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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  Well equipped, but problematic - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Matt Wolvington - July 21 - 12:20 pm

  I bought my 06 Freestyle new in Florida. Love driving the car, and hauling 5 kids (in carseats) in it. Only issues with car is the rubber door molding keeps falling off, the rear brakes need replacement again (replaced under warranty at 26000 mi) at 52000 miles (Front pads are original), and vehicle goes into "reduced power mode" anytime it gets a bad sensor reading. This means the RPMs wont go over 2500 and 0-60 times are around 30 sec. Last time it happened, I turned off the car and restarted it to fix. The time before that I had to replace the air filter (no, it was not the orig.) Also, occasionally, the engine will surge in reverse making it difficult to not hit something.

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  Poor Quality and Dealership Service - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By kgkdh - July 21 - 10:13 am

  It is an expensive car and silly us, we expected good quality and service. It is a real shame considering that we owned an Explorer before this car (and many other Ford cars) and trusted the brand and dealership. Not anymore. After owning the new $35K car for only four months, the dimmer switch went bad, smelling of burnt rubber whenever the lights were on. The smell was choking and we couldnt even drive the car. The dealership wouldnt even give us a loaner car during the repair! Now 4 weeks later, the smell in the car is back, and the lights are blinking. They gave us a hard time again about a loaner car. Poor dealership service. Poor reliability. We are very disappointed in Ford

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  Great Truck!! Review By Picky Car Buff - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Gary Marchlewicz - July 21 - 10:00 am

  No problems after 54K miles. Very solid construction. My Chevys never go this long without needing repairs. I have the smaller V6. Pleanty of power, but not a racer. The ride is rough, but Its a truck! The under carriage is looking a little rusty. The paint still looks great. I am 6 4" tall. This truck is a little too cramped for me. My wife and I vacation in it every year anyway. I want to move up to an expedition, but I dont want to give up my perfectly reliable little truck. I had the Firestones replaced with Pirelli Scorpions. Awesome tires! Its only 2 wheel drive. I load up 240 Lbs of sand tubes in the winter . Cuts right through the snow!!

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  Good domestic suv - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By john 25 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this particular vehicle for only several months, but I am very impressed with the way this vehicle handles and accelerates even though it has the 6 cyl engine. Steering is very good for a "truck", and the brakes are outstanding also. Gas mileage has improved from about 15mpg to between 18 to 20 mpg. On a recent 375 mile trip to maine the seats remained supportive and on center tracking was very good. The optional 3rd row seating stows away very nicely allowing plenty of versatility.

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  st - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By nightrider55 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  love my truck,have added $1000 in after- market parts. this is the only truck ford has made and never had to advertise it has sold on looks and owners praises

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  MyEscape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By stam2828 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  own v4 5spd xls for exactly one year with 15000 miles. cannot conclude reliability due to shortness of ownership, but no problems so far. impress with price to value and mpg. very roomy inside, great headroom and good trunk space for mini-sub. ideal for small family that requires childseats. shifts smoothly, however engine has "stalling" feeling when coming to a stop. ride is a bit bumpy but expected for a suv. engine noise also a bit loud but ok with me to drown out crying kids!

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  Mixed bag - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Norskie - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Mixed feelings: My wife (its her van) loves it. In all fairness its been reliable and strong running, no problems with engine, tranny or electrical. For all the bulk and weight mileage is no worse than expected, and it is responsive and powerful. Safety rating is wonderful. However, sheet metal seems very weak, dings appear at the lightest touch of someones door or shopping cart. Interior wears FAST, seats are just plain cheap. Sagging and worn looking at 45k, were never comfortable in the first place.

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  Freestyle is the best! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Clifford McKinstry - July 21 - 8:30 am

  After 5 Windstars since 1995, the Freestyle meets all of my needs, and is a delight to drive both locally and on trips. Very comfortable and has all the power I need. The CVT is a delight.

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  Larrys Fourth Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Larry - July 20 - 10:33 pm

  Sounds great for a six cylinder. Great pick-up/power for a six cylinder - plenty of power. Not too pricey for a sporty car like this - reasonably priced. Good buy for the money. Shaker 500 sound system sounds great. Gas mileage - about 20 mpg around town - is satisfactory. Ive had Camaros, Trans-Ams, a Corvette, and Mustangs, and this is my favorite so far.

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  Most Reliable Car Ever - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By bill ward - July 20 - 1:58 pm

  Bought used at 27000 miles. I added 116000 mostly highway miles. The car has been flawless - I havent had to do anything except routine maintenance, with the exception of 1 inexpensive broken anti-sway bar.