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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  Why buy anything newer? - 1995 Ford Escort
  By yellowtail3 - February 19 - 9:30 am

  Good car, very low cost of operation. The wagon is roomy. If youre shopping for one, get the 5spd - it will give much better performance & fuel economy that the automatic. Wagon is roomy think of it as a 35mpg SUV, without the ground clearance. Run tire pressure little high - 40psi or so, and drive gently - and youll see regular high-30mpg in town, and over 40mpg on highway. It can be done, Ive done it. Fairly easy to work on. Good ergonomics - the wheel/shifter/pedal relationship is good, much better than the 95 Caprice I owned prior to this one. Escort Wagons are a great used car value, if you find a 5spd.

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  GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By SV6Mustang - February 18 - 10:52 pm

  I love this GT. This is my first GT convertible. I wasnt looking for this style mustang when I firsted started but this car caught my eye and I couldnt past it up. Def. wont stay shock for long. I def. have one of the fastest cars in the town. Not to make cars will smoke this car. Definitely worth all the money I paid for it.

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  Change of Heart - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Mini Van Mom - February 18 - 7:33 pm

  I had been shopping around for my long awaited chance to trade our tired mini van. The 2006 Ford Explorer was too nice to pass up. Just after a few months, it has to go. Even with our NE Winters - it is just too much truck for me. I keep reading about the transmission - does that explain why is has rolled on my 3 times! When I park this big truck, it needs to stay in the same place. And yes, the mileage is the pits.

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  Reliability A+ - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By eric - February 18 - 4:22 pm

  This has been a great truck. I have 204,000 miles on it now with no major repairs needed. Ive replaced the ball joints, front wheel bearings and front u-joints once. Its a very relible truck. Wouldnt think twice to take on road trip.

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  Not for the petite - 2005 Ford Escape
  By kathy m - February 18 - 3:20 pm

  Nice looking vehicle, inside & out. Terrible gas mileage; was expecting 18- 21 mpg but getting only about 15 (and its not my driving style causing low mpg). Not a good vehicle for shorter folks (I am 5 ft. tall). Rear seat headrests obstruct view when looking back, emergency brake is on the other side of the center console (causing you to have to REACH), and needing to have the seat as far forward as possible to reach pedals means that knees/shins bump up against the dash under steering column - saftey risk if ever in accident. Havent experienced its handling in snow yet.

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  Bought this brand new falling apart - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By momma2 - February 18 - 2:27 pm

  We bought this since my husband is an employee of Ford and we do everything suppose to change oil etc. Our warranty was up and that day our fuel gage went we got a fuel comm error not found on the manual called around to get prices Ford dealership wants to charge me 400 for diagnostic test not including to fix it. The traction control has a mind on its own works sometimes. I have a honda too its a 97 and we havent had this many problems. I wanted to buy Ford since my husband works for them but We are already thinking about getting rid of it . They need to recall them!!!

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  Transmission woes & more - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By Disappointed - February 18 - 1:33 pm

  Since delivery the transmission has not functioned properly. Its been to the dealer 4 times in 3500 miles. Upon delivery shift from "R" to "D" and it might take 3 seconds to engage. When it did finally engage it slammed so hard that I thought something might break. Same would happen at a stop light. Dealers made progress. The big bangs gone, but it still disengages when decelerating at slow speeds so then when you accelerate it bumps back into gear. Rear passenger supercab door is bent and thats why it doesnt close properly. Its again back to the dealer to see if they can fix the tranny and the door. This is my 7th Ford vehicle and the first with any problems. Yuck!

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  Love My Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By angel carter - February 18 - 8:26 am

  The "Command Seating" and interior room gives me the view and comfort of a much larger sedan. Yet the dimensions, styling and performance handles like a much smaller vehicle. The Homelink visor is convenient. Steering wheel mounted controls became second nature on the first day. No need to take my hands off the wheel to change the radio station or set cruise control. At 53" I found with most vehicles I sit too close to the steering wheel for my comfort. This is not a problem in the Five Hundred. That and the adjustable pedals allow me even more room. With the FWD and traction control there was no slippage of wheels in bad weather. That and I love how its styling turns heads.

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  Reliable cost effective transportation - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By TJM - February 17 - 8:33 pm

  Nice mid size transportation that can be bought inexpensively after a year or two. Car has been very reliable with the only exception being the suspension springs. They recalled the front springs but not the back. In my opinion the front and back were defective. Other than that a nice car to drive and ride.

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  Best of the SUVs for the money - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By hazle - February 17 - 12:16 pm

  Looked at everything else and kept coming back to the Sport for the price and looks. Perfect for a couple who never hauls kids. Drives well on the road with much more response than the 4 door due to 600 lbs of less wt. Same engine and tranny as the 4door. Quiet on the road.