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:

• 

  nice suv - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By bassraider - November 5 - 12:16 am

  Bought this car when my 97 S-10 was t-boned in an accident. It has been nothing but reliable and cheap to own. I have taken it on many long distance trips and it has been reasonably comfortable. The only gripes I have are the combo purse/cheap plastic center console arm rest that broke in the first month of owning it, and the rear wiper which never worked reliably (but who needs one anyways). As for the complaints about the rough ride, it is a truck and it has a VERY short wheelbase which combined together make for a very bumpy ride, needless to say if you dont want a bumpy ride get the four door version and say hi to the rest of the soccer moms for me.

• 

  Good Stuff - 2010 Ford Focus
  By CupOJoe - November 4 - 10:34 pm

  Bought it a few weeks ago. I am happy with it. There are a few things missing that I didnt think about when buying. The inside top of trunk is exposed (the inside, not the door). Most cars that I have driven have a foot rest for your left foot in an automatic. When the drivers door is open and the key is in the ignition, and you lock the doors using the automatic locks, they all lock then unlock shortly after (rather than just ignoring it).

• 

  13 years, 1 owner - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Orig Owner 96 Bronco - November 4 - 7:43 pm

  I bought a 96 XLT 5.8L Bronco new in 1996. I still own it in 2009, and plan to keep it probably 5 more years. This vehicle has been super reliable. I have 113k miles now. No rust, but I live in FL and dont see snow. Super capable off road and comfortable on road. A few problems, front suspension bushings replaced, ball joinsts need replacing (but not causing tire wear, so im letting them be), radiator leaked (replaced it myself), bad EGR valve. Other than that, nothing major to speak of. Front brakes last about 60k, tires 50k, I always get lots of compliments on the truck and offers to buy, but why sell when Id have to pay $35K for an inferior replacement vehicle. MPG observed is 13/15

• 

  Fun but with problems - 1998 Ford Contour
  By NatG83 - November 4 - 5:11 pm

  Had 2.5L V6, Auto. Interior was mostly cheap materials, but ergonomic and simple. Seats were firm, but comfortable enough. Alot of issues with the HVAC. The fan motor resister pack blew out and the fuse box shorted. Water pump broke at 50,000 miles. The control for the secondaries on the air intake was made of plastic, thus it wouldnt work if it got too hot. Constantly had issues with O2 sensors failing. Had an issue with the fuel filler. Cheap wiring in the doors cause issues with speakers. But, engine was strong. Mileage was good, but the tank was small. Excellent handling with the Sport package. Excellent capability in the weather. Traded in do to misfire and detonation in one cylinder.

• 

  THANK GOD!...Well...Ford! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Dan - November 4 - 3:20 pm

  I dont get it. There was no selection for 4 door Supercab 2WD 3.0?? Another comment said the U.S. should have made one?? UH, I just traded mine for a 5.4L F-150. It was a 3.0 4 door supercab...oh well, VERY TOUGH truck!!!!! MY GOD! Had 2 Rangers, each I had for at least 5 years, and NOT ONE THING EVER broke down!!! No! Im not kidding. Over exceeded weight capacities, pulled trees out of ground, pulled, hauled. Sluggish on the line, but passed like a monster! Just bad on gas and not comfortable...who cares, it never let me down. And like I said, thats 2 Rangers, never any problems!

• 

  The Honeymoon ended quickly. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Sean - November 4 - 5:03 am

  Bought new in 02. The new car smell, and the dealer gave me a great deal. Loved the remodel from old style (Traded in 00 sport). Then reality hit. First time on vacation entire rear glass door assembly broke from hinges and I caught it luckily. Then had fuel pump assembly and tank relaced. Both under warranty thank god. Then the rear door broke again. Then the rear door cracked below the windshield wiper assembly. The interior plastic grey trim along the top of the door front seat doors along the windows has seriously faded. The black exterior trim between the front and rear doors has also faded. It now has 103K miles after 7 years and I will drive this into the ground.

• 

  Great SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By DQuinones - November 4 - 4:02 am

  I am telling Ford did a wonderful job with this one. Its a great Suv from top to bottom. Handles very well, comfortable and fun to drive. I was always skeptical buying a Ford. This is my first Ford and I am so glad it was this one. I test drove a lot of suvs in this class and nothing compared. Looking for a suv that handles like a car, looks good and extremelly comfortable than this is the one. Highly recommended!

• 

  Fun in the fast lane - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Brandon - November 4 - 1:40 am

  I paid msrp for my Vista Blue GT500. It was worth if. I have a SVT Cobra and didnt buy this car because of the Shelby name. I have always want to see what a SC 4V 5.4l would do in a Mustang. My car will not be a garage queen. I picked my car up in MI and drove it 1600 miles back to FL in 19 hours. Only gripe was the car is to quiet. Didnt sound like a Mustang should. Very fun; cant wait until more parts come out and we start seeing the GT500 putting down 500-600 rwhp.

• 

  after 9 months running strong - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By jay - November 3 - 8:03 pm

  I bought my bronco for 1500 w/ 107000 miles. I replaced spark plugs, spark plug wires, battery and the mass air flow sensor. it has dual exhaust so now it runs great and sounds even better. The heat and a/c work awesome. very strong off road and in snow, a little slippery in rain. there is rust over the rear wheel wells like other broncos. lots of room inside i drove 5 adults to a concert and we were all comfortable. i fit my surfboards inside and drive all over w/ my dog. I hope it keeps running this well. acceleration is a little weak on hills and gas is 14 mpg. so far so good i have driven about 9k so far and wit the parts i replaced i consider this truck a good deal.

• 

  Still satisfied after all these years - 2001 Ford F-150
  By atwowheelguy - November 3 - 6:33 pm

  Bought new. New transmission at 160,000 miles. 174,000 miles on it now. Front brakes twice and rear brakes once. One electric window motor replaced. Throttle body cleaned twice. Uses a quart of oil every 4,000 miles. Original alternator and water pump still going strong. Interior looks good except for the rubber cover on the brake pedal. No rust. Exterior looks good except the normal parking lot dings after 8 years. Plenty of room for grandchildren and motorcycles. Reasonable gas mileage for such a large, comfortable vehicle. No complaints here.