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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  It takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 1991 Ford Escort
  By scortman - April 27 - 3:06 pm

  I love my Escort LX. I drive 80 mi. per day round trip and get 33mpg city. The car was given to me by a friend in 8-06. It sat for 9 mo. Before I put a new battery in it started it up. Ive replaced the starter, tiresstruts, brakes recently the timing belt broke and I was told it was beyond repair because the camshaft was locked and possible piston and valve damage. It would cost more than the car was worth to repair. With nothing to lose, I managed to turn the camshaft backward and free it, put a new timing belt on and away we go. Runs like a champ. With gas prices rising every day (currently 3.60) my Escort is not for sale. Its a tough little car. With routine care it should run for ever.

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  First truck and lovin it! - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By richardheppner - April 27 - 2:11 pm

  This is my first pickup and Ive enjoyed it. I have a 2000 that I picked up from the inlaws for little to nothing. It only had 30,000 miles and was hardly driven for a couple of years. So I got what I considered a super deal, and a great truck like brand new. Ive had nothing but just a serpintine belt go bad and replaced. Super reliable!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Terry - April 27 - 12:58 pm

  I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2003, I own the ZX2 model. Its a peppy car for a 4 cylinder but yet it still gets good gas mileage. Ford should bring this vehicle back into production I believe that it would boost their sales with any age group. The car handles well, it does shake a little while idiling, but I would definetely reccomend this car to anyone looking for a used car. It has a great sound system and comfortable front seats.

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  King Ranch Rules - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Seniorchief Ret. - April 27 - 10:00 am

  The ride and handling are like driving are great. This 4X4 rides more like a luxury auto than a truck. I have only owned it for a short period but will really get to test it this fall when I go hunting.

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  All the mechanics agreed.... - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Sarah - April 27 - 6:51 am

  that this make of car is very poor. They know, because they repair this car so often.I should have listened to my dad, he said the car was junk and it really was. since the very beginning, the car had problems with transmission, broke in May 2007, the alternator, the catalytic sensor, the catalytic converter, etc. I invested $4000 in repairs. but I had enough, I divorced my car I cant have this constant stress about what will be next and really be stressed out about the cost. Also the interior is bad quality, thing are tearing apart. Sound is bad. Advice: before buying this car, ask mechanics and you will change your mind. Buy a good car, a Subaru or Toyota.

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  I Love the 2008 Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike - April 27 - 4:26 am

  I looked at several other Ford options including the Edge and opted for the 2008 Escape because of the overall lighter vehicle weight and somewhat smaller duratec 4 valve engine. This CUV is really excellent. Great new IP and we have the Sun and Sound package with satellite radio and a plug-in for my iPod. It is awesome. There is loads of places to put things with the Rear Cargo Convenience package. The center console has a drop-in insert that holds audio/cell phone stuff. When you remove this insert you can put lesser used items in the space just below the insert. Maps fit very well in map pockets. It handles very well and has RSC, roll stability standard.

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  Replaced my diesel - 2008 Ford F-150
  By JM - April 26 - 11:41 pm

  Bought this truck to replace my 2008 6.4L diesel,which was nice,but did not fit my current needs as a daily driver. Current truck is KR F-150, fully-optioned. I have been impressed. Runs well, a little short on power, but really smooth and still torquey 5.4L engine. Frame and overall build integrity is very strong. Have tested and/or driven most of the competition and still,to me,Ford has the top overall offering for reliability and "truck performance." Still looks good has stayed fresh in styling. Some minor assembly issues which are being remedied at dealer nothing major here. Not a diesel when towing but a great daily driver. Mileage acceptable at 16.5 combined--better than expected.

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  No more Fords for me - 2002 Ford Escape
  By kathy - April 26 - 11:23 pm

  I love driving my Escape. I am short and can see out of it better than anything Ive driven before. The electrical problems are driving me crazy. After many visits to the dealer, they finally found that caulk had come loose and I had a gallon of water on my fuse box. Supposedly resealed and replaced the fuse box. Two months later I had it back in for the same problems, radio going off and on by itself, even when car is off, horn going off, trouble lights on for no reason. Said they cant find any problems and gave it back to me unfixed. Have contacted Ford and they wont do anything to help, so am buying a Honda on Monday. Im sorry to say that Ford has lost another customer.

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  1997 Probe GTS 5 spd - 1997 Ford Probe
  By 97gts - April 26 - 9:07 pm

  Its like my compact little jet fighter. Quick agile and fun car. I have added aftermarket performance parts. The car is no rocket ship but its been a good reliable car albiet its 11 years old now and starting to show its age

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  What the ???? - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Brazil08 - April 26 - 10:52 am

  Have had problems with rear differential leaking since the first week we had it. It was used and past the warranty so we paid to have it repaired. It was leaking again in a month and is still leaking. We live overseas so I searched online for a diagram to match up with the Portuguese part terms to make sure I order the right things. I was shocked at the amount of websites I found with people having the same problem. Also had emergency brake removed last month and saw others with same problem. Radio has issues with CDs sticking and transmission feels like its slipping. Have not had hatch crack. Squeeking sound from rear over bumps and in front when steering even though maint. is current.