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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  05 Crown Vic Sport - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By GM defector - August 21 - 5:56 am

  After being totally turned off by my 02 Chevy Impala LS sedan, I looked at some imports and then was told to look at a Crown. Wow, I opted for the sport model, and it was worth every penny. This is an unbelievable car that has my peers in there thirties absolutely amazed. They thought that only the older generation would buy this car..I can run circles around their Grand Prix GTs and Camrys and Jettas. Thanks Ford, you have me for life, sorry General Mistake, i meant General Motors!

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  Not Too Bad - 2005 Ford F-150
  By FordTruckGuy - August 21 - 2:28 am

  Ive had my 2005 for about 4 months. When I first bought it, used, the front differential sensor was out and 4WD wouldnt engage. After the fix, its been okay. Mine doesnt have the limited slip and is virtually useless in the snow, even with 4WD engaged. Other than that, the interior is great, ride is nice and it pulls my 23 trailer just fine. (With a bike and generator in the bed.) I have 33" tires and the fuel economy is horrendous. I get 10-12 empty and 6-8 with a trailer. (My trailer is about 4,000 pounds) Ive had 3 previous F150s and they have been better off-road, but not nearly as comfortable as my 2005. Reliability hasnt been as issue with any of them, with normal maintenance.

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  good not great - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By fordfan - August 21 - 2:10 am

  Compared to our 99, it seems Ford had to change some things just for the sake of change. Whats improved: very quiet, great ride, all seats very comfortable, dual zone A/C, reclining 2nd row seat, rear HVAC controls. Should have been left as they were: door pulls, memory seat and heated seat controls (now on the console and not convenient), 2nd row headrest non- adjustable and non-removable(interferes with child seat), side mirrors (clunky looking and do not have full range of travel), console shifter (Id rather use the space for storage), dash design. Some complaints here about dash reflections with the tan interior. This is easily solved with a dark color dash cover.

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  Great little truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By rubydist - August 20 - 11:04 pm

  Now approaching 120,000 miles, and all Ive had to do is brakes, clutch, and 2 iac valves for repairs. It has very comfortable cab, seats and controls, with lots of creature comforts. It handles well and rides well - as much like a sporty car as a truck, yet it can haul a good-sized load. Im getting between 19 and 20 mpg in mixed use driving. The 4-door cab is an excellent feature, making it much easier to get stuff in and out of the back of the cab. Overall, an excellent small pickup.

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  Plan on anti-anxiety drugs! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By sad and broke - August 20 - 10:13 pm

  I bought the car new, looking for an alternative to a minivan. It is the most comfortable car Ive ever driven. I had several recalls, but most distressing was engine failure at 114K. I replaced the engine and got a 75K guaranty, only to have it fail again at 140K. In addition to the repair costs, I had to rent a car since there was no loaner provided. I replaced the engine, then traded it in on an Impala, and have heard from my mechanic that the engine has failed in the year since I traded in. I cant understand how a car with about 170K can be on its 4th engine. My first Ford, an Escort,was a great car. I mistakenly thought getting the Taurus would be a step up.

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  Pay the Price for High Mileage - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jm - August 20 - 6:00 pm

  Have put on 35K/year but at a price. First rear tie rods, then transmission, then rear wheel bearing, then front wheel bearing, then rear end, then emergency brake 2 times and now at 174K the rear end needs to be replaced (again) along with the rear springs. This is from the same company that makes the Crown VIC. 200K and going strong. My expecatations were too high for this vechile. When it was brought for major failure the dealership didnt bother to do any diagnostic work. Just replaced it. Now based upon what i have read here. I can see why!

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  Not bad at all - 2005 Ford Focus
  By nichole - August 20 - 1:09 pm

  Definitely not a bad car. Only problem is when the alternator went up. Scared the crap out of me and seemed a little ironic that it happened with less than 20,000 miles on the car, but whatever. Not too impressed at needing new tires at 20,000 either. Partial blame on the dealer for not doing it and then the other half on myself for not knowing to ask. Handling is pretty good and parking is really easy. Not thrilled with the road noise at high speeds but Ill take that over having to turn off my AC to get moving above 30 mph in my old car.

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  What was Ford thinking? - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By NicoleN - August 20 - 11:07 am

  Bought this car used with 125k miles on it. Within a year my transfer case was shot and I needed a new one. Ive replaced my brakes multiple times and have only had it 3 years. My muffler got very loud and when I had it fixed the mechanic told me that for the 97 they completely changed the muffler and then changed it back in 98 because they probably figured out it was bad news. Last but not least, my timing chain just blew and when the mechanic looked at it, he said What the hell was Ford thinking when they did this? Theres 4 chains that need to be replaced and you have to remove the motor to change them because they are all over. I dont wish this on anyone.

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  Ford, some mods and keep going. - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Dragon Fly - August 20 - 11:00 am

  I brought it on 2000 no major repairs, just regular maintenance and every 60k miles timing belt service and plugs. They are not fuel savers but extremely good machines. Imagine 6 years running on nitrous once a week without breaking anything.

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  Gas mileage not as good as expected. - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Jody Saylor - August 20 - 10:48 am

  Great upgrade to many parts of the vehicle. i like the new body style from the previous more boxy style. The road noise is much more quite then it used to be. the only down fall was the gas mileage was not as good as to be expected. i averaged about 22/23 including hwy driving. i noticed i filled up more often. Otherwise, its a great vehicle. Plenty of room!