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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  A Pretty Good SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Wildbill - February 18 - 11:23 pm

  I bought the Explorer used. At first I had to replace the head gaskets due to oil and antifreeze leaks. That took about $1000 which really bumed me out on it. Since then it has been a good vehicle.

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  Not bad for a Ford - 1995 Ford Contour
  By My first American - February 18 - 2:51 am

  Bought it at 87K because the salesperson told me it was "Sport Edition" and cant be mistaken with its handling and ride quality. Yes tight handling and way too firm suspension, steering feel is just about as good as a BMW 3 series, interior and trunk space are ample compared to its compact size, nice folded backseat but should offer rear headrest and more rear leg room, road noise can be annoying especially on midwest pavement and jaw-breaking ride which leads to tons of rattles and sqeaks, engine is smooth and strong at highway speeds. Havent had major reliability issues except once water pump blew up at 96K and minor repairs - right rear window motor and trunk release cable went and now happy at 110K.

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  My New Bull - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By rental ralph - February 18 - 12:45 am

  Our mint 2003 SES was a real steal at $10.1K, including tax and tags. This ex Hertz/IBM company car looks and drives new. Great choice for a family car. Roomy, solid build, rugged engine and a very smooth transmission. No rattles, squeaks or groans. Doors, hood and trunk all close with little effort. Suspension does a nice job in taking the jolt out of NYCÂ’s best potholes. Very controlled at speed with little wind noise and little effect from cross winds. No problem passing buses and 18 wheelers.

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  2001 Mustang Convertable - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Bryan - February 17 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased this 01 Mustang with 44K miles already logged. Mileage is now 68K with only one tune up and a change of disk brakes pads. Very reliable, averages 23mpg all the time. Convertible top is very easy to operate. Great fun economical car. Looks fast sitting still. :-)

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  The surprising ride... - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Emerson Biggans - February 17 - 12:50 am

  I love this vehicle. After test driving 3 other Eddie Bauer Expeditions (two 02s and one 98 model), I settled on the 01 XLT because of its nearly identical options package and $10,000 less price tag. The most surprising thing about the Expedition 4x4 is the fact that it rides like a luxury car, handles like a much smaller vehicle than it actually is, and has outstanding traction (nothing stops this thing). The only thing I could ask for is a little firmer shift from the 4 speed auto-transmission. But then again, I am partial to 400+ horsepower vehicles, and I guess its not really bad for a bone stock family ride (my 3 daughters and my son love it).

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  2004 Ranger Edge - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By mike - February 16 - 2:03 pm

  Bought it used from original owner with 2700 miles on it. Paid $11,000. He had to pay the bank an additional $1500 to get out from under it. This is an example of letting someone else take the depreciation. Tough market for used trucks as the dealers scoop them up and resell them. Hard to find one owner, low mileage trucks. LOVE THE EDGE! High ride height is what I need more than 4 wheel drive. Very stylish interior, seats are awesome. Rides and handles great. You will get good mileage on highway (and around town IF YOU HAVE A LIGHT FOOT). Would like to have the bigger engine but 3.0 is OK for me. Shifts very smooth. Super sharp looks with alloy wheels. Very happy with my purchase.

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  Great Value in the Compact Class - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Brad - February 15 - 10:26 pm

  I have had a lot of fun driving this car. The handling and ride of this car rival my wifes Honda Accord (no kidding). I test drove the new Honda Civic, new Toyota Corolla, and a new Suzuki Forenza. The Focus had the most headroom, the most comfortable seats, and the best road manners. The interior is well laid out with all of the controls within easy reach. On the highway the engine noise is quieter than expected. The engine doesnt sound too hurried even at speeds around 70 mph. The car tracks straight and is very responsive to steering input with the short wheelbase. Braking feels solid, even with drum brakes in the rear. I am getting just over 27 mpg with mixed city/highway driving.

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  Good Basic Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Joel from IL - February 15 - 7:23 pm

  We owned a 2003 Focus, and we traded for the 2005. We now have 3500 miles on the Focus. The 2005 is fun to drive, but it seems that I have to readjust the wheel for each bump I hit. It may be because of the low-profile tires. Im surprised at only 21-22 mpg city which isnt good for a 4 cylinder. The dealer reflashed the PCM to see if that helps. One downgrade is cheaper quality interior materials. Also, the door and quarter panels arent flush which is a build quality issue. This Focus has been to the dealer for a minor issue of rough morning idle. Despite the negatives, driving a 2004 Cavalier left me wanting my Focus back.

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  Electrical Problems - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Rob Mathis - February 15 - 12:52 pm

  Intermittently some accessories are staying on after the keys are removed from the vehicle running the battery dead over night. Cant always remember to shut everything off. BIG Problem. We cant rely on it! Very disappointed. Great vehicle other than that. Ford dealership cannot find a problem. So far 4 separate instances with a brand new battery.

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  Engine trashed at 2400 miles - 2002 Ford Escape
  By airbearma - February 15 - 2:00 am

  One of the biggest points on me buying the Escape was the "supposed" reliability of the Duratec 3.0 V6. I had this engine in my 96 Taurus for 175,000 trouble free miles. At 1400 miles, I changed oil and checked all fluids personally. At 2450 miles, I had an 1/8 inch oil slick in my antifreeze reservoir. Dealer is replacing the motor with a new one.