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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  Overall good car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By matt - January 1 - 2:43 pm

  I got this car with 84000 miles from buy here pay here. 5 weeks in, the seals blew out of the motor, but it had been sitting on the lot for a while. Since that repair it has ran like a champ. Very strong 2.0 5 spd man. Very surprising power and handling. Cupholders do stink. The dash is warped, and yes plastic pieces (ie air vents) do fall out. Trunk is big. I like the wraparound headlights. Gets about 24-28 city mpg and 34-38 hwy mpg. Since gas is priced so high this car is very economical. Very fun to drive too. I dont like the hubcaps though.

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  Escape fits budget and a niche - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Budgetminded - January 1 - 2:21 pm

  Ford Escape LTD is a great choice for several needs - 2 students to share, airport luggage, groceries, running quick errands, weekend trips plus toting the wet Labrador from the lake as well as all around town. Best feature is a percieved value for the low price range. Its our third Ford SUV since 1991, rounds out our family fleet as the low priced "basic transportation" complement to our Explorer Limited & Volvo V70 XC - Ford folks have managed to meet our total driving lifestyle needs for our family of four.

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  Keeps getting better! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By indydan - January 1 - 1:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Escape, after owning an 04 and an 06. This one has a much better ride with the Michelin tires, is roomy for a 65" guy like me, and handles really well. The V-6 is much peppier than my previous Escapes and the new 6 speed transmission is very responsive. Mine is the new Torch red color, and its turned many heads in the few weeks I have owned it. The sync system is really cool and works great with my cellphone. I feel very safe in the vehicle, and other than some engine noise on acceleration, it is reasonably quiet on the road.

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  My F-150 - 2005 Ford F-150
  By No Name - January 1 - 8:06 am

  Dont like the limited use guidelines when in 4 wheel drive on pavement. Steering while in 4 wheel drive binds up a bit when in tight turns. MPG has averaged 12.5 - 12.7.

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  Electrical Nightmare - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Dan Saunders - December 31 - 5:48 pm

  The electrical system in this vehicle is the worst. The prior 1997 Expedition had similar problems. This was the last straw with Ford, we will never purchase another Ford vehicle again after continuously purchacing since 1983 and being nicled and dimed to death with problems. We will never recommended a Ford to anyone, in fact will recommend against Ford products!!!

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  Wouldnt Considered Ford Before - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Wilda - December 31 - 3:56 pm

  Im short and my husband is tall. Due to five back surgeries, it is difficult getting in and out all sedans, until the Ford 500. Needed to find something that would meet both our needs. Being only 5 foot, I have to sit close to the steering wheel, which always bothered me with todays air bags. If I was to be in a head on accident, I probably would be killed from the air bag. With the 500, I can move the foot pedal towards me and not have to sit so close. The rear sensors will be another big help. I have backed into poles and other things you cant see when backing up. Parking is a easy with this feature. This car is fully automatic and the cruise control maintains correct speed going up hills

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  All About Betsy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cyndi Wallace - December 31 - 1:46 pm

  I went from a sports car to an SUV. This is the first one Ive owned and I love it. Tons of room for kids and pets, great exterior styling, decent performance, and great reliability are reasons why this truck has won my heart. If youre looking for an SUV that will meet all your needs and make you feel good driving down the road, then this is the SUV for you!!!

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  Whiny. Whiny! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Mary - December 31 - 10:31 am

  Great curb appeal and comfortable. Thats about it. City driving gas mileage averages around 15mpg - not much better than my 2004 Explorer. Difficult to see outside or rear window - back headrests block view. However, most troubling is the constant whining which dealership attributes to the fuel pump. Sorry. they say, there is nothing we can do. Because its a new model, Ford has little documentation on this problem.

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  Its a mini van - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Flo & Jayne - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I find its a perfect mini van for what I use it for, I am a disabled person in which I installed a lift back of the van I find the transit connect very comfortable in the front has all of space that I require for putting in my scooter with the lift that I had stalled in which Ford motor company helped paid part of the left . Most of my relatives and friends and family love the van. I did some minor improvements stall and fog lights and in an extra an amplifier and rear speakers and extra boost quality sound system is a perfect vehicle for my needs certainly gets great gas mileage wind I was breaking it in my girl friend and I were getting 24/33 MPG without air conditioner AC ON 23/26 Mpg

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  Engine Reliability? - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Tom - December 31 - 7:47 am

  Purch van in 97 with 4,500 miles. The vehicle has been fairly rugged, except the 3.8 L engine, 200 hp and tows well. The intake and timing chain cover gaskets failed at ~ 110,000 miles (should not fail), about $2,000 from a private mechanic including water pump. Gas mileage is 22/17, handles and drives well Problems: Speedo bounces @ 40,000 did not repair ($500) 3 sensors $250 for parts Intake, timing cover gaskets, water pump @110,000 ~ $2,000 Alternator @120,000, $130. Power steering pump hose $60. Weld front suspension supports $250. Intake manifold gaskets 2 hours Labor, $25 for gaskets Need to clean the sliding door contacts every few years (10 minutes a little steel wool)