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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  Beware: "Intelligent 4WD" in Hybrids - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Dan Mackey - September 26 - 11:16 am

  I bought this model for its advertised capability of the Intelligent 4wd system, and was surprised to find out that I was unable to back up over a 6 inch rock. It turns out that the electric engine alone is engaged in reverse - severely limiting power and acceleration in. I highly discourage you from buying this vehicle if reverse is important to you (i.e. driving off-road at all or parking on a sloped driveway). I complained to Ford, and was told that nothing could be done. Aside from this issue, the mileage was as advertised, and I had no other problems. However, I bought the 4wd model to be confident in modest off-road conditions.

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  Good 97 F250 - 1997 Ford F-250
  By Happy - September 26 - 1:22 am

  Bought at 62k, now at 97k. Strongest pickup I have ever owned. Trailer pulling dream. Only has the 4.6 and still pulls like a mule. 100% dependable. Moving into a Super Duty, but sure going to miss this truck.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Craig - September 25 - 9:58 pm

  Only have 2500 miles so far, but coming from a 2000 Super Duty, which was a great truck, I was skeptical. I am very pleased with this truck 14mpg city 17mpg hwy, less road noise and wind noise than my wifes Grand Caravan. I very much enjoy driving my new truck. Comfortable seats and nice layout of controls.

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  Wonderful, Wonderful - 2000 Ford Focus
  By gsdallen - September 25 - 9:01 pm

  When looking for a small wagon I had certain criteria. I needed something that would fit my family of people and pets. The Focus is economical, stylish, and fun to drive. It truly is the vehicle for me and others who are looking for a small wagon...whose numbers are dwindling.

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  Good car for young drivers - 1998 Ford Escort
  By cpa0217 - September 25 - 2:03 pm

  Bought for teenage driver. She has been driving it for 5 years. Other than some "wear & tear" items & maintenance, this has been a very trouble-free car.

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  So far I love it - 2006 Ford F-150
  By LEFHNDR - September 25 - 7:40 am

  I just leased the 06 FX4 SuperCrew after driving a BMW, Volvo and Benz in that order. I had an F-150 about 9 years ago. My how things have changed. I researched a lot of trucks, especially the new Ram since we get family pricing, but it could not match the quality that I found with the Ford. The interior is what ultimately did it for me. I still feel like I am in my C230 Kompressor. The ride will take some getting used to, but I love being able to see the road. My kids and wife love it. Theres a lot of room in the back and my wife says she is more comfortable in the truck than any of my previous cars. The engine is a little sluggish for such a big V8, but it handles well for such a big vehicle.

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  Very Satisfied - 2000 Ford Focus
  By BillF - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun to drive car, especially if you have the manual transmission. There is plenty of power and lots of interior room for an economy car. I do not have problems with my brakes or other things that I have read about. I have only had one recall on my car. I would recommend this car.

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  JUNK! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Dube22 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Many problems. Wind noise problems constantly. Front end vibration problems. Replaced all tires at 20000km. Went through 4 sets of front rotors. Had front stabilizers replaced twice. Sensors malfunctioned. Brake interlock malfunctioned,..etc...etc! I would not recommend this car to anyone no matter how good of a deal it is!

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  Great little SUV!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By TJ#1 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I have just under 10,000 miles on the 02 XLT Choice Escape and just love this little thing. It tows better than expected and gets amazing gas mileage. It has almost as much cargo space as an explorer, but has a much smoother ride and much better mileage. My ONLY complaint is the 4 wheel drive is a joke when you are realy stuck. Whatever tire is free will be the only one spinning.....

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Chevy Guy - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Drove Chevys entire life and was sold on this Ford. Great SUV. The independent rear suspension is worth every peneny! V6 is adequate for day to day driving and has plenty of acceleration. Would recommend the V8 if you plan on a lot of hauling. Couldnt be happier. Great value for what you get. Only problem after 6,000 miles is an occasional start up problem. Sometimes it doesnt fire up properly when the engine is still warm. Sounds like this could be a common problem. Hopefully Ford is working on a fix. Great car. Extremely pleased!