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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  Build better - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Cathy - May 4 - 1:23 pm

  I like my Escape but the only thing I dont like is the cheap interior. The fan knobs break easy and I think they should use a higher quality material.

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  THROTTLE BODY FAILED! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Stranded - May 4 - 1:04 pm

  Little over 8,000 miles the throttle body died on a busy roadway. Ford Roadside assistance is a joke! Wrecker was dispatched and a 1 hour forty five minute wait time was estimated. Guess what? That time was extended to another two hours! Called my own personal wrecker service and they were there in 20 minutes. After a three hour wait, I got to the dealership after closing and was unable to secure a rental or loaner car. Another hour or so wait until I could get a family member to pick me up. Listening to the throttle body problems, guess I am not the only one! With the cost of this vehicle, makes one wonder if they could have went to GM and got more bang for the buck!

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  Ford Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ford Escape - May 4 - 1:00 pm

  We really like our Escape. It is fun to drive. We would like it better if it were just a little bit bigger. At least big enough so five people could ride in it and be comfortable. We could get five people in it but the one in the middle of the back seat wouldnt be really comfortable. Also we would like it better if the doors locked automatically when the vehicle is started. This is a feature that we think should be added. Overall we are pleased with our Escape. Of course we havent had it long enough or driven it enough miles to encounter any major problems. I hope it is reliable enough that we never have any major problems with it. Time will tell.

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  Nice for trips - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Claudia Dawson - May 4 - 7:56 am

  This car is super comfortable, and gives wonderful visibility. It is quiet in the interior, and goes great in the snow, without AWD. The safety feature is a bonus. Very nice car.

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  Not A Bad Ford - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Dirt24 - May 4 - 12:54 am

  I bought this car last summer thinking the v6 would be enough power but its not! If you have the money go get the 4.6 v8. It isnt all bad, the body style is tight so I would recommend this car because its Not Bad For A Ford!

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  We have had no problems - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By L - May 4 - 12:23 am

  I like the design and look of this truck. I only wish that we leased this vehicle instead of buying it, because I now want to upgrade to the 2006 Explorer. Before buying our Explorer we had a TrailBlazer, and I have to say that this truck handles much better on the highway.

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  Five Hundred Reasons to say Yes! - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By hday - May 3 - 8:03 pm

  I purchased this car merely 5 days ago and already have 800 miles on it. This car is wonderful and certainly a steal for the money. There is a *slight* underpower issue, but for me its hardly noticeable. I traded in a Buick LeSabre, now THAT was underpowered. The seats are extremely comfortable and the moonroof and optional safety package are a must. The gas mileage has been around 22mpg. Not bad for the break in period. Audio system is great. I absolutely love this car! As does my 2 year old, who let me change his diaper in it twice without kicking me once!

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  My 2005 Taurus SE - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Rod - May 3 - 6:23 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in February. My driving experience has been very pleasant thus far. The ride of this car is smooth. Its quite roomy for a sedan. Try to get the 24 valve DOHC Duratech engine instead of the 12 valve Vulcan engine if you can. The former has quiet a bit more HP.

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  My Views - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Betty - May 3 - 6:10 pm

  I love the new body style! I knew as soon as I saw the new body style before they even were in production I had to have one. I have owned a 79 and 81 Mustang, they do not even compare to my 05. I have had some minor issues such as CD player replacement and drivers side door handle problems but those were taken care of pronto. I do not plan to get rid of this car. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Cliff - May 3 - 5:59 pm

  Overall, a terrific vehicle that has taken me faithfully for 13 years and 150,000 miles from Canadas Yukon to New Mexico - and a lot of rough places in between. Ive hauled scuba gear, sea kayaks, mountain bikes, fishing boats and moved three houses with this vehicle. Ive even slept in the back of it on many occasions. It has never failed to start and never let me down on the road! Now thats MY definition of a great vehicle. Still with the original engine and transmission it has needed very few parts. Only in the last year has it needed a new A/C compressor and now a new radiator. Other than that, just routine replacement parts (batteries, tires etc). Still driven daily.