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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  spoiled - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By tim sturm - December 29 - 4:34 pm

  When Ford said "no" to gov money I decided to buy Ford.period. Traded our Lexus 350 for 2010 EB Explorer. After 35 days or so and 2600 mi Ford is in for engine repair. Wanting our 2005 Lex back: more comfort, more storage space,more convenience in door storage pockets and center console,overhead handles,etc etc. Willing to pay more for better experience.Really wanted to report Ford was better Still waiting on repair...sorry

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  Mixed Feelings - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By tagco - December 29 - 2:00 am

  While I have not had any mechanical trouble with my Limited 2wd, I have numerous problems with fit and workmanship. The combination of DVD and Sunroof does not seem to be a winning combo. There does not seem to be enough support for the DVD system, as a result there are numerous creaks, groans and rattles right above my head. The hatch and hatch windows plastic panels are also loose and I have shored these up with foam pieces jammed around the panels. The ride is much rougher than I anticipated. Overall looks and features are great, however I am extremely disappointed in the ride and workmanship of the interior.

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  never again - 2006 Ford Escape
  By ford hater now - December 26 - 8:44 pm

  had one... had a wreck the air bags did NOT work . tires have to be replaced too often. it flipped so easy. when we wrecked it took only 3 people to flip it back over and one was a woman one was a teenage boy. this is not a safe vehicle at all

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  Ok - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Gary - December 24 - 11:16 am

  Well I just traded in my 2001 with 89k miles and have been the only owner. I have loved and hated this truck throughout its time with me. The tranny went at 44k miles and I was told thats common on these trucks. I ended up getting a broken stud in the exhaust manifold that was going to be thousands to fix and I was told thats common. I decided to trade it in and I admit was hard for me to do. The poor gas mileage is something I will not miss though.

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  Good for a few years - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Matt - December 15 - 12:25 am

  I bought this car the first year it was introduced and really enjoyed it for the first 85,000 miles. Eventually several small things started happening radio sounds fine but the display hasnt worked in 18 months. Interior front door fabric material has come unglued on driver and passengers side. Factory installed tinting on drivers side window has bubbled. Have spent a couple hundred dollars 2-3 times in the last 6 months for engine related issues, and still the engine light comes on intermittently. In general Ive enjoyed the car, but its not built to last - at least the first year editions not.

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  Not bad for the money - 2006 Ford F-150
  By fd220 - December 14 - 1:49 pm

  I was very surprised with how roomy the interior is for the size truck. The seats are pretty comfy and are very accommodating HOWEVER they stain VERY easily and it is hard to it out. I have had this ford for 23k miles and I have noticed a few disheartening issues. 1)always seems to be a quart low on oil. 2) always smells of hot brakes and burnt oil after even a 40 mile drive. 3)Bed liner is cheap! 4)Always has a shutter/ticking while at slow speeds along with a clunking sound when accelerate from a stop as the weight shifts. 5)THE GAS MILEAGE STINKS!even when i was hauling a refrigerator my mileage was pathetic! I have the 5.4L but I would still not expect the mileage to punk out that bad!

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  Youll all be very very sorry!!!! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By marypal - December 12 - 11:28 pm

  If you have the Continental tires, you will be replacing them soon, and probably have to have the leaky transmission repaired and God help you if you have the cloth interior, good luck trying to clean it, and whatever you do, dont let any rain or snow or water of any kind touch those seats, you wont ever get them to look nice again!!! Good luck with this sorry excuse for a vehicle, we are done with Ford!!!!

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  Why? - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JB - December 11 - 1:40 pm

  Ok truck, but a bit small. Id be a lot happier if the bed were a foot longer. It drives well enough on the freeway, but leans and lurches about on the twisty stuff. Also, beware the W-I-D-E turning radius which means its not very nimble in parking lots and garages. The stock seats are comfortable. This is a good thing because they have only basic adjustments. The OHC engine performs quite well compared to my old anemic 94 model. Gas mileage is appalling, however, yielding a solid 14.5mpg in pure suburban driving and topping out at 21 for 100% interstate trips. For the gas it burns, I think Id better off with a full sized truck.

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  Bad Apple - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By family van - December 7 - 10:02 am

  Moulding issue 2002 Check engine light started to come on in 2003 WouldnÂ’t accept gas in 2003 Rear windshield wiper motor issues started in 2002 Multiple O2 sensor repairs at $200+ each Intake manifold repaired in 2008 to fix Check engine light repair $500+ Stabilizer Bar Control Link repaired in 2009 Alternator repaired in 2009 Intermittent ABS computer hydraulics control issues Heating mechanism burned out On top of all that, the passenger side sliding door rattles Final straw...Rear Axle Cracked while family was in the car. Despite multiple issues reported online, Ford says there is no recall.

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  CRAPola - 2007 Ford Edge
  By crappola - December 6 - 9:13 am

  This has been a huge disappointment. this is the first American car I have ever bought brand new. * air conditioner is sadly inadequate. * wheel bearings went out at 35000 miles * recall on valve stems on tires * recall on heater core transmission NEEDS a recall. Been having trouble with transmission (as many others have) since 30000 miles. No one can fix it or they seem clueless. Now my warranty has run out on transmission.