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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  Fun in Wheels - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rvkolako - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for a short time, but I love it! It has great room inside, compared to other suvs in its class. The ride is awsome, and its a quiet car. THE V-6 engine is responsive. Ive previously owned toyotas, so I was surprised that the interior quality is every bit as good as japanes cars. The escape handles very well and you always feel in control. Anyone whos looking for a small suv , would be silly not to check out this american gem!

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  Great car to roll off a cliff - 2003 Ford Focus
  By John Berklon - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is the worst piece of trash I have seen in my life. After 2 months and 5k miles the engine blew out...Great work Ford...Living up to your name of fix or repair daily.

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  Solid Performer - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Dave - April 23 - 9:34 am

  I bought my Escape new and drove it for six plus years. I wanted some of the conveniences (space, height and 4wd) of driving an SUV but was not willing to pay where the next size was priced, did not want horrendous MPG and back in 2002 most large SUVÂ’s still felt like driving a pickup truck. I got what I paid for it was a no thrills solid performer. The car was only in the shop twice for two minor recalls and the well known air sensor. I had the cd changer issue and the moon roof switch that was a pain but I did not ever get annoyed when it happened. It was a great drive as acceleration was excellent and the handling and feel of the SUV felt like I was driving a car.

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  Best in its class! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Miguel toscano - April 23 - 6:49 am

  A gem to drive and own. Superb engine even at low revs. Precise steering and powerful brakes. Comfortable and stylish and reliability is so good that never lets you down! A fine car.

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  IM INFUSED WITH MY FUSION!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By mary jane licardo - April 23 - 1:11 am

  love the car,very sporty looking,silver with black spoke wheels. wow.

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  2002 Ford Sport Track 4WD - Disastrous - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By mworthi - April 23 - 12:53 am

  We purchased a used Sport Trac from CarMax with approx 48,000 miles. Got a great price on the vehicle. Vehicle in great condition at time of purchase. Within 2 years, had to replace the engine in the truck. (Replaced with a case engine, not new.) Today, (08/06/08) the transmission is smoking and appears to be shot. The vehicle is squirrely to drive. Would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. CarMax was great, but Ford was not in the situation. I have an F-150 with almost 200,000 miles, and would not trade it for anything, but Ford really missed it with the Sport Trac! Buyer beware!

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  Worst Car Ever - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Focus SE - April 23 - 12:30 am

  I bought my 2001 Focus in 2002, and have had nothing but problems. I had to have three fuel pumps replaced, which Ford covered the first two for free, and then charged me for the third. The letter I received regarding the recall states they had not yet found a fuel pump that fits in this model, and 7 years later...they still havent. I had to replace three windows due to faulty parts. The final straw was my timing belt and water pump went, which caused the engine to seize up. My Focus is dead at 147,000 miles and the best part is I had just taken it into the Ford dealership two weeks ago, due to it starting rough and stalling, and they couldnt find anything wrong with it!

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  Helpful hints - 2004 Ford F-150
  By black stallion - April 22 - 10:24 pm

  I have been over-all completely satisfied with my F150 even thought I have had to have my tranny rebuilt which is kind of expensive. I am a firm believer that you can get a good one and a bad one in anything and I believe I got the one with the tranny problem, after reading these other reviews I still believe I have a good truck, plan on keeping mine till the wheels fall off then get another one. By the way to all the folks having a problem with break squealing try putting ceramic brake pads one the truck not only does it stop the squealing but I havent had to clean my wheels since putting them on. They leave behind no brake dust.

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  Great SUV--if a little quirky - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Sammybosox - April 22 - 3:00 pm

  Traded in a 2002 4Runner to get the new Explorer. Never looked back. Great interior space--my dogs love it-- and the Audiophile sound system is better than anything Ive heard from the factory. Ride and handling is great, almost no body lean or roll during cornering and power is outstanding. Got the V8, its worth the extra money and the gas. Interior is a little strange looking; the dash is kind of lumpy and the materials look cheaper than they probably are. But fit and finish seem good, and its super quiet. Would recommend the Explorer to anyone looking for a new SUV--and the dealership has been awesome.

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  Found My Dream Car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By HAPPY CAR BUYER - April 22 - 2:56 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned! Gas mileage is awsome for such a large car. The only thing I could say is improve the exterior design, it is so boring!