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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  The Great Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JaLester - May 28 - 8:50 am

  We really love our Escape. It has been nothing short of amazing, and I am so glad we didnt buy something else. The Escape is very reliable, handles great and looks good.

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  Vrooom - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Cowboy Ed - May 27 - 5:03 pm

  I love the car. Turns heads at stop lights, the mall and grocery stores. I have 200,000 miles original engine. Replaced cluth and turn signals work sometimes. A/C went out at 110,000 miles. Fun to drive. Terrible in rain and snow. Fish tailing is too common.

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  2000 Focus SE Sedan - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Stewart - May 27 - 4:52 pm

  I bought this car back in 2005, with 23K Miles on it. It now has 63K miles. I had the coil spring on the driver side snap. In 2007 I had the ingition go out, I wasnt able to turn the key to start the car, that was around $300 to replace. But to be honest, thats the only thing Ive really had go wrong with the car, well.. the paint on the side molding on the pax door came off, I have no idea why, now its just a black strip. Overall though, I would buy this car again, its very well built

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Pam - May 27 - 3:31 pm

  Ive put 56,000 miles on mine the 2.5 years Ive owned it, and have required only scheduled maintenance, new tires, and brake pad replacement. I think its a great for an all-around small utility, not luxury, SUV. I have front wheel drive model, does great in snow. For what I needed and could afford, a pretty good buy. Id prefer another Honda, but couldnt afford the used ones. I hope I get at least 200,000 miles out of it.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By M. Goodwin - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle for road trips. Three of us drove to Kansas from Virginia and back and all were very comfortable. It sits at just the right height and handling in general is very smooth and easy, especially when cornering.

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  The best SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By HCBBAGGINS - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the best Suv. I have the 2003 Ford Escape 4x4 Limited fully loaded. The color is True Blue with Tan Leather interior. Of all the Suvs I test drove this one handles the best and has alot of pick up. It also has the most opitions in its class.

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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By tamo - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Coolant light too closely resembles battery light. Gear shifter gets in the way of changing the radio...thats about it!

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  best car I ever owned - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By stranger 150 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is the best car that I have ever owned and there have been alot of them. This car by far is my overall pick for quality as well as sporty look.

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  2002 XLT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By D Stone - May 27 - 2:00 am

  A Great SUV.. good milage, good power and great comfort.... nice job Ford.

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  2003 Explorer Limited V8 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Scott T. - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, very comfortable and rides nice.