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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  Great Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Mike L - April 16 - 9:36 am

  Bought this truck in 2002, had about 19k miles on it. This was the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Started ever time, ran smooth, lots of torque. Mileage was about 18mpg and the ride was rough, but its a truck. This truck never had any major problems, kept truck for 7 years and was very happy with it. Sold it with 120,000 miles, still had the original tires, which were still not ready to be replaced.

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  Great car - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill Carter - April 15 - 9:53 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 with 19,000 miles on it. Knock on wood but it has been perfect! No problems with anything. I went to test drive a 2007 Tahoe yesterday and returned feeling like my Explorer was much easier to drive and will not be buying that Tahoe. I have absolutely no allegience to Ford or Chevy or anyone (my wife drives a BMW) but this car has been as trouble-free as my Honda was.

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  Rides and handles like my former BMW - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mhorstein - April 15 - 5:16 pm

  I was persuaded by the Focuss ride and handling, and front seat comfort. I had looked at the Elantra, Cruze and Mazda 3, and it was no contest. The suspension is firm and the ride well controlled. The steering is light, quick and precise, and the interior is of high quality. A big plus: all four windows are one-touch, up and down. Now the negatives. The back-seat legroom is so scant that there is room for only two other people when I am driving. The audio controls are maddening to operate, and the transmission is reluctant to downshift, making it necessary on occasion to revert to manual operation. I get only 23-24 mpg in city driving. Worse yet, I cannot even go 250 miles on a tank of gas.

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  This is a well built vehicle. - 2009 Ford Flex
  By cpd - April 15 - 12:16 am

  I have owned my FWD Limited for three weeks now but have already put 1500 miles on it. I traded my 2002 530 BMW for this vehicle because I wanted a vehicle that that had more rear leg room for the kids and the sports stuff they need to haul around. The first time I got behind the wheel it was like, I cant believe this is a Ford, the fit and finish is first class and it is quieter than my old BMW. The interior space is limo like, no more kids complaining about leg room. The vista roof is awsome but I will miss using my roof top cargo carrier( no roof rails with the large glass panels, if you are traveling with more than four, there is not much room behind the third seat. Highy recommend

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  Good, for a while. - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Joseph Espinoza - April 14 - 7:23 pm

  Owning a Hybrid Escape was fun during the first 6 months. After that, it started going pretty south fast. The mileage started getting poorer even after its scheduled services, replacing filters, changing tires. The door lock actuator on the drivers side went out. Every once in a while it will work, but in an emergency, your at risk of not being able to get inside your car quick because you have to manually unlock it. Lights on the Gauge Cluster go out sometimes, cant even tell how fast your going at night. 63,000 miles right now, our water pump went out, $1200 for the repair. This car has been a burden on us.

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  Good solid truck - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Gary - April 14 - 2:51 pm

  I am the third owner. Only had 55,000 miles when I bought it. It was babied by the two previous owners. Love this truck. Drives well and is fun to drive. I haul a popup with it and just throw the stuff we need in the bed and off we go. Moved furniture and hauled mulch with it.

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  Love that Truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By bigjeff - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I have loved owning this truck! It gives me the flexability of owing a truck with room for a couple of Children in the back and room to spare. My wife is able to handle it around town and it rides smooth on the open road.

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  Practical & Comfortable - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Vince Shevlin - April 14 - 5:13 am

  Took a trip from LA to Phoenix and back one week after purchase. The car is quiet, comfortable with surprising acceleration. Got 27mpg on trip with less than 1000 miles on odometer. Still breaking it in.

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  Solid Ride - Family Truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Vanz73 - April 13 - 1:14 pm

  I have had my 2004 Eddie Bauer Expedition for more than a year. It is a good solid vehicle that excels in bad driving conditions. My wife remarked that it is more comfortable for her as a passenger than my 1997 Explorer (that she said "bounced her around too much"). No issues or problems in the first year (Id expect nothing less).

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  A great bargain commuter car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By arcin69 - April 13 - 9:47 am

  I use it for commuting 190 miles a day. Extremely reliable. New brakes at 114,000 miles, timing belt at 100,000, fuel pump at 157,000. Only thing I replaced without wearing out was alternator at 44,000 miles.