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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  Died 2 miles off the lot - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Sam-Wise - November 21 - 11:20 am

  We had a supposed "this has never happened in the history of Ford" breakdown. The high pressure fuel pump stopped working two miles after my wife left the car lot upon final paperwork of buying the vehicle. The Ford Pass app works on Apple and Android devices. We ended up getting rid of our Microsoft phones, because NO ONE CARES about this issue! NO ONE at the dealership gave us any information on phone numbers to call for help if the vehicle breaks down. The only information we had was our salesmans cell phone#. He came to our aid, and made sure we got the vehicle towed back to the dealership. He made sure we had a loaner vehicle for the 18 days we had to wait for the service department to figure out what went wrong, to order the parts, to get an emergency order on a back ordered part, install the four parts needed for this particular pump, and then test drive our brand new vehicle. It had less than 60 miles on it when it died. They fixed it. We own it. We now have just over 10,000 miles on it, and the dealership barely knows who we are anymore. We get conflicting email notices concerning when to bring it in for maintenance, and a part that was supposed to have been put on order when we did bring it in for the 10,000 mile checkup just over two weeks ago has yet to arrive at the dealership. Who knows when that part will come in, and then we have to bring the car in for that part to be replaced. Supposedly, it will only take 30 minutes to replace, but it took over 4 hours to get an oil change and the first maintenance check, even with an appointment in place...

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  Bouncing around - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By papasmack - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought the sport trac because of its looks, size and features and think that it will suit my purposes of light hauling. I think the interior is average and a bit dated, and pales in comparison to the new f150 interior. I really enjoy the power rear window and its driving comfort. However, I must say suspension has the truck jumping all over on bumpy roads. I would really love this truck if the ride was a bit smoother and not as skiddish.

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  Cant believe I like this truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 1st time ford owner - November 18 - 10:00 am

  My first Ford, My first American Car, and My first Truck. Overall Im very happy with this vehicle, but I find myself looking for excuses to take my wifes car out for a spin. Although I appreciate the versatility and truck- like capabilities of the Explorer I might have been happier in a sport wagon like an A6 Avant, Passat or Subaru Outback. At 38k miles, its never been back to the dealer. I change the oil myself since noone will put in the recommended 5-20 it calls for. Tires look like theyll last another 15-20k. Dont by the V-6. The V-8 is only slightly more and gets virtually the same mpg and even the V-8 is under- powered.

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  2004 Ford Explorer XLS 2WD - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ESanchez - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is truely built "Ford Tough." It lives up to the standers that the Ford Motor Company is known for. The XLS model is built for 5 and is confortable for a small family that requires a spacious vehical. The fuel economy is ok for an SUV and its also very confotable. This is a vehical for a family with a smaller budget that wants to enjoy a quality vehical!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tom Mikulski - November 18 - 1:46 am

  This vehicle has not received a lot of publicity and I dont know why. It has been, in the short time Ive owned it, a solid vehicle with better than average fuel mileage, comfort and performance. We are getting ready to take it on a 1200 mile trip and I look forward to the ride.

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  oh, the ambivalence! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By readyiv - November 16 - 10:00 am

  There is so much to laud about my Splorer. To wit: Firm, contoured and supportive seats with terrific leg support. Easy control placement especially with the controls conveniently placed on the steering wheel. Responsive auto temp control. Tons ocargo room. Idiot-proof AWD system that chuckles at snow. The heated seats are fantastic. In the "humpf" category - A jarring, teeth- rattling ride on most surfaces. A voracious fuel appetite for its strong but unrefined V8. Shoddy rear wiper system. Overall - good value for the money but be prepared for a trucklike ride combined (assuming a V8) with the fuel economy of a 747.

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  Four Months with my Ford 500 Limited - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By L Jackman - November 16 - 2:46 am

  Im happy with the car. I had an SUV for 6 years, loved it. This is a nicer ride, smooth; I love the high seating---good road visibility and comfort. I never thought I would buy a Ford---Im totally impressed and recommend this to anyone looking for a larger vehicle.

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  2005 Escape is well worth the $$$$ - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ladyescape - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is living up to my expectations. Although the cruise control went out on a trip, the vehicle has performed well. Unfortunately, the seats (covered in cloth) are easily soiled. Mine came soiled. So you might want to consider fabric protection treatment.

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  Very happy - 2013 Ford Escape
  By david1888 - November 12 - 7:12 am

  Just bought my new 2013 Ford Escape SE model. I really like the new design and ofcourse the great mpg. So far no problems at all! Dont get some of the negativer reviews, but I guess everyones differant.

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  Love It - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By boxerboi71 - November 10 - 5:13 am

  I love my 2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. It rides great and has great heat, a/c, and radio. The seats are comfortable and the ride it smooth. Handling is good too. The only thing I would rather have other than my 2004 Explorer is the 2006 Explorer.