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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  Great car and great value. - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By phil chen - November 15 - 12:54 am

  Great car and great value.

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  280k miles! - 1998 Ford F-150
  By llamar - November 14 - 9:59 pm

  I bought this truck from the orginal owner about 6 months ago. I wasnt so sure because of the miles but has no problems. I have put around 10k miles and no problems! Original owner says has never even had the alternator replaced! Has had new ball joints but only because of the miles. It now has 280k+ Great mpg for truck at 20mpg and still driving. I trust it to go anywhere! I used to be die hard Chevy. Now I am looking to buy a Ford Expedition, maybe it will be as trustworthy

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  Four Time Explorer Owner - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MLF - November 14 - 8:56 pm

  I have owned four new Explorers: 94, 96, 98 and this 2002. Always liked the size, perfect for my needs. Never had any serious issues and up until recently, the 2002 was by far my favorite. Much better ride and handling. However, have had emissions problem that dealer & Ford cant seem to resolve. Exhaust has had strong sulfur smell that is intolerable. Dealer claims to have resolved now. Also, just had 4WD control module fail. Warranty repaired. They rented me a 2004 Explorer while mine was in shop; transmission very, very jerky. Always been loyal customer but beginning to lose faith and confidence in Ford Explorer. Since out of warranty, considering trading to different brand.

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  Focus on the MPG - 2005 Ford Focus
  By JOL - November 14 - 10:35 am

  I initially purchased the car while in the service in Guam back in 2005, and drove it less than 5,000 miles my first 3 years. Now that Im back in the states, I get to see just how the ZX5 really nandles. I had to replace the original dealership tires at 16,000 miles, otherwise, it runs like a gem. I drove it from Houston to Dallas last week, and still had a quarter tank left when I got there. So, I drove on that 1/4 of gas back to Houston. You do the math. And yes, the AC was on.

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  2002 Explorer is a Lemon - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kassie - November 14 - 2:00 am

  After 3 attempts at transmission repair and 4 times having the rear rack and pinion replaced we finally had to file under the lemon law. The engine would rev high and then lurch into gear, and eventually O/D light flashes and would completely loose 2nd and 5th gears. Ford supposedly flew field engineer down but still unable to get it resolved. NO more Fords for me!

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  Fraud Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Gary Leeman - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I am to be getting this load of junk off of my hands tomorrow. The amenities in the limited trim are very nice, the issue is that they dont last long. To name just a few...the rear wiper no longer works, the radio display is blank, the power drivers seat no longer works, right rear passenger window motor is dead, passenger seat heater is out and the cd player is hit or miss. After all of these years one would have to believe that sooner or later, Ford will finally get it. Trading in on a Honda Pilot tomorrow morning...cant wait.

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  Good vehicle - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By changvictor - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, have never let me down at the most critical moment,is a little slow at steep hills with the 4.6 engine it keeps a good speed at cruising, better mileage in the freeway. have not problems, only a leak AC compresor fixed by manufacturer,good experience, very happy owner.

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  Best Compact SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Wayne Stewart - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The perfect vehicle for me and my wife. Weve always had one car and one truck in the family. We decided this time to get the best of both worlds. I dont regret my choice and purchase. Absolutely no complaints.

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  Built for a man, but made for a woman. - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Globlssd - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my second SUV. It drives better than the Infinite, much smoother. I have over 25,000 miles on my 2002. The only problem I experienced was the heating system going out. It was still under warranty, Ford fixed it, but couldnt explain why it happened. I drive 50 miles each day to work. Considered something with better gas mileage but I love my Escape.

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  The best truck yet! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Alan - November 13 - 11:14 pm

  I have owned my F150 Lariat for a year now. I am coming up on 15,000 miles and have had one very minor problem, a power window switch, it was fixed at no charge with no hassle. I read in many reviews, about a lack of power and a sluggish feeling. My F150 has the heavy duty suspension, limited slip, 3:73 gear ratio and really doesnt do too bad. It has a very smooth powertrain that delivers horsepower evenly through-out the RPM range. Under normal conditions you dont feel the acceleration, then all of a sudden you notice that your doing 80MPH! If I want to accelerate quickly I click off the over-drive and it gets right with it. Im averaging 15-16 MPG, mixed hiway-city driving.