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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  transmission - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By lariat04 - April 21 - 10:16 am

  bought my wifes explorer in 2006, with 9400 miles. at about 20,000 miles the tranny started hitching, we ignored it until got so bad we couldnt drive it.had the tranny rebuilt for 2,500 bucks. come find out there were a lot of 03,04 with the same problem. ford should have had a recall on these, if your looking at these yrs make sure u ask about the trannys! other hen that my wife loves her explorer, we live in maine and it it does great in snow

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  Would not do it again - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By brewbaby - April 21 - 7:07 am

  I leased my 2013 brand new. After lease was up I bought it. From the beginning Ive had many electrical issues, the headlight switch buzzes, my rear dome light stays on no matter what draining my battery. The radio continues to play even after Ive exited the vehicle. The transmission has failed on me a couple times not making it past 2nd gear in automatic. The slope of the hood makes it easy for any little thing to chip the paint. Visibility is poor. Gas mileage is ridiculous for a 3.5L. Ive had 2 recalls on it, Ford had it for a whole month. The computer failed and had to be reconfigured. Its a pos and Id take my money back in a heart beat.

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  SSV used. - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By gofreddo - April 20 - 11:36 am

  Clearly, there is a distinct advantage to owning an SSV. This unit came equipped with all the function items every model should have. 3:73 geared rear end, Skid plates all over the underside, rock protection for the fuel cell, bigger brake calipers, rotors and select-a trac 4X4. These are not easy vehicles to find as the used ones have been previously used for Emergency services. However, I got lucky and found one used by a fleet company that did not use them for emergency purposes.

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  Problems 2011 Ford Explorer - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By neslerspecial - April 16 - 11:14 am

  First the computer display screen had to be replaced when we first got car because it was not working. Next car was randomly having dead battery issues, as something was drawing from the battery and running. Took to dealership and they said there was an APIM recall and fixed it. It happen 2 weeks later again. Then they said it was a gear shift issue where it kept recognizing it was in park. Was not a recall or a Ford issue so cost $500 to repair. Had a recall on the doors as well. I find it odd that the same battery issued happened 4 times and this time they said it was due to the gear shift problem.

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  under powered - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Warren Torchia - April 15 - 12:48 pm

  bought this truck with 136 000 khm on it. i was using it for work so i needed something reliable. the truck was great it motor ran smoothly everything was responsive. no major issues so far. the only complaint i would have is for a v8 engine it was lazy. tried replacing spark plugs and gas filter but still had a slow moving truck. other then that the truck was great no real problems other then basic up keep would recommend to anyone who needs a solid truck

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  I was dumb enough to buy 2 of them - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jen Stott - April 11 - 2:07 pm

  Car 1 Clutches replaced first week. Tire, glove box door, water leak, bad brake booster, brakes locked up, heat air not working normally, popping in dash, front end suspension, dealer left it sit with bird poop all over so paint is now ruined. Purchased 8/27/14 been in the shop going on 120 days now. Ford refuses to fix because I hired an attorney and they are not supplying the rental vehicle.

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  Worth Waiting For - 2015 Ford Mustang
  By tabill - April 11 - 2:13 am

  I ordered the 2015 Mustang in Sept. 2014 and received delivery on Nov. 2014. The push button start button is rad! Figured out right away you had to push in the clutch to start the car. If you have read other reviews, you get a lot of looks and thumbs up when you drive the car around. This car just wants to keep accelerating....what a kick! 435 ponies do not disappoint.

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  Bullitt Mustang - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By greenmamba - April 10 - 7:38 pm

  Bought first week in 2009. Been a great toy car. Never had any serious problems. When back to the dealer for a loose drivers mirror and a buzzing noise in the transmission (which I fixed myself, a loose trans inspection plate). Some performance and handling mods have been done, but its basically all stock.

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  Guess I Got One Of The Good Ones - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By greenmamba - April 10 - 7:23 pm

  Bought mine with 135K back in 01. It now has over 300K and has been the perfect vehicle. Still looks fantastic, interior has a small 1 1/2 inch tear on the driver seats side. Has never left us walking. Same transmission, water pump, rear end. The only big things replaced are a/c and radiator. Both done by me and all maintenance also.

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  Second Owner of a 2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By lassentrailer - April 9 - 10:38 pm

  I bought my Explorer from the same dealership that sold it to the original owner, and that owner had followed the service schedule to the letter (as shown in the Carfax report). It had 101,000 miles on it when I bought it in 2013, its got 118,000 miles now. I dont much like trucks, being a sports car kind of driver, but I really like the Explorer (which btw handles WAY better than youd expect, due no doubt to the IRS. I have emulated the first owners habit of maintaining the snot out of it: new brakes/rotors, transmission flush and fill, cooling system the same (differentials and transfer case next). I am quite happy with my Explorer.