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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  Good portability - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mike - March 21 - 4:46 pm

  I bought the Escape in 06 to replace my 04 full size Sierra. Hoping to save on gas. Well I do a little bit but not as much as they claimed I would. Being a carpenter I needed something I can pack full of tools. I can do that pretty easliy with the Escape. I love how I can basically eliminate the rear seats altogther to create that flat bed back there. I dont like the cheap plastic bumper that dosnt hold up well to cold weather or minor bumps. At 63,000 miles its is now making a "drive line whine" is what the dealers say it is and its nothing to worry about. So thats kinda annoying. The gas tank is very annoying as well as I find myself having to hold the pump the entire time.

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  Good vehicle that has a few problems. - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By greg7100 - March 21 - 10:03 am

  Comfortable, flexible van that serves us very well. We enjoy the mini van experience, but have been dissapointed with some major repair issues. Many brake problems and 2 failures, transmission was replaced at 144000 km, intake gaskets need to be replaced every 90000 km at about $700 per time. No other troubles aside from usual maintenance. The van is great for trips, you just never seem to run out of storage space. Towing my little utility trailer is a dream with the Windstar, you can hardly tell it is behind you.

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  Fun to drive junk - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Jack99 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Although the Focus is a fun drive (even the wagon), the image of poor quality is well deserved. At less than 1 year old (15000 miles), the paint has started to flake away on the plastic bumper cover and a short in the wiring left us without any external lights except headlights. Basic servicing is horrible given that the oil filter is on the back side of the engine and impossible to remove without oil dripping on the CV boot, down frame members and all over the floor.

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  The Taurus is NOT just for families! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By C~Dawg - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Im 20 years old and Im in love with my Taurus. Folks, its not just a family sedan anymore. Its fun to drive, its very responsive and its all-around cool. Ford did an excellent job when they revamped th body, because its absolutely gorgeous. The silly bubble light brakes are gone; now the back of the car looks like something more expensive than a Ford. Its EXCELLENT on gas for a V6. I can get a good 280 miles (city) before I have to fill up. Its very roomy; theres ample trunk space...did I mention its fun to drive?!

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  Great Car... If parts would stop failing - 2000 Ford Focus
  By dt90007 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The car is great... i love the way it looks drives and handles. The fold down rear seats provide oodles of storage space when you need it... However, i too have been to the ford dealership a little to often for my tastes. Everything has been covered by the warranty but i bought a new car so i wouldnt have to worry about the problems. However, i know my service guy really well now.

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  Couldnt Buy a WORSE Car!!!! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By wvbabygirlsam - March 21 - 8:48 am

  I bought my car used first mistake there, it had 60,000 miles on it once it hit 65,000 or 70,000 miles everything started going wrong! My engine needed new parts, my gas gauge doesnt work, my fuel pump went bad, and the headlights fog up really bad. My car also has idling problem, its an automatic and it stalls out at stop lights, stop signs, or even when you hit the brakes a little hard! I will never own another older Ford ever! I paid 3,000 for it, and paid 8 months of repair bills = 6,000 dollars worth. Now Im looking at a trade in value of no more than 1,200 dollars! So if youre thinking about getting this car dont! For your wallets safety.

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  I love it but... - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sexyamazon - March 20 - 8:37 pm

  Fun car to drive, and very good on fuel. But at a low speed impact it seemed to fold to easy and massive damage was caused which force me to total out the car with my insurance company. I really enjoyed this car and wish that I still had it. I hope to find another just like it

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  Great Truck - 2008 Ford F-150
  By Fred - March 20 - 8:28 pm

  This truck has exceeded my expectations in every catagory. I just took a long trip across PA aorund 65 mph and got just over 20 mpg. This truck only has 1200 miles on it. The mileage should only get better. I plan to add an exhaust and cold-air intake and expect even better mileage. Comfort is excellent for long hauls and it is also really quiet. Ive driven a variety of trucks (Chevy and Dodge) in 11 years of contract work. Nothing else compares. I could not ask for a better truck.

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  Best car for the money..hands down! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By doug crowton - March 20 - 7:43 pm

  This is my 2nd Focus ZX3. 01 and now an 07. Love it. No problems and got out of an 03 Wrangler to save on fuel. Top quality for a small car. Excellent fit finish and driving fun.

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  Expedition NBX - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By SCOTT - March 20 - 2:32 pm

  My Expedition has 50k miles and has been in to the dealer for service one time. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I tow a tow hauler to the dunes once a month and it tows a 6000 pound trailer with ease. It powers up hills and pulls the trailer through the deep sand. Ford makes the best trucks in my eyes.