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 Value for Money - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Saad Khan - September 13 - 5:40 am

  Two kids in car seats makes life in a sedan quite tight. Upgrading to bigger vehicle was a difficult choice. It was either a minivan or an SUV. So the Explorer made the decision easy. Its practical and can take the abuse from my kids. For the $25K I spent for it I dont feel bad when they are messing up the car with juice or Cheerios. Adequate power, adequate options and adequate comfort.

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  review - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Benny Valenza - September 13 - 2:00 am

  mushy ride,lousy brakes, no cargo space, sways from side to side like a carnival ride, floats and bounces down the road. Expensive, quick to loose value, scratches too easy, body like a tin can, oversteers, feels like it leans too much while turning. Fast, 17MPG on highway at reasonable speed Wish I did not buy it

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  great bang for the buck - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By dys2999 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is fast whenever you want it to be, yet save fuel when needed. handels well, 17" goodyears do a good job looks like a monster, awsome. The interior is out dated, no oh s___ handels. no lights in the vanity, seats are from 1985 & the head light switch is from a 1978 buick regal. but the car is responsive & mach460 audio is great. The car is a ton of fun overall.

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  Ford Expedition 2000 XLT 2WD - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By gvowell - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Good family car. Gas hog. Easy to get in and out of. Rides great.

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  Practical, Powerful, Plenty of Space - 2002 Ford Escape
  By iowalee - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I have a certified used auto with 31,000 miles. It has been reliable, handles well in a variety of road conditions, and a peppy V-6 engine. I had 3 minor problems covered free under the warrantee: Recall for engine stall. I never experienced this. The 6 CD player stopped working. The stuck discs were recovered and return. Inside AC/heat fan was noisy. No problem with Dealer

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  Reliable, quick, and looks good - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Cbjulian - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2003 XL Sport with with all the options that come on an XL. The 5- spd mated to the 4.2 makes a good combo. The truck is surprisingly quick and handles well for a pickup. The ride leaves somthing to be desired but isnt bad on the highway. The truck has been very reliable with no problems. Ford has stuck by their warranty and my dealership was great.

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  my freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By jennifer lambert - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this wehicle for a couple of months so far I love it. But the bench seat does not fold into the floor flush, and I wish the ac was push button and not a nob. Seats could be a little more comfortable.

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  redesign engine - 1997 Ford F-150
  By NICHOLEMARIE - September 9 - 2:00 am

  my f-150 2 dr 4.2 ltr has been sitting at my dealer ship for 6 months. the engine died at 68000 miles and ford will not take responsibility for this. i have gotten in touch with attorney general in my area( consumer protection) and waiting to here from them. i dont think i will ever buy another ford, also the total of the bill is 5000.00 that i dont have! this truck was maintained very well, and this really makes me furious!!!!! is there anyone that i could write to other than what i have done already? is there an address that i could write to and make sure they get it? please let me know. thankyou, lisa

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  5 years and still enjoying - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By jagrant - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine in 1999 and have 105K miles. Traveled many times across the U.S. and total comfort. Only have replaced battery and brakes. I change the oil ever 3K miles. Steering is a little squirrely and feels like you could loose control at times. I will NOT let my 16 year old drive this vehicle. My friend rolled hers and it held up well. The electronic handpiece for turning signals and lights have been replaced twice. A little sluggish when passing or quick acceleration compared to my other GMC truck. Overall I cant get rid of it and hope to own it to at least 200K miles.

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  Wife Loves Hybrid Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jerry - September 8 - 4:26 pm

  Owned new 2006 AWD for 1 month. 32-33 MPG city driving, 28 mpg highway in first 100 miles. 15 Gallon tank means 400+ miles between fills. Mileage is improving and 100% operation on electric motor below 40 MPH is increasing as vehicle is broken in. Wife is a former Passat-325E BMW driver - she loves how the Escape handles. Handles better than expected in high winds.