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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  Never Again - 2003 Ford Focus
  By stanlell - June 17 - 11:36 am

  In the shop twice for transmission problems before 12,000 miles. Took 1/4 tank of gas and 2 hours to go 23 miles up hills recently while traveling on vacation.Thought the transmission was going to fall out. Back again last week for same transmission problem that was "repaired" 18,000 miles ago, only had to pay $100 deductible even though it is under full warranty. Afraid to drive up a hill because I am out of cash and cannot afford another $100 should it have to go back in the shop. I will never again have a Ford product and this one will be gone as soon as I make the last payment. Hello Toyota.

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  Call me "Freestyler" now - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ronnie Scinto - June 17 - 5:26 am

  My partner and I looked at many SUVs when it came time to turn in our thirsty Lexus LS470. We test drove the Passport, Highlander, the Subaru B9, and the Explorer (mind you -- we were coming out of a Lexus). Not impressed with any till we saw the Freestyle in the showroom sitting lonesome. I got in and was happy. This car made me smile. We test drove it and I was hooked and so was my other half. I cant tell you how comfortable this car is (we are both over 6 tall). It drives like a dream - youll have to get used to the CVT, But quality and design is that of out Lexus and with more comfort. Our dealership was great -- no pressure and the friendliest group of guys ever! I love my Freestyle!

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  Best for the Price - 2000 Ford Escort
  By App zx2 - June 17 - 1:45 am

  As an avid ZX2 owner, I have learned a lot about this car though ownership and research. For a purchase price of $11,600 brand new, this car has been worth every penny. Performance was at the top of its price class at the time (and now), and few cars sold today that come close to the ZX2s average ~$13,500 price in 2000 can match it in this respect. Taut handling, brisk acceleration, a "drive-me" personality and outstanding fuel economy (depends on your driving style!) have made this a perfect car for a young driver (16- 22+ years). The back seats are surprisingly roomy for a 2 door coupe, with headroom the only vice for rear passengers over five-ten. Overall, I recommend this car!

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  WOW, what a great car. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By code_warrior - June 16 - 11:37 pm

  I had no intention of buying a car but took a test drive anyway to kill time while waiting on service. This car is incredible for the price. I love to drive it and without making extreme driving changes am getting 49 MPG. Almost all my driving is considered City. The only optional features on the car are the Ruby paint and floor mats. Everyone who rides in it comments on how quiet it is. If the radio is on, you cannot tell when the gas engine starts and stops unless you look at the gauges. Love this car.

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  09 AWD Escape Hybrid Base Review - 167K Miles - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By acd72 - June 16 - 8:27 pm

  All in all it has been a solid vehicle. No major repairs. Bought used from a dealer 2.5yrs ago w/ 40K. I drive 50K miles/yr for work. In the summer I avg 28-31MPG. In the winter 26-27mpg. Not sure how much cold weather affects mileage, because I let the car warm up in the driveway regulary. Recently my wife started driving and avgs 23-25MPG. Thought something wrong, so I reset the mpg. It went up to 30. I believe the driver has the most impact on MPG.

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  Ford Club Wagon - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By G. N. - June 16 - 2:06 pm

  Excellent all around vehicle. Very capable for trailering a 3500 boat & trailer. Flexible interior with removable rear bench seat for cargo hauling.

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  Good Car, Even Better Value - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Allston - June 16 - 10:42 am

  I bought this car in the summer during Fords Family Pricing event and got it for $11K. Great functionality, it can fit a elephant in it. Even better than its functionality is its performance, I love it! Drives like its on rails and 0-80 performance is a blast. 5 speed has a good feel and you always know where you are. Great functionality, amazing to drive, 30+ mpg average economy. Dont buy the car to be seen in, I still dont really like the idea of driving a Focus but if you want an inexpensive, reliable, FUN TO DRIVE, good little car, this is for you. And Ive gotta say, after 20,000 amazing miles, Ive gotten a lot more comfortable with the idea of having this as my car.

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  Comp Orange SVT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JLiegl - June 16 - 9:59 am

  I shopped around for a small commuter that was fun to drive. It came down to the Mini, SVT focus and a Miata. All three were fun to drive but bang for the buck the SVT topped them both. I bought it at 40k on the clock and have taken two long trips and daily to and from work. There have been no issues aside from some worn bushing on the front torsion bar that made a bit of a thump coming back into the driveway. The dealership took care of it right away with apologies that it wasnt fixed before the car left the lot. Its been a good car so far and the dealership as usual is above and beyond. Chevy built a good vehicle but their dealerships drove me away, and I am not looking back.

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  50 years of Fords and this is the last - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By My Last Ford - June 16 - 9:33 am

  Im 8,000 miles into the 3th transmission in 115,000 miles and Im now getting "check transmission" errors. The original transmission died at 40,000, the second at 60,000 and number 3 at 112,000. The only other problems have been tie rod ends at 50k and a couple of engine modules at about 70,000. Ford paid for tranny #2 under their 36,000 replacement part warranty. The new error (the previous trannys died while pulling out into traffic with no warning) is likely to be a computer module that isnt part of the warrantied replacement tranny -- needless to say after $10,000 in repairs on a $25,000 car, this is the last Ford, despite a lifetime of being a Ford owner.

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  Never Again! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By KVriezen - June 15 - 7:38 pm

  I bought this car from a dealership with 23K miles on it 3.5 yrs. ago. We rolled our 96 Windstar (which had problems) after hitting a patch of MN ice and T-boning another van. Because we walked away with only a few bruises and scratches (living to tell about the 5-star crash rating), I bought another Windstar. Stupid me. At 97K the O/D light & the Check Transmission lights came on. It seemed to be OK if the car was cold, but after about 45 miles it would come on. It also started skipping gears. After three trips to the mechanic (whom we have used for years) he says there is a tranny leak and we need a new one ($2K). He first thought it was a stuck solenoid. NOT! No more Fords for us! EVER!