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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  Best Bang for the Buck - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By Red Five - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I cant say enough about the reliability of the car. Today it has over 120,000 miles with no major engine work to date. The performance of the V- 8 engine is great and the handling is outstanding. You cant take curves on snowy roads at 50 mph but on dry pavement it hugs the road like you hug your best girl. The four wheel anti- lock disk brakes stop the car fast when you need to without fading or pulling. The fuel economy is not the best, but who buys a Mustang GT for fuel economy?. One thing I wish was better is the leg room. The back seat is usable only by small children and pets, but are you looking for a fun to drive sports car or a family sedan?

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  1999 EB Expedition - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By kpmallory - February 12 - 2:00 am

  After 3.5 years it is frustration. Stuff just breaks on it! We have replaced: door locks, fuel pump, gear shift column cable, the entire electronic panel and cruise control and other things I cant remember. It all started with a squeak about a week after we bought it. . I took out for the first time ever, an extended warranty, it has paid for itself. As much as I love my truck, it is frustrating to pay all that money for a product that has failed to live up to expectations. I cant really recommend it to anyone. Maybe I got that 1 in a 1000 that just has issues but from what I read, I dont think I am that unlucky.

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  whats not to like? - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By mpc - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes around-town car, but we also use it for travelling. In both areas it has proved its worth. She finds it comfortable and easy to drive, practical at hauling around family, friends and shopping, and it can always be trusted to provide towing for my own less reliable motor. But it really shines at vacation time. We drive long distances and the kids just dont complain - theres enough room for one of them to be asleep flat while the others play around. And it handles the off-road portions admirably (even with only 2WD). To sum it up: comfortable, practical, versatile. (There is that fuel economy thing, though!)

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  Got a lemon - 2008 Ford Escape
  By john - February 11 - 2:33 am

  I got a lemon. My Escape was great for the first 6 months and now it seems to be in the shop every week. Back hatch mechanism failed twice, had to replace condenser motor because of a transmission leak. My temperature and door lock options on the convience package change on there own and ford has no fix yet. Fog lights are filling up with water and shorting out.

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  ZX2 Automatic - 2003 Ford Escort
  By ronalt - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has lots of engine noise. Seating is very comfortable up front, but back seat is small. Car has plenty of power, and it will scat.

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  1993 Ford Ranger XLT Standard Cab SB - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By RobWilkins - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent, reliable vehicle! I bought it in 1999 with 72,000 miles. It is now 2003 and the truck has over 106,000 and is still running strong. I have had no problems at all with the engine. The only two items Ive had to replace are the sending unit and the exhaust system. I am very good about changing the oil & filter every 2500-3000 miles and the gas & air filter every 10,000 miles, and the plugs & wires every 20,000-25,000 miles... I guess it pays off! I love this truck!!!

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  Good car! - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By BobbinLane - February 11 - 2:00 am

  With 130000 miles on it, it is still solid. It has been reliable. And its peppy!

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  Taurus brakes! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By ludishirley - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Seems to be a good car with plenty of power and features including good safety features. However, Ill have to say had I known the Taurus sedan did not have rear disc brakes I would not have bought it. Its my fault for not being smart enough to know this, however, the salesman should have been up front with me on this matter as he was with every other feature of the car. My last five cars including my current second car have four wheel disc brakes Ill never buy another car without them. There isnt a car in the Taurus competition that doesnt have or offer four wheel disc brakes (Camry, Accord, Altima, Maxima).

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  A pleasure to drive - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Chang Limbang - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Power nothing, but A/C & Cruise control makes for a more comfortable ride. I was a bit skeptical about the 4.6L V8 since Ford ditched the 302 from their truck line, but its run out very well for me. My only problem is a clunking noise in the rear end when taking off. I plan on having it looked at soon. Other than that its been a dependable truck for me.

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  Throttle replaced at 8,000 miles, all else great! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By 2016 Ford Explorer - February 10 - 5:25 am

  First - I do LOVE this car!! Every month when I make the payment, I tell myself that and really do mean it!! BUT. . . . . While vacationing and only at 8,000 miles when the car breaks down and I read that it happens to ALOT of these cars -- really disappointed!! Ford, you need to do something about this. Need to get a recall on this car. I was lucky - I was only in a 45 mph area when all of a sudden the lights come on and the car slows down -- I have time to pull over and take care of things, but I can only imagine if I was on the highway going 70 mph. The other issue I have is the average MPG -- I only get an average of 19 MPG after 8,000 miles of highway and local driving.