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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  What a truck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By boaloo - April 1 - 1:09 pm

  This truck has been very good to me. I must say the only problem Ive had with it was the blown head gasket at 23,000 miles, but it was all under warranty. Other than that, its great.

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  Problems with Taurus - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By RJ - March 31 - 6:59 pm

  I purchased this car from my folks with just over 50k miles. Before I drove it home I had oil/filter service, tranny filter/oil changed and coolant flushed. In Medford OR as I started to move after a red light the tranny would not work. The tech told me a frequent problem beteen 50/60k. cost $2k. Then the A/C compressor quit, the cruise control works sometimes. Some minor oil and coolant leaks and back up light fussing. This car has been well maintained since being purchased new. I have never had this many problems with a car, half GM products and half Ford.

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  Sport Trac comments - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By curt james - March 31 - 12:20 pm

  Installed a intake and exhaust, the gas mileage is incredible. I have an 03 Ranger, an 00 Excursion, and a 03 Focus; by far I like the Sport Trac the best.

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  Escape Shortcomings - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Driver - March 31 - 12:17 pm

  Air conditioner under-powered. Headliner shows in rear view mirror partially blocking vision. Dust gathers around the rear hatch so one gets dirty when using the hatch. No mute on steering wheel results in distracted driving. Cruise control in awkward to work. Camera is small and intensity is poor. Passenger seat adjustment is awkward to use.

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  A comfortable, peppy, fun-to-drive car - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Tom - March 31 - 9:13 am

  After having driven sporty cars (last car a Mustang) for most of my life and having read your review I was expecting something much more pedestrian than the Escape turned out to be. It was comfortable from the get-go, handles very well and accelerates smartly. It is not choppy riding (try comparing it to a Focus SVT). Friends have commented on how smooth the ride is and how comfortable the car is. The power steering is well-balanced but could do with a bit less assist. I do not find any problem with the braking nor with gentle acceleration. Fuel economy is decent--not horrible but not super. In my case I use a gallon more fuel per week than I used to with my Mustang.

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  Fords great cars - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Mel Hiller - March 31 - 8:10 am

  Every thing about Ford Flex Limited is exceptional. It looks huge but is actually no longer, maybe wider by inches than my 2006 Freestyle SEL. I love the way it handles and so quiet!

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  Supercharged GT is Super - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By tommyboy - March 31 - 7:16 am

  Our 05 Supercharged Mustang GT Premium is a real blast to drive! We loved the stock 300 H.P. Stang as it came, after we added the Vortech SQ polished Supercharger with the matching air-to-water intercooler she really came to life! The Supercharger with the intercooler is the answer to serious Stang 500 H.P. The Vortech is a real addition to the beauty of this car as well. We show it in the local CA. car shows and people always flock around to check it out.We take people out for a little test drive and they are always so surprized at the power this Stang will display."Im still shaking" is not uncommon. In terms of bang for the buck, you cant beat the supercharged Stang!

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  Awesome! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By MustangLover - March 31 - 4:49 am

  Have Mustang blood due to multiple Mystangs owned by parents. Had to sell a rare "Q-code" 73 Cobra Jet Mach I while in graduate school, but promised I would replace it with a better car. 06 GT is faster, better looking, better handling, gets better mileage, is safer, its better in nearly every way! Power is very impressive and surprises most. This car is quick and sounds wonderful. I love my Mustang, but did knock off an interior design point due to stupid cup holder location.

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  263,000 miles, Wow - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By NE Oklahoma - March 31 - 12:17 am

  This is a one owner vehicle. It has 263,000 miles on the original and untouched motor, which was built in Ohio, USA. It still starts easily and goes smoothly at 75 mph. The manual transmission has been difficult to shift at times since 60,000. But, it is still the original transmisssion, having been worked on twice. I just keep changing the oil. Nothing fancy, not synthetic.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By firstf150 - March 30 - 5:06 pm

  First I was planning to buy a car but then I saw the oppurtunity to buy a truck around the same price of a car and decided to go with the truck. I made a great choice. I am really happy with this truck; dont plan on selling it anytime soon