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:

• 

  GT fun - big bang for the buck! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Jack - March 30 - 4:05 pm

  I have owned a lot of cars including classics but this little one really shines. Engine really comes to life after 2800 RPM . 15" 60s tires & sport suspension make the car stick to the pavement, especially on winding roads. Bought this for $1,700 with Pwr moon roof, wdw,locks, & CC with only 60K. 1 owner car! Replace brakes & exhaust myself. Car has been real reliable and fun. Suspension is tight unlike reg Escorts so youll feel the bumps a bit. Not the most refined drive train, but like I said fun to drive, and has guts! Very decent on gas & burns regular. So, what more do you want for the price. Great on the Hwy too! If you can find a good GT, buy it. Theyre hard to find!

• 

  Buyers beware... Be very aware! - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Just say NO!!!! - March 30 - 11:05 am

  My wife and I bought this used nightmare, from one of the largest Ford dealers in the country. We were attracted by its good looks and many great family options like the entertainment package. I had owned a 1998 windstar before, which was a complete lemon (transmission failure) but I had heard Ford greatly improved this van (false) we only owned this 2003 windstar van for 7 months as of yesterday when we traded it in at the Toyota dealership. Just cant afford to put any more alternators, batteries, electrical components on this van to keep it going with 60,000 miles plus I didnt even get into the from end shimming at road speeds. Low cost to buy but ridiculous ownership cost to keep on the road.

• 

  no memory settings for drivers seat? - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By robbin - March 30 - 8:43 am

  overall,like the styling the most-most of these sized suvs look very similiar. i had a 2005 buick that had driver 1 and driver 2 memory settings-cmon Ford,by 2013 you shouldve caught up...jeesh,maybe on higher trim levels...other than that,ride is comfortable,road noise acceptable,touch screen annoying,no kids to use 3rd row-so dont care bout that-actually using/liking the mini trunk space under that row of seats,....and what is that little compartment on the side,all the way in the back for? Fuel economy is ok-about the same as other suvs i looked at (kia sorrento,ford edge,mazda cx-9,) quieter than hondas popular cr-v-more power too-but not as quiet as the acura mdx-but big difference in price..cant comment on reliability yet-havent had it long enough,but after all the explorers ford has built-hopefully they have it sorted out.

• 

  My new small SUV - 2008 Ford Edge
  By Sharon - March 30 - 6:35 am

  At first I was a little worried about down sizing from the Ford Expedition that I have had for 5 years, but I now love it. It would be even better if it got better gas mileage. I love how it handles and looks. I think the engine sounds a little funny but I think it is because it is a 6 cyl. Overall I love it..

• 

  Crown Vic - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By marjorie holder - March 30 - 2:13 am

  We have driven this vehicle and had only one problem on the road. It was taken care of by the tow truck driver. It involved the starter and once it was started we simply did not turn it off until we got back to our dealer and it was fixed under warranty. We chose it for its comfort and handling. We consider it next to the Town Car.

• 

  Loved my first one so much, bought 2nd - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Dr Dean - March 30 - 12:01 am

  Purchased an 07 Focus SE 4 Sdn (Kiwi Green Met.) for the wife in Feb 08. After driving it on weekends and enjoying the ride, gas mileage, and overall feel, I traded in my personal business (ministry) car for a second 2007 Focus SE (Infa Red) with sport appearance pkg and 6-CD. Would definitely recommend this car to someone looking for a good handling, fun to drive, and good gas mpg car!

• 

  Love it so far - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Anonymous - March 29 - 2:48 pm

  Weve only had this a few weeks but I am completely in love with this vehicle. I had a Toyota Corolla before, and I hated being so low and vulnerable, and putting my daughter in the backseat was always a chore due to its low ground clearance. The Explorer handles amazingly well, and I really like that its equipped with stability control and has independent rear suspension. The running boards are a great feature, and I really like the leather. Some people had issues with it being poor quality, but our particular vehicle is already 3 years old, and the leather looks to be in great shape still with no cracking or tears. I love the third row seat, and I love how much space there is.

• 

  Versatile Vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By palms911 - March 29 - 12:33 pm

  I bought my Escape last September and have been pleased with it. It really does handle like a car, but offers the beef of a true SUV when you need it. I like the looks as well, inside and out. I have the leather seats and they are comfortable, especially on the lower back.

• 

  Ford Cant Fix It? (Sound From Rear End) - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By TexasBuyer - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has 2800 miles now. At around 600 miles began awful whining noise from rear end at any speed over 30mph. Dealer states that "Ford is aware of the problem and trying to create a solution". Further, during conversation with the Regional Service Rep, it comes out that there are hundreds of complaints in his region for the same issue. Also, the vehicle averages 13mpg City and 14.5mpg Hwy. Isnt that a little low? Anyway, why doesnt the dealer make the buyer aware that there is a potentially irreparable problem with the Explorer? Because they simply cant stop selling one of the only three vehicles Ford builds that sells.

• 

  taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By roldog - March 29 - 10:00 am

  very reliable and good on as and drives smooth..