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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  Ford employees told yo help out on mpg - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By truthnow11 - December 21 - 7:11 pm

  I know people who work at Ford, their sales department pushed the engineers to deliver dishonest numbers, that is why 47/47mpg is basically not attainable by anyone, even chief engineer John D. cant get it with John V. at his side. Soon the fueleconomy.gov site will be flooded with people who claim 45-49 mpg, these are employees of Ford Motor company. When I was driving, I try to keep the speed low to maximize electric range and I rarely drive on Interstate, and I was teased by other people for driving like an old lady! Overall mpg is 38.3 mpg, not bad, but I still feel defrauded because I expect 42-45 mpg. :-(

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  Decent Used SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 4x4 Fun - December 20 - 3:36 am

  Had to get a car quickly as I was turning in my lemon 2005 Saturn L300. I passed by a used car lot close to where I live and found my black Exlorer Sport 4x4. So far, this vehicle has been pretty much trouble free and handles decently for a vehicle of this type. I really enjoy having a 2 door and only hope Ford will bring it back.

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  Unexpected - 1997 Ford Escort
  By KC0178 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with about 33,000 miles on it, for my 18 year old son to use in central Florida. We put a CD player in it. Apart from oil changes every 5-7,000 miles, a battery, tires, a change of belts @ 57,000, and a $700 rear end repair when a strut gave out, this car has been through 105,000 miles. The A/C still blows cold. The brakes need replacing. Id say we got our moneys worth out of this car. Too bad they dont make them any more.

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  my review - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By DCFD331 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  well built truck , lots of room for the kids , ride good on the open road passes everything but the gas station

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  Pretty Good SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jeff - December 19 - 9:46 am

  The truck is a solid vehicle. We had trouble with the transmission at 10,000 miles but was handled promptly by the dealership. The only other issue I have is that the front seats on long trips become very uncomfortable for both my wife and me. We use the truck for everything;, skiing, snowmobiling, boating, biking. Really its the perfect sports vehicle; not too big not too small and decent gas mileage.

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  Ford Aspire...Aspiring to be a Real Car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By Bandito - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Ford Aspire (Teal Rocket) for about 3 years now and I must admit that even though I do believe it is the SLOWEST car on the road, it is my favorite car. Its Small and convienient, and still gets the job done. But I have just learned that of my four cylinders, two have next to no compression, I think it is due to working the engine so hard. =)

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  Bye Bye, Pathfinder... - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Wetfly - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Traded in our 03 Pathfinder for a 02 Explorer Limited. My wife says the Pathfinder seemed like a toy compared to the Explorer. We feel much more secure in the Explorer. Fairly smooth, solid ride, comfortable seats, awesome traction control, and tons more room than the Pathfinder. 3rd row seat is roomier than I expected. Interior plastics and trim seem a bit cheap, but everything is laid out well. Good vehicle for a small (but growing) family.

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  Great car for Getting Around - 1995 Ford Escort
  By The Artist - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had some problems with my little scort, but we are working them out. I had a intensly bad problem when I was at an idling speed the car would begin to jolt, this was especially scary on the highway at fast speeds. My mechanic told me that it was the EGR (exhaust gasket registor), it is a emmisiions control device that was causing the exhaust to plug up. Now that I have this problem taking care of I have fallen in love with this car. I am currently adding performance parts under the hood. I also plan on painting it Emerald green in the summer of 2003!

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  the 2nd one - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By bronco chip - December 17 - 2:00 am

  The 1st Bronco that I owned was a 1985 xlt with a 351. This was one helluva truck. After I sold it, I came across a 1996 xlt with only 55k actual miles. This truck was extremely clean and I bought it on the spot. I use it during the winter months to get in to quite muddy areas. During the summer months, I pull a large boat with no problems.

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  Brake light - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Aesops - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Rear collision avoidance light is WELDED to the hatch. To replace costs over $400; sorry engineering. Also, seat belt for rear pax isuncomfortable and constantely locks up.