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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  Good Used SUVs - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Irish Red - May 13 - 3:25 am

  I like the quick pickup - smooth handling and the comfortable ride - for an SUV.

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  1993 Tempo - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Matthew Belcher - May 13 - 2:32 am

  I have had excellent luck with my car. The only thing that has been wrong with it is that the speedometer cable has made noise throughout the years. I have had it fixed many times by Ford, yet it still makes noise. The car rides rough, and doesnt do well in the snow. Otherwise, very reliable, no big problems at all.

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By amtravco - May 13 - 1:50 am

  We love this car. In the summer were averaging 38 mpg in city driving (with some stretches of county roads mixed in). On the highway, its closer to 32 mpg. My major complaints are a) the engine is very noisy, and b) the Sync system from Microsoft stinks. Ill elaborate on the latter. #1 complaint: Cant set Nav system while youre driving. If we want to find an upcoming restaurant while on the freeway, I guess we need to pull over to the side of the road? The fonts are hard to read (orange on light blue??) The LCD is polarized such that when wearing polarized sunglasses its very dim. Basically, when we use our cheap Garmin its easy and reliable to find locations; with Sync its frustrati

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  Ford Travel Machine - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By "Glenn Alford - May 12 - 6:34 pm

  The Ranger is used daily for city transportation and occasionally for vacation travel. I have only one complaint and that is the gas mileage needs to be improved for highway driving. I ordered the 4 door Super Cab 4.0 V6 with the 5-speed automatic and 4:10 gearing so I could pull a small travel trailer. The truck has more than enough power even when used in the Colorado Mountains. The tachometer shows 2600 RPM in 5th gear at 70 MPH, it just needs another gear for empty highway crushing.

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  My 3rd Ford Explorer Limited - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By dads girl - May 11 - 12:50 am

  My 3rd Ford Explorer Limited. Loved my first two. Bought a Lexus RX300 but went back to Ford. Like this one but had to have rear end replaced after 4 months, 2K miles. Ford was good about warranty repairs. Still a little rough changing gears. Chrome running boards rusty after 1 winter. Great interior features and design. Comfortable and now seems very reliable and quiet. Easy to handle, good pick up, great on long trips. BUT, I wish Ford would take the too numerous seams out of the leather seats. Not good on people who drive in shorts or skirts. 96 seats were the best! We dont need the high "thigh" supports on the sides of seats. These arent race cars. But, I will buy another Ford Explorer again.

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  Vermont Ford - 2006 Ford F-150
  By jay johnstone - May 10 - 5:33 pm

  Have 5.4l engine. Upgraded to longer warranty as I realize I could fix almost nothing under the hood. Easy to drive despite huge size, gas mileage has been about the same as my previous 4l Ford Ranger.

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  Ford Mustang gt - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kim Mensik - May 10 - 2:16 am

  Having the car less than a month, doesnt allow for too much experience. However, we bought the car w/ a full tank of gas, the wrong gas, so our engine light is on all the time until we refill. I dont like the trunk opening as its too small for some items. although once you get the item in, there is plenty of trunk space. I think the center console sets too high up for my liking, but otherwise fun car that weve dubbed "Fire in the Hole"

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  most reliable car - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By C. Davis - May 9 - 11:46 pm

  I have owned this car for over 10 year and the only repairs that i have ever had were to replace an oxygen sensor and another to replace a transmission sensor. This car is an absolute tank. Starts every time and shifts great. I know other people with 200,000+ on their 95 Explorer and they are still running great.

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  The original and maybe the best - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Wiredpair - May 9 - 7:22 pm

  Purchased my XLT AWD Explorer last year and so far, no complaints. The 5.0L 302CID is a tried and true motor and it doesnt disappoint here. Ive found it be very responsive when needed and it certainly outperformed my 96 Grand Cherokee with 4.0 I-6 engine. The AWD drive system is engaged at all times and if you have previously driven rear drive vehicles, youll notice this but quickly get used to it. The ride quality is smooth for a SUV and it also handles pretty well for a SUV. Styling is superior to the current styling IMHO, especially the chrome grille and bumpers. Fuel efficiency is as expected, I get around 19-20 MPG on the highway. Id recommend this SVU if you are in the market.

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  GT Baby - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Dianne - May 9 - 6:55 pm

  This is a fun car to drive and definitely a head-turner. You can feel the power of this baby the minute you hit the accelerator. Once youre on the road you really dont want to stop driving!