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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  Do not buy Ford Explorer not worth the money - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Hueber - October 10 - 1:04 am

  We’ve had older Honda’s over the years with no issues with them besides normal ware and tare when things “should” go wrong and we paid way less for these cars. So once we decide to give Ford a try and we spend a $30K on a car and get a newer car, all within a year of having a new $30,000 Ford Explorer with 20,000 miles on it we’ve a had a ton of problems with it since day 1. It’s pitiful a $30K car is made so cheap and is basically a [non-permissible content removed]. The first two weeks we had it the drive belt snapped in half while we were driving to Dayton. Within the next month both motors on windows broke and needed both motors replaced. Then we take it in to get brakes checked and they tell us all 4 rotors were rusted and had pits in them at like 28,000 miles, wow rust and pits in rotors already when the car is pretty much brand new. We’ve had the car looked at again prior to 36K warranty expiration for belts because it sounds so bad and loud and they supposedly say everything is ok but you watch one of these belts are going to break again. The leather seats in front are so horrible looking and look worn and wrinkled already and the heated seats barely work but it’s past the warranty and they wouldn’t do anything about it when we took it to Ford so we left as is. Then 2-3 weeks ago my passenger side door would not shut and a piece of the chrome handle fell off around the lock and we finally got the door to shut, went to open door the next day and the handle completely came off and lock fell off. I am surprised the whole door has not fell off the cheap ass thing. Really??? a 2 year old car where the handle completely falls off???? And now we are getting a $380 bill to replace all this shit in the door when Ford did not obviously put it together correctly in the first place. And it’s funny almost every ford has recall on their doors except of course the Explorer. This is so freakin ridiculous. Anyone know what we can do about the door issue with all the other recalls going on with all of their other cars??? Should we call Ford Corporate??? Once we fix the door, looks like we will be trading it in for a Honda Pilot and WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN.

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  Never Thought - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Robert - October 9 - 11:36 pm

  Walked into dealer with no thoughts of this kind of vehicle on my mind. Was attracted to body style with the new black paint. Then thought about the price of gas and I was sold! Hybrid engine works great and hardly gives notice that its anything other than a regular internal combustion engine.

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  Will never change - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Blossom - October 9 - 8:06 pm

  I have had 2 Ford Escapes and decided to try the hybrid due to my traveling. It was mainly due to gas prices rising. I cant believe what a difference it has made in my fuel costs.The ride is wonderful and I have enjoyed learning how to use the navigation system. The warranty on both the engine and battery system is super. I havent had a bit of trouble with the 2 previous Escapes and I dont expect any with this one!

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  Sure Glad I Bought the Convertible - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By John - October 9 - 7:49 pm

  Always wanted a muscle car but got married young while my friends were driving Mustangs, Road Runners, and Corvettes. Now they are driving mini vans while I am cruising in my GT convertible. Started talking to my wife about getting a Mustang since the 05 hit the dealers, not really thinking that she would go along with it until one day she said "if we get one can it be a convertible", it was then that I knew she wanted it as much as I did. I hesitated about the convertible since I never had one and I remember the old rag tops leaking with lots of wind noise. I test drove one and found it to be pleasanty quiet with the interior of the roof very plush, hardly looking like a convertible.

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  Its My Baby! - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Dot Collins - October 9 - 6:50 pm

  I will probably keep this car until parts are no longer available for it. It handles well, seats comfortably, and rides magnificently. The only thing I would change about it would be a llittle better gas mileage, but I can overlook that for the rest of what it does. Its my baby!

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  Flawed head restraint design - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Kurt - October 9 - 1:36 pm

  The head restraint is unbearable for me. For some it is fine so be sure you test it well. It took me an hour to figure out I cant drive this car but it was too late. Fords position is that it was done for safety and government regulation. That is all true but the headrest design is flawed. I love the drive and performance overall, unfortunately will need to get rid of the car because of the torture of sitting in it.

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  I cant believe I bought a Taurus! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Viking - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Dont take my review numbers too seriously yet, Ive only had it for 4 days! The SEL I have has every option but the leather and seems to be VERY solid. The Mach stereo system when setup properly puts out some very impressive sound. The big complaint I have is something that came up when me and my wife went for a drive on Sunday. The seat isnt as comfortable for long trips as I would like, the center of the seat back is hard and makes my back ache, not good. I am going to bring this up when I bring it in.

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  Ford Taurus - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By johnwar1 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car has by far exceeded my expectations.

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  Best Entry Level From Ford Ever - 2001 Ford Focus
  By D Rutan - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned the Focus for over a year now and are driving it hard, nearly 25000 miles in the first year. Im continuously impressed with its solid feel, quietness, and drive train performance. Living in the Northeast, we outfitted with snow tires all around, and find the winter performance outstanding... very stable and sure footed. Ive purchased entry level Fords in the past(Escort/Festiva/Fiesta) and find this model to be Fords best ever offering.

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  16 year olds review - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Eric Friday - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I like it so far. I got a nice version for very cheap, and am happy. good ride,