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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  Just a few changes. - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Robert Reese - October 9 - 5:28 pm

  I would prefer the Front defroster button and the AC button be switched. As a driver I keep hitting the defrost button and finally realize its on the other side. Also the Manuqal stinks. It took me a long time to get Apps syncing with my iPhone. I just wish I could load more Apps as I prefer Waze over Maps for Navigation. Otherwise, I love the car.

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  SUV Self-Cannibalism - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Angelos - October 9 - 3:59 pm

  In 12 years and 115K miles of not-so-hard driving, our $36,000 Exploder has eaten its transmission, eaten its torque converter, has blown out its manifold gaskets and has cracked a cylinder head. I expect to replace items such as starters, alternators, shocks, even Air Mass Meters and O2 sensors. But I cannot abide a vehicle that self-destructs major systems years and tens of thousands of miles before the end of their standard service lives under relatively easy use. If I could sell our Exploder to the Marines to use for target practice, Id do it in a New York minute.

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  Giddyup Pony - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Adam - October 9 - 1:03 pm

  I just got a 98 5spd V6, and its been a decent car. The fact that it has 215ft/lbs of torque, and an open differential makes driving in the rain less than pleasurable. Handling is subpar as well for a sports car. I have autocrossed it, and while the torque makes up for the lack of horsepower, the handling drags your times down significantly. With some upgrades, it could be a stellar car, but why upgrade it when I can get a better handling and faster car such as the Miata or 300ZX for the same price. All in all, its a decent car that will take a beating, but dont expect it to be a true spors car. This isnt a true sports car, but if you want a sporty cruiser, then this will satisfy you

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  Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cws6fan - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle I drove many, and the Explorer topped them all. I actually went to buy a Durango and a friend talked me into test driving an Explorer, I was hooked after the first drive. Could use a little more cargo area when the third seat is up, but overall I was so impressed I bought one four days after I first drove it.

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  Great value for the price - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By fordguy80 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a very roomy SUV. I purchased the 5 speed model and am very impressed with the pick-up power it has off the line and passing power on the highway.The feul economy is not everything i would like it to be, but this also isnt a small vehicle. The design is very sporty and i get compliments on its appearance all the time. Overall im very happy with ford on this one.

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  2001 F-150 Super Crew - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Rick Henne - October 9 - 10:00 am

  After driving this model, I will never own a car for daily driving again. I will also never consider another brand. It was comfortable from the first test drive, no need to get used to driving, even with being higher in the air than I was used too. It has been an all around pleasure to drive.

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  2002 Ford Sport Track - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Lefarm - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the vehicle...its so versitile and well equipped!!! Its great, I can take the family anywhere comfortable and yet still haul stuff. I did have a problem with it when it was only 1 year old. It did not want to start, it took the dealership almost a month to figure out the problem-the idle air control valve. Other than that, Ive had no problems with it and love it!

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  Fouse - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Melmo - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my focus, but there could be a few changes to make it the best! I am 16 and its my first car ans I love it!

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  Focus, My Experience. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Craig3500 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have 45,000 miles on the 2002 Focus SE 4 Door Sedan I have it regularly serviced and have not had a major problem to date. The Focus is not that bad of a car if you are on a budget. I would not pay over 13K for a Focus under any circumstance. It would be a great student car, either for a college or high school student. The Focus definitely has limitations, size of course is one thing, but for a compact it isnt that bad. Im a big guy (63, 250) so a Focus is a bit small for me, but I can manage. Other limitations is power. Fuel Economy is very good, I dont have the exact MPG, but its low 30s MPG.

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  Brake for an Escape ! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Taticat - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun and economic vehicle. I am in love with my 02 Escape because of its responsiveness, safety, and beauty. BUT ..... I think I got a jinxed model - I am having problems with the brake light and an apparent leak in the brake fluid liquid container. I have been to the dealer 4 times and I am ready to get rid of the car. Maybe I got a faulty model because I have researched this model and havent stumbled upon chronic brake issue with my car.