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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  Great 7 year old SUV - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By rbush - November 17 - 9:31 pm

  I bought this SUV new in 1999 and now have 95,000 miles on it. It has performed extremely well over the years and has been very reliable and easy to drive. It is great for towing boats and Waverunners as well as U-Hauls to take kids to college. The throttle valve assembly was replaced at 86K miles but otherwise no major repairs other than routine maintenance. I would definitely buy another if I needed a large SUV.

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  Cant Believe I Still Have It! - 1994 Ford Probe
  By KD - November 17 - 3:55 pm

  As the single owner of a 94 purchased 9/94, I cant believe I still have it. It is still plugging away, although I have had some major issues with it over the years. Oil leak, transmission, and the engine light that stayed on for 2 years and WASNT the O2 sensor! (they kept telling me it was and changed it twice). I will agree strongly that the seats that are rotting, the liner where my hands have been (by window) is rotting, and the red is horrible! Its been painted twice and is now fading again. The trunk is massive (hauled a dining room set in 3 trips). It does idle rough, but could probably use a tuneup. But I have loved this car for 12 years. Need a new one and dont know what to get now.

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  Happy mother of 4 - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Laurie - November 17 - 8:13 am

  I feel like Im riding a luxury car with all the features a Limited offers. The heated leather seats, sun roof, 6 CD changer, back up sensor and much more, all items I would have wanted in a passenger sedan but found in this 6 seater. I was tired of feeling like a soccer mom in her taxi and was ready for a change. This gives me the capacity I still needed but the feel I was looking for. Loaded with options but a price I could afford. Im very happy to have taken advantage of the family plan. Great interior layout!

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Roger122387 - November 17 - 1:03 am

  I just hit 50,000 miles and this car is great! I also owned an 04 Mazda Tribute and they have both been great. The only thing that bothers me is the brakes wearing too quick and the traction not being too great in rainy weather. I have actually hydroplaned off the road in both of my vehicles. The engine sounds just as strong as it did new and everything is great on it. Some things do seem a little cheap on it (like the console and glove box). One big complaint I hear from everyone is the gas mileage is AWFUL...it does not match with the window sticker at all. It would be nice to get 25 mpg on the highway with the V6 but its nowhere near that.

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  Norbecks 97 SHO - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Robert Norbeck - November 16 - 11:25 pm

  The experience you get while driving is great. I usually get tired with a vehicle after two years. Ill have this car for three in approximately three months and I havent gotten tired with it yet and I dont think I ever will. This car is a keeper!

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  Major Repair After 41K - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By matt2007 - November 16 - 9:00 pm

  After 1 year, 9 months (41,200 miles) and two recall notices, my 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD had a transfer case break. The transfer case was back ordered for at least two weeks. In my opinion, a all wheel drive SUV should not have major repairs with just 41,000 miles. This is especially true because Ford has had a reputation of good and sturdy cars. I had been very please with the other 5 Ford Vehicles that I have owned (3 new, 2 used). I encourage anyone to consider very carefully my experience before they purchase a Ford.

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  CMax lives up to the hype - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By blynne - November 16 - 6:26 am

  Unlike some reviewers, I have found that my city driving is over 50mpg. Our town has lots of hills so I thinkit is a good measure. I love the responsiveness and the ease of driving. After playing with the INSYC system, I like it. The navigation system is easy to use and love how the map rotates to keep the direction of travel up on the map. Im looking forward to a road trip soon.

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  My Sporty Forty - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Pams sporty forty - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Its the pony with the 40th Anniv. package. 6cyl moves like an 8cyl nice car,nice color,nice ride. Its a sports car. The only Ford I would ever buy and Chevy had only the corvette. The Sebrings I test drove you could feel the engine struggle it was sad. Dont need the power or special needs of an 8cyl. That happens to be the only kinds of cars I would up with. Now I use Reg unleaded and I cruise.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By socialwork2 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought the AWD Explorer on July 10, 2004, and already have over 1000 mi on it. It is fun to drive, and great to look at. The ride feels like a truck, but a smooth one anyway. It feels nice to be in the drivers seat. Interior is very functional with the 3rd row seat, and it looks good too. Impressive all the way around. There is a squeek coming from the front wheels over bumps or rough roads. It sounds like defective ball joints, but the dealer was hesitant to replace them since everything is funtioning well. Im am taking it back in to get them replaced because it is annoying and still under warrenty. Nothing major by any means. Highly recommend

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  Fun and Handles Great - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Kat - November 15 - 6:50 am

  I just picked up the 2008 Ford Escape 4WD with the V6. I love this SUV. The handling and comfort is great with the leather interior. I wish it had more HP, but with all the interior cargo space and room in that little truck, I cant complain. Great value for the money. Fun to drive and I can really zip around, turns on a dime. Cant wait until winter.