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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  2004 Ford Explorer Orig. Sticker Price? - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Yankeeboy1 - May 16 - 3:18 pm

  I just purchased a pre-owned 2004 Ford Explorer XLT, 4x4, sunroof, V-8, 3rd seat, DVD, CD, running boards, keyless entry, all options, last owner had memo title in glove box stating purchase price of $46,029.17? Could this be correct? This no where near came up to this on any sites I looked at? Anybody validate this original price for me on an 2004 Explorer?

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  The Flex Demonstrates Whats Possible - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Madlock - May 16 - 1:45 pm

  Even if the Flexs "love it or hate it" looks dont appeal, its superior fit and finish, material quality, and carefully thoughtful design certainly should. And if its tremendous utility doesnt make a compelling-enough case, its comfort certainly will. Ford took a chance with the Flex, making tremendous investments in quality throughout, and it shows. Its styling may not suit everyones taste, but everything else about it should. Ford has engineered the kind of "German" solidity rarely found in American vehicles, and doors close with a rassuring "Shunk!" The Flex simply feels both solid and refined, and the Limited trim meets any reasonable standards for luxury that exist. Kudos to Ford.

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  I couldnt be happier! - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By SFCJRice - May 16 - 6:21 am

  Overall a great car for the price! The styling is great and I get tons of compliments. I bought the V6 model for gas and insurance reasons and am happily surprised by the power. I have the manual transmission so I get more power and it is more fun to drive. The premium edition is a must have option. I plan on giving this to my son in two years and then I will be buying the GT version.

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  What else could go wrong? - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By SLEEK_CHEETAH - May 16 - 3:03 am

  From 2002 on up. The radiator blew up at least three times a year and the transmission went out at least once a year. The engine blew once and the battery melted once. There were check engine lights left and right. The dash went out a few times taking the headlights with it. The doors kept sticking and wouldnt open from the inside until the handles finally broke off. A few doors wouldnt open at all. I just kept fixing it all and kept saying I loved the car, now I admit I spent way too much just trying to keep it running. I spent 13,000 just buying the car, and I spent 8,000 or more just to keep it running. NOT WORTH IT!!!

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  Dont walk away from this car...RUN! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By HateMyFord - May 15 - 10:49 pm

  Replaced brakes prematurely twice, tires before the first year of ownership was up, driver seat heater is broken, stereo goes out, car is now at dealership saying the CVT will need to be replaced. Buyers beware w/this car! Not worth it. Car is worth less than we currently owe. We are up-side-down with this car and it is no longer driveable. Ford has known about this problem but hasnt recalled or acknowledge it. It is not only a pain financially, it is also a safety issue for drivers and their families.

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  family hauler - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By garryone - May 15 - 7:49 pm

  no problems in 18,000 miles smooth dependable power,this is not a race wagon but will get you up to highway speeds once you learn how the cvt trans works. City fuel milage at 24.4 summer 22 in winter and highway 27.5-33 mpg.

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  I didnt need a new truck - 2009 Ford F-150
  By Bart - May 15 - 5:39 pm

  2009 F150 4x4 FX4 SC 5.4, with 3.73 rear locker, 145" WB. I traded in my 05 F150 with only 20K miles for this truck, I didnt need a new truck because there was nothing wrong with my old truck,,,,,,, but I was so impressed with the quiet ride I bought it.

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  fromflextocmax - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By charliedee - May 15 - 3:50 pm

  Took our Flex to our local dealer for service. Decided to look new Fusion while waiting. Only Fusion available was a hybrid. Drove it, parked it beside C-Max when we returned. Didnt know what it was, drove it, purchased it. The car available was loaded, really didnt think that automatic parallel was necessary. Dealer made us what we considered a great deal, so we took it. Have yet to try the automatic park. Have had the car a little over a week, no highway driving as of yet. Currently averaging 39-41 mpg town driving. Very impressive car,all my friends who have driven it were surprised with the take off power. Wish a power seat was offered for the front passenger, but no big deal.

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  Cracks Up - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By crackedup - May 15 - 12:49 pm

  I only have one complaint about my explorer. One day for no apparant reason my back hatch CRACKED! LITERALLY. If you look at an 03 explorer the hatch is 2 pieces. Under the window on the top piece there is a composite piece that now has 2 huge cracks in it. The dealership says they see it all the time but cant fix it because there is no recall. I have googled it and there are way tomany people with this problm. My concern is If water gets down through the crack it could very well rust the latching mechanism and make it fail to work properly and I have a 1 yr old and 3 yr old in the back seat.

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  Well.... - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Luke W - May 15 - 12:14 pm

  I bought this car in june of 08. it was a great car for about 20 miles. then a wheel bearing went out and completly ruined my two front tires. the windows rattle, alot of random noises and the stereo is going bad for a third time. Its not a bad car but i would have never bought it if i woulda known. Lots of little issues. And it beeps wayyy to much. gets very annoying very fast.