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:

• 

  Ford nailed it - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By nanonevol - February 6 - 8:51 am

  I love this Ford. I think it has the right size motor and electric combination unlike some hybrids. I get at least 33 mpg. The computer must take some many factors into account so the car knows when to go electric and when gas. Brilliant. I love when Im coasting or driving along on battery or when the motor shuts off in traffic or at a light. All cars should be hybrid. It just makes sense to get the most out of a gallon. Regenerative braking also just a common sense solution to wasted heat energy in normal brakes.

• 

  would not recommend - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By mitch - February 6 - 7:48 am

  Had an 88 Taurus that had 193,000 miles on it before i had to get rid of it...it was a shame. Bought the 98 Taurus with 16,000 miles, and currently have about 120,000. The transmission had to be replaced at about 30,000, but thankfully it was under warranty. The car has always had problems, but never one to warrant selling it. The last 2 years have been plagued with heating issues. Gas mileage is acceptable, and has decent acceleration (although it takes about a half second to kick in after you push the pedal). The car, overall has been more trouble than its worth.

• 

  4.0 SOHC ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Harry Tasker - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my second Ford Ranger. I test-drove many different models of ranger from the edge to XLT to the FX4 Level II. The level II was the best buy for the money I paid just under $20400 for it by purchasing online. After reading the other reviews it is pretty obvious that you have to buy the 4.0 Liter SOHC SC engine has more power then you need for a compact truck. The sport bucket seats are far more comfortable then the bench seats.

• 

  Good SUV if you like maintenance - 2001 Ford Escape
  By rickranjer - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I like this SUVs style, pick-up and interior. Honestly though, I do not like the fact that I have had to take it in three times for a throttle body replacement, one time for a manifold exhaust leak, two times for rusty bolts on the door, one time for a loose gear shifter and one time for my coolant leak. I have around 23,000 miles on this vehicle, which is quite a few after a year and a half, but with these problems, I wouldnt recommend this vehicle out of its warranty period.

• 

  escape vs other small suvs - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Brad Spellman - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the honda crv and the mitsubishi outlander. Both of these vehicles were four cylinders and just didnt have the pep of the escape six cylinder. The interior is roomy and outside very stylish. Weve had one nine inch snow storm and one ice storm. The escape handled like a charm in bad weather. The extra power is well worth it despite a slight drop in full economy. So far Im averaging twenty five mpg on the highway and a very smooth ride at that

• 

  The truck that went kerthunk - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jjtblang - February 6 - 2:00 am

  The most disapointing thing about my new Expedition is that I looked at everything first and really thought this was the perfect truck for my family. So many well thought out design details. Unfortunately the thrill ended after about 1200 miles. I took it into the dealer with complaints about a HUM in 2WD that turns into a loud "ratcheting thunk" when switched to 4WD. I was handed a service bulliten that said simply. "Ford is aware of the problem but does not have a fix, do nothing" Message boards are full of the same complaints but Ford continues to sell defective trucks. This is my 3rd Ford SUV and probably my last.

• 

  Happy so far... - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Red 01 - February 5 - 10:34 pm

  I purchased my 2001 XLT V6 used with 52,000 in 2003. I have 79,000 on it currently. Even though some people have been unimpressed with the Escapes reliability, I have not had any major problems. The only things I have had to repair/replace were the brakes at 65k miles, egr sensor, and the coolant sensor, and tires which all together comes to about $1,000. Not bad for a SUV with 79k miles on it. Hopefully nothing major will happen any time soon. I usually get 20 mpg average. What I have found though is that the engine runs MUCH better if you run it with 100% gas and none of that 90% gas and 10% alcohol junk ... trust me, pay the extra 3 cents per gallon.

• 

  Ranger provides basic transportation & utility - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Scott Cormier - February 5 - 8:47 pm

  Overall Im very pleased with my new Ranger XL. I owned a 98 model previously and my experience with that truck was certainly a determining factor in this purchase. Admittedly, the performance of the 2.3L I4 is a bit sluggish however, what it lacks in pickup it more than makes up for in fuel economy, especially when paired with the stick shift (Ive actually averaged 30 mpg a few times). The exterior is more business like than beautiful which suits my needs. Rugged stout build provides a less than smooth ride but reassuringly capability (hey! its a work truck!). Excellent reliability so far and as a mechanic I can say its all a matter of proper maintenance and not abusing the vehicle.

• 

  Nice to drive - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rollin5911 - February 5 - 8:18 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for a couple years...nice to drive for a truck, comfortable, good looking in & out, lots of features, easy to handle size, very useful vehicle. Had endless quality problems at first fixed under extended warranty: Rear axle clutch packs (twice to fix howling), 3.73 differential gears, drive shaft, steering ball joints, 3 serpentine belts, radio, leaking lights, seat track, cruise control switch. Rear window motor died but left unfixed. Leather seats start to crack and fade despite leather treatment. Fortunately, the quality problems have all been fixed but this doesnt give a good feeling about long term durability. V6 power only adequate. No wonder Ford has problems

• 

  Cost of Ownership - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jk123 - February 5 - 6:29 pm

  Bought my 2004 F-150 SuperCrew new. Had to make a decision between the Ford and the Nissan Titan, bad decision on my part as it turns out. Currently on my 5th set of tires at 61,000 miles, had to replace brake rotors during the first break job, the tranny slips and Ford has not been any help. The customer service rep from Ford Motor Co. tells me they have done all they can do. The cost of ownership and the time spent taking this truck back and forth to the dealer is ridiculous. Sorry Ford, I have given up on you guys. If the Japanese want to take over the US truck market you should at least make them work for it and not just give it to them!