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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  Little Annoyances, But a Good SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By powderboy - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have 83,000 miles on my 95 XLT, and for the most part I am pleased. The engine/transmission appear to be solid and it runs like a charm. But there have been many little things that have cropped up every year, many of them not so little in terms of cost. With every dealer recommended radiator flush, they also happen to recommend that I REPLACE the thermostat as it tends to break during this service. And this is MY problem? Also, I have had numerous electrical problems resulting in repairs and silly bugs that wont go away. This is also true with the cooling system. I am beginning to look for a new SUV with a little more room, but overall I have been happy with this one.

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  Fun and Practical wagon - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By mrtrout - April 2 - 12:07 am

  I have owned a C-Max for about 2 months and 2000 miles now and overall think this is an excellent hybrid that is often overlooked. I have the base SE model with no options other than blue paint color. The base model is a good value at about $26K. The closest comparable car is the Toyota Prius V. The only advantages the Prius V has are more cargo space and a more thickly padded back seat (but the seat does not fold flat). I liked the C-Max better in all other areas. The C-Max has a lot more power than the Prius and accelerates quickly. The electric motor, engine, and transmission are very responsive and seamless if you have to punch the throttle to merge into traffic quickly.

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  KING of the road - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By corkyk - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 expedition eddie bauer is a good car. Other than a few interior mistakes there are no problems. Gas milage is what you would expect in a large suv, and shouldnt matter in the buying process. When the dvd screen is down, forget about using the rear view mirror. When the sunroof is open all the way the noise level is a little high.

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  A Pleasure to Drive - 2004 Ford Escape
  By RochesterNY - April 1 - 10:00 am

  It looks and handles great. It has a lot of pick-up and has a little extra when you go to pass someone on the highway. We love the interrior space, that was a big selling point. My Wife and I disagree on the comfort. She has found the seats to be very hard and somewhat uncomfortable, but it does not bother me. We drove several other Small SUVs on the market, Honda C-RV, Jeep Liberty, and the Santa Fe. None could match power, pick-up, handling and the over all comfort of the Escape.

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  escape its fun - 2004 Ford Escape
  By susan the buyer - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I looked at several suv and found ford to be the best quailty for ride looks reliability and most important the ford has an excellent star rating for vechile safety

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  fun car - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By russell cilibraise - April 1 - 10:00 am

  its fun to drive

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  Love it, but I did overpay - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By washatkc - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This baby handles well. It is fun to drive and I love the original look. Easy to clean, gas milage for a truck/SUV is solid. I am happy with my Sport-trac, just realize I was over charged. So if you are buying in the KC area beware Rusty Eck.

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  id buy one - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By bud in a ford - April 1 - 2:00 am

  the only problem i have is that i cant change my own spark plugs and do some other typically "simple" services to this vehicle that i can do to some of my other older cars.

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  Beats competition - 1996 Ford Aspire
  By inimcus - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Aspire has higher build quality and performance than competing models in this catagory. While the design of the cars interior and exterior is not awe inspiring or complex, its design is a direct result of functionality. The exterior shape gives ample head room for the average person. The simply sculpted interior is made of durable plastics. This vehicle also has enough pick-up to not leave you behind in city traffic or even the Appalachian Mountian highways. If ou are looking for a inexpensive, reliable, fun to drive car, this may be for you.

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  Fast and Beautiful - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By speed racer 2 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  What can i say that hasnt allready been mentioned about this great little car. For starters, in its time it was the best bang for the buck, and still is ( have you read about the 03 cobra !!). Combnation of V8 pwr. and 5 spd. trans. makes this a FUN CAR TO DRIVE. Put the top down and you have instant bliss.Fox body style ending in 93 is by far the most sought after body with Mustang junkies.Seat of the pants excleration on tap, matched with respectalbe handling makes this a sleeper of a car at the track and the red light. I f your looking for import style. and ride this is not the car for you. If flat out hrs. pwr. is your styly at a blue colar buget that look no farther !