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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  Many Small Electrical Problems - 1995 Ford Ranger
  By Hurls - February 18 - 12:49 am

  This has been a great truck but I have had many little electrical problems. It started when I tried to use the 4WD for the first time. It didnt work and dealer said the electronic components were never installed at the factory. In 2000 the wipers quit working (electrical problem). In 2001 the door ajar alarm will not shut off and the windshield wash will not work. I think I will try a different make next time.

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  2001 Explorer Sport - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By KFrost - February 17 - 6:20 am

  Fun to drive but too many problems. Timing chain rattle at 43K, steering wheel vibration in parking maneuvers, faulty rear window wiper, and premature rust of rear bumper and side bars. Mechanical problems are covered under certified vehicle and another extended warranty, but Im on my own with exterior surface rusting on a 3 year old vehicle.

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  Not bad so far - 2003 Ford Focus
  By BadAndy - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The Good: Spacious Front/Trunk. Premium Sound with mp3/cd player. Thoughtful moveable driver hand rest/item bin. Power everything AND Cruise control. 6 speed int. wiper. 24/27 mpg w AC, 30/33 mpg w/o AC. Low/Mid highway road noise. The Bad: Gear change hangs/jerks from zero to low-very annoying, thoughtful hand rest not so thoughtful for bigger people (gets in way of seatbelt buckle when down). Trunk lid doesnÂ’t pop all the way up, gets very uncomfortable after long period of driving. The Ugly: The gear change ratio makes an otherwise very peppy, sprightly car feel grossly underpowered.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tom H. - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle yesterday. Love the new design. Much more room overall inside. Comfortalbe seating all the way around. *I read one of the reviews about the rear window exploding. Thats my only concern.

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  Just a Couple of Mistakes - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Marcuso - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Put a CD player back into the base model. Nobody uses tapes much anymore. Secondly, Where is the second power point? I had to buy one at Radio Shack, drill a hole in the dash, and wire it up myself.

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  First hybrid owner - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By TONY M. - February 16 - 9:03 am

  It was the price that got us in the door. Then it was the vehicle, and good salesmanship that kept us there. We drove our Escape Hybrid from Spearfish to Rapid City, and we knew that we had made the right decision. My wife says "It is quiet & relaxing like Grandmoms Studebaker".

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  own 2 Broncos - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By own 2 Broncos - February 14 - 12:47 pm

  Driving west on I-94 in WI, a semi-truck slid into the rear end. Independent repair shop wanted to replace rear bumper which didnt appear damaged. Ford repair person said bumper was fine but when he opened the rear tire carrier the tailgate was pushed in where the carrier attaches to tailgate. I normally dont go to the dealer for repairs but was glad I did as the body shop foreman knew exactly what to look for. 25 years of experience does count when you want your vehicle repaired right.

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  So far So good! - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By leosmane - February 12 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had my 93 SHO for a few months now, and so far so good. I think some people have bad luck with cars and some people dont. This SHO had the same things wrong with it that my previous Taurus had, a window switch is out and it has slow downshifts. (AUTO) The 92 to 95 SHOs have the awesome looks though! Its a poor mans STS, but I like it so far. The performance is pretty good, but Im sure alot of newer cars can beat me. Its fun to SHO off in! Itll smoke em.

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  Looks like an SHO - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By snaptab - February 12 - 12:45 am

  Great 24 valve V6, good acceleration and handling, good interior room and comfort, good exterior appearence, mediocre A/T performance, unexceptional gas mileage, questionable long-term reliability, poor front disc rotor/pad wear. Overall I would recommend, especially at the price. Looks as good as an SHO.

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  A beautiful hypochondriac girlfriend. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By gukin - February 11 - 10:00 am

  We started off well, me and my orange Euro appearance SVT when the clutch starting making odd sounds around 6000 miles. I brought it into the dealer where he replaced the clutch & flywheel. He also borked the exhaust system, alignment, and shift linkage. I brought it back because my SVT steered like a cow and the dealer aligned it and "balanced" the tires. He actually "unbalanced" the tire and now my car shakes like a paint mixer. The shift linkage broke three miles from home so I drove at 6000 RPM in first gear. The dealer repaired the shifter but crashed the front-end which now squeaks like an old rocking chair. Ford built it badly and the dealer has finished it off.