasons on car rating. Performance: slow and mild engine. 203hp is a little weak for this size car. Comfort, design, quality I put 4 as they are nice. Reliability excellent as Ive had no issues. Value poor. Typical of american cars with high mileage.

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  Well laid out, poorly built - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Phil - May 16 - 11:05 am

  We bought this car as students, and chose the wagon because we took lots of road trips and camped a lot. The car is very roomy for cargo storage, and the roof rack has come in handy more than once. The ergonomics of the dash and radio are great, the fuel economy is good. Our issues with the car have really been in the quality of the build rather than in its design. Front springs broke at 50K, one spark plug stopped firing at 30K (covered by warranty), weve gone through three sets of tires despite regular alignment and rotations, brakes are small and wear away quickly, and rear license plate light fell out at about 22K miles. Rear window no longer goes up if it gets put down.

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  My Black Beauty - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By bluologist - May 15 - 5:21 pm

  I purchased my 2001 Taurus used in 2004 and for a year now I have had no major problems with my car. Very quiet ride and safe. I do a lot of traveling and I give it three thumbs up.

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  Eddie Bauer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jim H. - May 15 - 2:09 pm

  This is my first SUV. The Eddie Bauer is a great looking truck, with great interior room and features. I like sitting high and the view over other vehicles.