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:

• 

  Love This New 2006 Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By DMRs 2006 Explorer - March 17 - 11:30 pm

  I had a 2004 Explorer (V8) which I liked a lot. Power, comfort and reliability. But the new 2006 is even better. New v8 engine is terrific! Much improved interior, very quiet. Handling is excellent and fuel economy is better than the 2004 (new V8 engine). Perfect vehicle used for hunting, fishing, huge cargo room, as well as using for business and clients. Two vehicles in one - perfect for my lifestyle! Like having a truck and a luxury car.

• 

  Sporty truck- Caution: Check the Frame! - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Jim T. - March 17 - 6:41 pm

  I purchased the truck five months ago from the second owner and put on about four thousand miles since. With an automatic tranny, the 3.0 v-6 engine is very under powered and performs like a 4 cyl.. When I purchased the truck, the body looked in excellent shape. I noticed rust on the chasis, but it wasnt until later when I really checked it out, that I found severe rusting on the inside of the frame. This needed considerable cleaning and a rust killer application. Also, the body mounts were rusted severely and later cracked, requiring the bed to be replaced at a cost of over $2000. Checked on web and found others with same problem. Same mfg supplied Toyota truck frames, but Toyota recalled.

• 

  Am I the only one with a lemon? - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Got a Lemon!!! - March 17 - 2:48 pm

  Im having a problem with the cars handling...it vibrates and pulls when i get the car to 100km. So I was a little upset when I had to dish out money (for a rental) from my own pocket 4 months after purchasing a NEW car. Only to have them keep the car all day and tell me that it was the air in my tires??? Well they fixed the air pressure and it still vibrates. Now I have to have it checked by another mechanic or possible even have it inspected. (All out of my own pocket) All because they refuse to admit there is a problem with the car!!!

• 

  My First Car And A Maintenance Nightmare - 1993 Ford Thunderbird
  By Andreas - March 17 - 2:24 pm

  I loved this car when I purchased it at 17 years old with 80K miles in 2001. The car was loaded and looked beautiful. It was a V-6 and a bit underpowered. I have had nothing but problems after the first week. First, was O2 sensors (about $200). Then the suspension needed repair ($1500). Then the multifunction switch died (the car could not switch the high beams off...about $300 to fix...I just disconnected them). Transmission was beginning to slip. I took a friend to the airport about 100 miles away and guess what, the engine went. I actually managed to get the car towed, and got a little value for trade in. I babied that car and it gave nothing but problems. The car died at 96k miles.

• 

  Disappointing Performance - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By GingerDay - March 17 - 11:04 am

  I have used the car to commute 50 miles to Boston everyday. I anticipated the lack of power from my Olds Intrigue, but nothing like what I have experienced. The car has difficulty shifting our of first gear when its cold (engine cold, not weather cold). When slowing from 65 miles an hour to negotiate toll boothes, the speed up is jerky and loud. When braking on exit ramps and having to merge, the same performance, it chokes on acceleration. I drove a Mazda 6, also a 4 cyl 5 speed, and its pep and response far outweighs the Fusion. Im afraid to take the car far from home, it randomly just wont shift out of first gear easily when you need power to move forward from a stop.

• 

  Ford Explorer Sport - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By sara - March 17 - 10:00 am

  This Suv is okay!!

• 

  Sport Trac=Fun - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By fuente858 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  The best truck that I have ever owned. Very comfortable, love the leather seating. Test drove all the others and this was the one.

• 

  Excellent - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Tessy18 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I have the 4 cylinder but recommend the V-6. We were going to by a Stereo system when we bought the escape however it has really surprised us. The system is almost to much too hadle at half volume. Amazing! If you like a SUV but dont want to spend too much money this is great one to buy! You do get your moneys worth!

• 

  More Funner - 2003 Ford Escape
  By F150MAN - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Just took the XLS-V6 for a spin at the dealership. Purchasing this Monday for the wife. FUN RIDE! Plenty of power on demand. Agility you would expect from a sedan. Not as rough of a ride as my F- 150. Nice styling. Smooth shifts from the tranny. Great pricing. Roomy interior, plenty of rear seat leg room. Overall, I think Ford is on to something with this one.

• 

  Bring em Back, Ford!! - 2003 Ford Escort
  By zx2mom - March 17 - 8:03 am

  This is my 3rd zx2 (all leased as new, in 1997, 2000 & 2003. When I found out this is the last year, I bought it. So sad that this will be my last, I love this car! As already noted several times, the rough idle is a drawback. The steering wheel sometimes vibrates so hard at a stoplight that my hands get tingly. But since that is my only complaint, I can live with it. The most comfortable seat Ive ever seen (felt) in a small car, it fits like a glove, with great lumbar support. I do think of it as a sports car, Ive never subjected anyone to having to ride in the back seat, it just seemes too cramped, although it would probably be fine if you have kids.