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:

• 

  2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2WD Good so Far - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By rdgalley - December 15 - 10:00 am

  To date I have put just under 58000 miles on my Explorer. It has been very relieable. The problems I have are fairly minor. The transmission whines a little on the shift from 1st to 2nd. The cam chain tensioner makes a rattling sound under load, and the trim panel around the radio is peeling. Other that those items I am happy with my Explorer and hope to keep it until 150000 miles.

• 

  Satisfied - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Scott Moore - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive throughly enjoy this City version of a truck. Meets all nddes of my busy family.

• 

  2004 ford explorer sport trac 4X4 - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mcr3020 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have driven both explorer and sport trac and love both. T do not find any truck like ride with the sport trac. I found it to be great for soccer moms. Plenty of room inside. Rubber floors easy to clean and wont get ruined from mud and cleated shoes. The bed has just enough room for groceries or duffly bags and book packs. And a Kid"s bike fits great> They must of changed the undercarrage because I drove 2002 4X4 Ranger and this doesn"t drive like it did. I loved the Ranger but needed more room. I think someone needs to ride in the newer make.

• 

  GO FOR THE 04! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By STEVE - December 15 - 1:41 am

  With this 05 Mustang craze, you can steal an 04 right now! This V6 is quite spry with the 5-speed. Very good off the line. Drove the Automatic, only felt slightly quicker then my 03 Chevy Malibu. This car handles excellent, hopefully it wont be too terrible in the winter. Looks very sharp, interior is basic, but it works in an old muscle car sort of way. Not bad every day transportation, I put a five year old in the back, he does not care, but backseat not a good idea for larger people. Traded in a boring Hyundai Sonata for this, dont miss it at all, BORING! This is a great mid-life crisis vehicle, love driving to work every day.

• 

  2003 T-Bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Mike - December 13 - 9:23 pm

  The only weak link in this vehicle is the transmission. Some of the cars need to have the pcm reflashed in order to achieve smooth shifting.

• 

  2000 Taurus SE - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By barlamech - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Some defects, which were corrected under warranty. My dealers garage, Montmorency Ford, Brossard, Quebec, is very good. Id prefer, however, to have a car that doesnt need warranty repair.

• 

  Dont keep it too long.... - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By suzieQ - December 11 - 1:33 pm

  Bought it with 32K miles, ran great for two years. Due to bad gaskets it now it has major cooling system problems that will require replacement of the entire system. (Heater core, water pump, radiator, etc.) Have been told by 3 different repair shops that this is a common problem for the Taurus, and any repairs I make will most likely need to be repeated after a year or two. This is my second Taurus & both have had transmission issues around 100K as well. Value on this car depreciates quickly too! Not a great investment.

• 

  Freestyle and Liking it. - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bud Conner - December 11 - 12:33 pm

  This is a very comfortable and versatile vehicle. Most pundits dont seem to grasp that a 5:17 final drive ratio can get you up and going quite briskly and the handling is terrific. Great vehicle for traveling with kids - more cargo room behind the third seat than the Expedition

• 

  New Braking System - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Jimmy Odell - December 11 - 10:53 am

  3 weeks after the purchase I noticed a large amount of brake dust forming around the front wheels. When I called my sales rep., he told me that the new brake pads were softer and produced more brake dust. At 22000 miles I am having to replace the front brake rotors because they wear out with the pads. Instead of an annual cost of maintenence for brakes being around $200, its now going to be around $550. The sales rep. should have told me this. I see a lot of new Expeditions with the same brake dust buildup I like me they will be in for a shock when servicing their brakes. Still it seems the car industry doesnt make full disclores to the consumer.

• 

  good truck - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By joe - December 10 - 9:03 pm

  For the many trials I have put my Ford through, it has passed all of them with a A+. From climbing sand dunes to hauling its maximum weight, it has done it all for me. Some electrical issues have been a problem, such as the door chimes have a mind of there own, but no really big issues. I could not ask for more out of the 4.0 V6. No, I repeat, No problems over the 100,000 miles I have put on it. I bought it with 90,000, and now have 190,000 on it and its still running strong.