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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  Overview of an inspiring vehicle. - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Presrvd - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Explorer from my girlfriends father who bought it right out of the factory in April of 91. It only has 105,335 miles on it because he always telecommutes, but is truly a beautiful vehicle.

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  1996 V8 Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Dtownfb - January 16 - 2:00 am

  132k miles and 6.5 years later. Great vehicle for us. Very low maintenance. We had two recurring trouble areas, tires and fuel cutoff switch. Vehicle came with the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S. OK tire at best. Fuel cutoff switch while nice to have inthe vehicle is not in a good spot (passenger wheel well) On three different occasions my long legged friends have accidently hit the switch and cut the fuel to the vehicle. The only negative about the vehicle is the fuel economy. But what do you expect from a V8 engine, two ton vehicle. At 132k miles, still going strong with very few signs of showing its age.

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  1996 V8 Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By dtownfb - January 16 - 2:00 am

  132k miles and 6.5 years later. Great vehicle for us. Very low maintenance. We had two recurring trouble areas, tires and fuel cutoff switch. Vehicle came with the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S. OK tire at best. Fuel cutoff switch while nice to have inthe vehicle is not in a good spot (passenger wheel well) On three different occasions my long legged friends have accidently hit the switch and cut the fuel to the vehicle. The only negative about the vehicle is the fuel economy. But what do you expect from a V8 engine, two ton vehicle. At 132k miles, still going strong with very few signs of showing its age.

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  Black Beauty - 1996 Ford Contour
  By My Black Beauty - January 15 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars ever! I love it, but very cold weather starts are a bit of a challenge. Styling is phenominal, plus the five speed V6 is very potent. This is my first manual, so learning wasnt too tricky.

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  new car for me - 2003 Ford Escort
  By jeffrey - January 15 - 2:00 am

  good car for the money

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  new car for me - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Jeffrey - January 15 - 2:00 am

  good car for the money

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  i this truck - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By hzw - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I this truck. it has no power, you have to push down the accelerator as far as it will go just to do 45 up a small hill. its fun todrive and reliable but dodge dakotas are SO much better in every area.

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  F150 XL 6 cylinder (4.2 L) Auto Trans. - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Steve 1 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall the vehicle has been pretty reliable. Although the brakes (disc front/drum back)seem to need replacement more frequently than most, transmission torque converter went out at 65000 miles, this model has sealed front end ball joints and had to be replaced also at about 65000 miles, gas mileage has been about 12 city/ 19 highway. Truck is well maintained with no heavy towing or abuse and regular maintenance. Good low end torque for 6 cyl.

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  I love my hybrid and heres why - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By spacefan - January 14 - 1:43 am

  First, if you have the fuel/electric usage interface for the navigation system you know what your mileage is and can adjust your driving style. Second, the system provides an average miles per gallon, not the actual miles per gallon. Third, check your tire pressure every two weeks to ensure proper inflation--it is amazing what effect properly inflated tires have on gas mileage. Fourth, with the exception of a recall on the electronics for the big battery (and the need to replace the big battery), this vehicle has been wonderfully reliable even in really cold weather (keep in mind the battery starts the engine). Lastly, during the worst of the gas crisis I was smiling all the way to the bank!

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  Wonderful Mid SUV - 2013 Ford Edge
  By HeySpanky - January 13 - 5:10 pm

  I wish that the trunk would open higher and I wish the side mirrors were larger. The touch screen entertainment center needs to be revamped as the "buttons" tend to work 80% of the time when touched. Also, attempting to connect a smartphone to the cars Bluetooth can be quite the headache-inducing chore if it works at all. This is a wonderful vehicle. Bravo, Ford.