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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  No problems after warranty - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Sqoug - October 19 - 2:37 am

  My Focus seems to be the opposite of the usual. I have had quite a few problems with it in the first 36k miles, but after that no problems at all. The things that failed were: - hood was repainted because someone at the dealership dented it, - dash was replaced because of weird squeaks in hot weather, - alternator failed and was replaced, - rear wheel bearing seized and was replaced, - engine computer was reprogrammed - engine hesitated in the 2k-3k rpm range. But I had no problems after 36k miles. I do all the maintenance on the car. Stock tires lasted about 32k miles, and front brake pads lasted about 35k miles.

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  Good SUV for the money - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Sqoug - October 19 - 2:11 am

  My Escape has about 43,000 miles right now. I have had it since April 01. During that time it broke only once - DPFE sensor stopped working at about 20,000 miles and was fixed on warranty. (I noticed no problem driving with broken DPFE sensor. It is probably important only for some emissions stuff.) The only other visit to the dealer was for the seat buckle recall. With that record I would say that this is a very reliable car. Average gas mileage on a 6000+ mile trip from CA to MN and back was about 23MPG. I do maintenance on my own - engine oil, ATF, radiator fluid, brakes, filters. I think I will keep my Escape for a few more years. No real reason to upgrade.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Paul - October 18 - 2:03 pm

  Overall Im very happy with my purchase. Had an initial problem with the rear end clutchs and dealer did a quick and efficient repair. Weve taken a couple of long trips and have been pleased with the comfort of the ride. Does good in the deep snow and handles well overall. Based on our experience so far Id buy another Explorer.

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  A little bumpy - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Robert Smith - October 18 - 12:56 am

  The Focus wagon is great if you dont use it to haul stuff. I keep the rear seats folded down and carry approximately 500 pounds of tools and parts. The camber for the rear tires is non-adjustable. The rear tires will cup out in 8000 miles. Fords excuse is to rotate the tires every 2,500 miles. I installed modified rear end bolts that allows adjustment of camber. Rear tires now get 25,000 miles. Only get 25 MPG highway. Car handles like a boat.

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  Lots of changes from my 2002 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mark K - October 18 - 12:04 am

  Traded my beloved 2002 Expedition for a brand new 2005 last month. Lots of differences, also some similarities. So far the 2005 has run flawless. I replaced the stock wheels and tires immediately. Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos best tire ever made for an SUV makes this truck stick like glue. The 2005 version sits lower than the 2002, something that on one hand is disappointing, but it is easier to get into and out of. The 300HP V8 moves this SUV without breaking a sweat. My 2002 had the 4.6L V8 and while it was a solid running engine, when fully loaded it didnt have nearly the pep the 2005 has. Well see how durable the new engine is over time. Styling is very clean.

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  2008 Ford Escape XLT - 2008 Ford Escape
  By David - October 17 - 10:36 pm

  Opted for the Escape over the RAV4 based on exterior design - looks more SUV like and handsome. Although the RAV4 has a stronger engine and better gas mileage. Always been a fan of Ford. First domestic I have bought in some years, lets see if the brand has improved.

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  2005 SE Wagon - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Chau - October 17 - 5:58 pm

  It drives well, tracks down the road very confidently, and has a good steering centering ability. Car feels solid and secure. The car is quiet at highway speeds. There are many features that come standard on this model: keyless entry, strut hood supports, 16 inch wheels/tires, liftgate opening glass, rear window wiper/washer, roof rack, 50/50 split folding second row seats, AM/FM stereo cassette, air conditioning, automatic transaxle, and floor mats.

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  I love it - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By MartyP - October 17 - 1:41 pm

  Great truck overall. The price was especially attractive with all the rebates and employee pricing. It was a pleasure to not have to bargain. The only thing I dont like about the truck is the placement of the parking brake release and, of course, the poor mileage. I have the biggest engine (4.0L) and get 19 mpg at best. The running boards look good but arent any practical use. They just get in the way when entering/exiting. But, it pulls my 22 boat with ease. The comfortable quiet ride is really a happy surprise. In sum, it is a good solid relatively inexpensive small truck that does everything it is supposed to and will for years to come.

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  No major problems either - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Happy too - October 17 - 1:43 am

  I have to agree that many people that do not have problems do not post, however I am shocked to see all the negative ratings. I have had my Explorer for 3 years now and it has been in the shop twice for a very minor cosmetic issue, nothing engine related. Ford didnt charge me a dime either time and they were both past warranty. I have 92,000 miles on my Explorer (I drive a lot of miles as you see) and I have been nothing but happy with it. The only reason I am on this site is to look at cars for better gas mileage. I have no intention of getting rid of my Explorer.

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  Fun truck but a lemon - 1991 Ford F-150
  By kyle - October 16 - 4:53 pm

  Great truck for hard road until about 40,000 miles pin broke in engine and it had to be rebuilt. 60,000 miles, transmission had to be rebuilt has a history of problems and after talking to many different owners, sellers, repair shops, the 91 F150 has a long history of major repairs. Transmission is too small for truck, which appears to be a history problem with Ford products. Universal joint had to be replaced at about 50,000, and so on. This truck was rarely used off road except to keep the 4x4 system lubed. Paint had heavy oxidation at about 20,000 miles easily comes back with every buff or chemical oxidation removal.