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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  Where Did Quality Go - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Tinsley - October 6 - 6:00 pm

  I can only evaluate the 2003 Explorer by comparing it to my previous 1994 Explorer. In short, the 1994 Explorer was a quality vehicle. No major problems were experienced during the 9 years (108,000 mi) I owned it. On the other hand the 2003 Explorer has been a maintenance nightmare! The following items were replaced: light switch, back window motor, universal joints, then complete drive shaft, front wheel bearings, emergency brake parts. The rear end was replaced twice and then TSB 05-23-3 was installed all with the same results-- the rear end whine always returned after a few thousand miles. Where did Fords quality workmanship go? The 2003 Ford Explorer is a substandard vehicle!

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  I love this truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By joe - October 6 - 11:44 am

  I bought this truck from my father 3 years ago. I love it. Besides normal maintanance the only thing that has gone wrong with it is the alternator died in it at about 150,000 miles. It now has 185 and I still get 18-20 mpg from my 4.2 v6. My father has an 07 Ram with the 4.7 v8 and my truck can tow the same things and haul what it does all with 2 less cylinders and I pay almost 15 bucks less a week for gas and I got a bigger gas tank. I can go close to 600 miles on a tank

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  Great First Car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By JonFromSiouxCity - October 6 - 8:36 am

  I bought my 95 Taurus GL in the summer of 2005 since the 93 Aerostar I had caught fire. The price was right but I wasnt sure about it at first. It seemed like a big car and wasnt the "cool" thing to drive. But it grew on my pretty quick. Ive been in several accidents in the time Ive had it (nicknamed her Doris) and Ive walked away from every one. Its big enough to comfortably carry 6 people at a time, which I love. The ride and handling are incredible for a car of its age. The tranny doesnt shift real smooth, however. One problem has also been some of the interior amenities, like the trunk and gas release mechanisms dont work and the power seat gives me trouble once in a while.

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  Why am I driving a Ford? - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By T in Miami - October 5 - 10:27 pm

  Honeymoon period was over too quickly. Although I love driving it--great pick- up at start up and highway--the problems soon began. Electrical malfunctions: Windows, power seats get stuck when adjusting, a/c sometimes dose not turn on, etc. But the worst-- the transmission. The transmission rises to 2 revolutions and revs there all by itself. It gets stuck in 2nd, and I often (more often lately)have to pull over. Car also turned off (at 25 mph) while driving and all functions were stuck--very scarey when steering and brakes dont work! Technicians finally reparied after three weeks-- say it can happen with any car. I dont buy that.

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  Old Faithful - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By dino - October 5 - 7:19 pm

  We have loved this vehicle. We bought it with 108k, have 165k now. With three kids it has worn well, but showing signs of age. Ultimately it has met its death with me due to "electrolysis", which is not uncommon in this line of Fords I understand - there is a grounding fault that develops and the current causes the antifreeze to corrode the heater core, which we have replaced 4 times now. The frequency keeps increasing so we are parting ways for another expedition. It tows our camper wonderfully.

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  94 T-Bird 4.6 liter - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By Curt - October 5 - 6:01 pm

  Great fun, acceleration, handling and more. Not enough cup holders is only gripe. 16 to 20 mpg overall, mostly city.

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  My Little Pony - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Punkin - October 5 - 2:29 pm

  I got this car last year with only 23,000 miles on it. I love this car. Its a 40th anniversary edition. I love it. I only travel from work to home and thats about a 5 minute drive for me. It runs well. Never had a problem. Its just a beautiful car. I like this car better than the newer models.

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  Even Better Than I Expected - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Hazz - October 5 - 11:40 am

  We bought this vehicle for practical reasons but have been impressed with how comfortable and fun to drive it is. It receives constant glances and questions - and all of them have been very favorable.

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  Best all around vehicle ever - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Scott - October 5 - 11:10 am

  Bought used with 57,000 miles, now have 157,000. Great ride height. Lots of room. Great towing. Fantastic in snow and off road. Extremely dependable. A lot of people complain about mileage but I get 18-20 on highway and 15-17 in town. I use synthetic fluids. With so many miles i have been looking for a different vehicle. Checked out Explorers, Expeditions, Tahoes, Jeep Grand Cherokees, Subaru Outbacks. If I were only to use Edmunds reviews, I would buy another full size Bronco before any of the others. Ford should bring back. But from reviews of other Ford products, they wouldnt be able to make them this way anymore.

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  Great car - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Matthew Smrzlick - October 5 - 11:03 am

  We purchased this car with 150,000 miles. It now has 364,000 miles and if still going fine except for the transmission and transfer case. It is so shot that it actually causes it to overheat while trying to shift. You have to drive it like a manual. You start off in first and work your way to drive. It actually makes this humming noise like it is an electric car. Other than that it runs fine.(We can only go to school and back though or else it over heats). The only other complaint is that the windows fall off the tracks too much and we have given up trying to keep the on track. Also the locking mechanism in the door handle fell out and had to be replaced and the hinge is messed up.