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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  Ranger Reliability - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Lone Ranger - August 20 - 10:12 am

  11 years old with 234,000 miles with only normal repairs, brake pads, alternator and battery. The 4 cylinder is not powerful but is reliable.

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  NO NO NO - 2003 Ford Focus
  By emcorcoran - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is a nice looking car but it seems that every 1000 miles or so something breaks down on it. At 600 yes 600 miles i needed a new trans. at 1500 i needed a new electrical system and to this day it still isnt fixed. The handling in the snow sucks. I would not buy another one of these ever again!!!!

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  Focus Review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By joao - August 20 - 2:00 am

  The Focus ZX5 is an excellent inexpensive alternative to large or fuel inneficient vehicles. The focus is ergonomically built from the ground up, leaving you with a positive "big-car- like" sensation all around. Ford credit was able to offer a cahs back incentive with ZERO down. Great job!

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  fun to drive - 2002 Ford Focus
  By andrew99 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  pretty good. very stable, better than most japanese cars. not enough power though.

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  What a mistake...... - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By jusmc - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Sport in the fall of 1999. I was happy at first but oh how things have changed. The gas mileage is horraid, all the recalls form the tires to the problem with the windshield wiper/turn signal electric box (3 times there) and then the problems with the ride quality. When taking turns it feels as if im going to lose control of the car and tumble over making me feel unsafe. And now that I have gotten to over 40,000 miles the engine is giving me problems. The only good thing about buying a Ford is Ford Credit, other than tht I will never buy a Ford again. It seems all the old sayings are true ...

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  Completely Satisfied - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By billux - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I wrote an excellent review of this vehicle, but because of Edmunds limit of 700 characters, you wont get half of the valuable info that I wrote about this vehicle!! The 4.6 L V/8 is _. The 4WD system works _. Stability is_ as are the brakes, even while trailering. The 290 watt sound system on the EB version is __! I opted for the 5 passenger version which has __ cargo space. I just wish Ford had offered a __option on the EB as they now do on the new Lincoln Aviator. Maybe some day! Ive been following all the strange problems that folks have experienced with the new version Explorers in the Town Hall chats. Lets hear from you on this.

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  Stealth cop cruiser! - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Larry H. - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I love the look on peoples faces when they slow down behind me to make sure it isnt an unmarked cop car. Power. Just put your foot down to the firewall - and HOLD ON! The fabric on the drivers seat is showing wear. On long trips there is not another car on the road which brings such pleasure to drive. I cant wait to buy a 2003 Sport model!!!

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  A great vehicle! - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Orion8 - August 20 - 12:09 am

  I had been planning to upgrade to a large SUV and found that the Expedition offered the best mix of features, utility and value. I found a fully loaded, low mileage model and have been thoroughly pleased with the purchase. The ride is extremely smooth, elegant and quiet. The power adjustable seat is comfortable and easy to customize. The handling is surprising easy for such a large SUV. The vehicle came with second row captains seats, which makes access to the third row very convenient. The engine has more than enough power for easy and quick acceleration. Gas mileage is about 16 mpg in the city. Dealers are practically giving these away due to high gas prices. Now is the time to buy!

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  Great Every Day Truck - 2007 Ford F-150
  By My Ford F 150 - August 19 - 10:53 pm

  Overall great truck. Sits nice and high rides well. At 62" interior room is top notch. Looks great though leather seats could be more plush

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  Third Explorer - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By J D - August 19 - 8:05 pm

  Each of my Explorers I have purchased new. 1994,2003,2008 and each have been much improved from the previous. I still own the 2003. The 08 is definitely a flagship, very comfortable, some cheap shortcuts though have me disappointed. The chrome clad wheels, I didnt realized till purchased but come on Ford this are very cheesy. Each one of my previous Explorers all top of the line have had solid chrome or aluminum wheels. If I would have realized this I probably would not have bought it. Another disappointment is the cheap interior. For 42000 it should be plush. But overall the ride is great and seats comfortable, plenty of power with the V8. I like the new one more everyday.