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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  6 years, no problems - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Trog - March 7 - 5:43 pm

  For 2 people, the Bronco is the best hauling/off road/heavy utility truck Ive seen. Now that I have a 6 month old son, the drawback of the two door design is apparent (the high step and limited forward travel of the front seat makes loading him into a rearward facing car seat nearly impossible). Towing horses, however, is a snap.

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  Overall Value - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Pmac - March 7 - 1:12 pm

  My Contour has treated me well. The heater switch failure was recalled and the cupholder was redesigned (97) to not spill on your passenger when taking left hand turns. After 96, Ford made 15" wheels standard for a smoother ride and eventually the 6 cylinder was standard. Why Ford discontiues a car if all the bugs are worked out, I dont know. Maybe the Engineers are bored have to "Focus" on some other problem. My Contour still handles and runs well at 92000 miles.

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  MY BABY - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By FRAN BEITIA - March 7 - 10:00 am

  BRAKING SYSTEM COULD USE SOME BETTER DESIGN. OVERALL, VEHICLE IS EXCELLENT.

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  its my second one - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By 2 TIME OWNER/LOVER - March 7 - 10:00 am

  MY RED EDDIE BAUER IS AWESOME! MY WIFE AND FAMILY LOVE IT. ALTHOUGH ITS GAS MILEAGE SUCKS, IT HAS MANY SAFETY AND COMFORT DETAILS. THE DVD/TV KEEPS THE KIDS NICE AND QUITE. TAKE IT ON A LONG TRIP & YOU REALY APPRECIATE IT. I LEASED IT WHEN THE LEASING DEALS WERE NOT TOO GOOD. NOW THEY ARE GREAT. ITS A LOOKER , HEADS TURN, ITS SAFE AND COMFORTABLE AND VERSITLE.

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  escape-great mini SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jeannhany - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my escape-popular XLT 03 for 3 months now. Its handling and ability to maneuver on curvy roads is far better than my previous car...Ford Explorer Sport. Its slightly smaller, though Ive been able to fit my camping and travelling equipment with no noticeable difference. Its more fuel efficent than the mid-size SUVs which is a big plus. My only complaints are the awkward positioning of the gear shift and lack of lumbar support/comfort of the front seats. I love the back seats ability to fold forward for extra space as needed. Need I say that it is one of the more attractive mini SUVs?

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  BEST COMPACT TRUCK - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By REIDA WESTON - March 7 - 10:00 am

  IV ONLY HAD MY RANGER EDGE FOR ONE MONTH AND I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH IT I KNOW I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION ON PURCHASING THIS TRUCK. ITS FUN TO DRIVE AND EVERYWHERE I GO PEOPLE STARE AT IT. THE EXTERIOR IS SO GOOD LOOKING I CANT BELIEVE ITS A COMPACT TRUCK. I HAD AN EXPLORER BEFORE THIS AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BEST VEHICLE IVE EVER OWNED. IT HELPED ME TO DECIDE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD. I BOUGHT GM FOR 30 YEARS AND THE LAST THREE WAS NOT IMPRESSIVE. THE ONLY PART I AM "NOT HAPPY" WITH IS THE GAS MILEAGE. MY EXPLORER GOT 21-22 MILES PER GALLON AND THIS SMALL TRUCK GETS ONLY 15-19. I HAVE THE FUEL FLEX 3.0 V6.

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  2003 Ranger XL 5 Spd 2.3L - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By dchinn - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Pros: low price ($9700 OTD), full instrumentation, good mpg cons: low power, slow acceleration, choppy turns and cornering.

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  Family Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By salene75 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I like this car. However, I have been disappointed by several things lately. It just came out of warranty, so of course, parts have begun to fail. I already had to replace the entire brakes, including rotors. Some parts of the interior have begun falling apart and the car is vibrating very badly when it is driven over 50 mph. Also, it is not what you would call a quiet ride. It is VERY loud inside during highway driving. I dont neccesarily regret that I bought this car, however I wouldnt purchase it again. Next time I will go for something that has a better reliabiltiy record like a Honda or Toyota.

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  Been a good one so far - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By edeverhart - March 7 - 8:53 am

  I recently bought my Explorer and so far it has been a very enjoyable experience. The vehicle is very dependable and fun to drive. I like the look of the vehicle and the interior design. My only complaint is the fuel economy. I average around 18.5 to 19 mpg. I would have liked to seen a little better gas mileage. Overall I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  1992 F150 XLT Supercab 5.8L - 1992 Ford F-150
  By JLMcDaniel - March 6 - 5:02 pm

  Good power from 5.8L engine, but poor fuel economy (12-14 mpg city/hwy). Comfortable front captains chairs, rear seat very uncomfortable for adults. Replaced both fuel pumps (dual tanks), and rare situation of a intake manifold bolt rusting in two resulting in a coolant leak at 43,000 miles required removal of cylinder head to extract portion of bolt. No other problems.