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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  takes a lickin - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By TAKES A LICKIN - June 7 - 4:26 pm

  This truck is amazing - except for rebuilding the transmission and some problems with window motors, the car is in great shape very versatile, seats myself and three children great, with room to spare. The ride is a little rough, but all in all, very good vehicle. Considered buying new, but decided to work on it and keep it for the long haul.

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  Sour on Ford Expedition - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Brian - June 7 - 4:20 pm

  My 2003 Expy has been in the shop for at least 6 weeks since I bought it. A/C went out twice and the rear end has been replaced 3 times. Im currently waiting for my 4th rear end. The a/c cuts out during highway drives. Now the gas tank makes a popping sound when you shut off the engine and the auto dimmer doesnt work on the rear view mirror. Ive had the side trim panels replaced after 20k miles because they were rotting out. Seat belts wouldnt retract at 30k. Replaced them. The radio reception is terrible on AM and FM. Front end had a bad vibration fixed after 3k miles. Something about replacing springs. Engine idles very rough now also. Service has been good but face it, Ford is real garbage.

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  2002 Excursion - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Old Jer - June 6 - 3:34 pm

  For simple ability to take a large family and pull a big trailer, the Excursion is hard to beat. The vehicle can comfortably seat 9 big people, offering as much space as a larger van and a lot more besides. I found the power to pull a nearly 10,000 loaded trailer along the Alaska Highway both ways a joy. It offers safety from other vehicles, and we have not had stability problems.

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  2002 Taurus SES - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By rrhh - June 6 - 3:18 am

  Bought with 46000 miles on in like new condition for less than $9k. Runs very smooth, has quiet and comfortable interior. Compare to "cramped" 2001 Honda Accord LX 2.3L I owned before, this Taurus is a winner.

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  Sweet SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Pencil - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My Eddie Bauer is sweet, great looks, great performance. Im 18 so I do a little street racing, my 2 ton+ SUV can move from 0-60 in 7.5 seconds (K&N intake and Superchip of course with no spare tire). I beat a 5.2L Cherokee with my 4.0L Eddie and a V6 Camry w/ exhaust. Top speed is 115mph (scary as hell). I rolled my Eddie once when racing and honestly it saved my life (wearing a seatbelt) and it didnt cost too much to repair. So far no major problems mechanically, it has started everytime. The exterior is killer, two tone paint only avaliable on Eddie Bauers looks better than any other model. Overall I recommend this vehicle

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  My ownership experience - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jwhclayton - June 5 - 1:33 am

  I purchased new in summer of 2004, it now has 75,000 miles on it. I have changed oil every 4,000 miles, replaced tires, replace brake pads on front, replace power steering fluid. It has only been in the dealership twice since it was new. No complaints.

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  Not a bad buy at all - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Legato2001 - June 4 - 4:50 pm

  I initially got some bad advice from people about buying a Ford. Although Ive had the car for only a couple of months, I find those complaints to be unfounded. Its not the most comfortable car in the world for long drives, but it definitely allows for a fun drive. The steering is very nice, the sound system is very good, and the fuel economy leaves nothing to be desired. All around, a great buy for the money.

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  Ford Escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Kimberly - June 4 - 4:13 am

  We had minor issue with the AC, fixed based on a notice from Ford that thankfully our mechanic saw. Overall I loved it. The four wheel drive and handling was great, it was sporty looking for an SUV, and had pretty good gas mileage for being an SUV. The interior was comfy with heated seats and plenty of storage.

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  The real mileage is 18.7 mpg, not 26 mpg! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Wenguang Wang - June 3 - 11:53 pm

  I bought this new 05 Focus in Nov. 2004. The performance and comfort are good. However, the claimed city driving of 26 is a dream. I constantly get 17-19 mpg for city driving. I dont use air conditioning, dont press the gas hard, nor brake hard. I dont drive with windows open. I dont drive with lights on in daytime. However, I can never get higher mileage. If I had known it uses this much gas, I would not buy it at all.

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  my Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By chomps35 - June 3 - 5:53 am

  I have driven a Ford pickup for at least 15 years, from a 150 to a Ranger. I have enjoyed all. I recently needed to find a vehicle that was more suited to health issues. I had been thinking of a minivan. My salesman mentioned the Freestyle, but had me test drive both. I was very impressed with the Freestyle. The ease of getting in as well as just the drive itself. I have read many reviews before and after I got it. I have no trouble with u-turns or get up and go. The room inside is almost as good as a pickup, but a pickup is always good to have. I am leasing this vehicle but theres a good possibility I will keep it.