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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  Transmission Problems Buyer Beware - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Sis - December 9 - 3:47 pm

  Fun to drive when running. Not fun to pay for a new transmission. Was told that the Escape has a poor transmission and it reflected that when it died after the warranty had expired. Found out that others are having the same problem with their Ford Escapes via internet research. Buyer beware - transmission very poor.

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  Never buying a ford again - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Bunny - December 9 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun car till you have owned it for 4 years. Even with continious maintenance I still have problems. Check engine light, shifting into 5th gear is a grinding experience and shakes when in the idle position. The top also leaks when washed or it rains.

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  blue tiger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By bill412 - December 9 - 12:37 am

  Only problems I had were water leaking through rear window seal, and throttle body malfunctioning. This is a manual shift model, and the clutch feels kind of soft. Very dependable truck, and will haul lots more weight than I thought.

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  Forced to Part with Family Transportation - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Scott Gilmore - December 7 - 1:28 am

  This vehicle was purchased new by my Father in 1999. Following his death in 2001, it was purchased by me. The truck has been incredibly reliable and useful.......serving as an all-purpose work truck. Unfortunately, it does not fit in the garage, and our Homeowners Association (HOA) does not let it remain parked in the driveway. It has interior issues, a current heating/AC issue (??), and an intermittent odometer due to a cracked solder joint (common for this year, with the "fix" described on YouTube). It would make a GREAT vehicle for a student looking for a vehicle with low registration and taxes, wanting minimal insurance coverage, and a high driver position / heavier vehicle / safer in potential accident. It would also be a great vehicle to "flip," if someone had the time, talent, and energy to invest in some repairs. Candidly, Id keep the vehicle, but I cant.

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  Dry Weather Car - 1997 Ford Mustang
  By Ian - December 6 - 6:19 pm

  If you want to drive this car in the snow or rain go slow! Traction is reduced due to the classic light Mustang rear end, and fish tail you will! Fun in dry weather, though. Low end torque is okay, dont try to pass anyone in 4th or 5th gear, the acceleration isnt there (very sluggish or non-existent, down shift -- or GET A GT!) Also, lightweight body means that you feel the gusty cross winds (at times, I felt like I was driving an Escort). Cornering is not very good, hydraulic assist steering gives feel of sports car, but still in the "not quite there" category. Ive been stranded 4 times in this car: clutch, transmission, radiator, thermostat all failed catastrophically.

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  I liked it until... - 1994 Ford Escort
  By x2b4 - December 3 - 1:30 am

  This car has been fine since I bought it, but with only 55,000 miles the darn thing died on me last week. The poorly made engine had a problem with a cylinder head, and now the thing is dead.

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  Nightmare - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Jessica - December 3 - 1:06 am

  My experience of the Escape has been a nightmare! I am on my second 2008 Escape this year. The first one had braking issues and after being in the shop for an entire month, they exchanged me for another 2008 Escape. This one has been no different. I have owned this one for 9 days and already it will be in the shop for 3 days for ABS, Traction control and a loud Vibration that actually slows the vehicle down. All the issues with both have been rear end and braking issues. Not good! I have been in rental vehicles for 5 weeks now. So not only did I get one lemon, I actually have had two! Ive driven Ford all my life so this is my 1st bad experience. Not very good gas mileage, not what was specified.

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  Ford E-150 Chatuea - 2002 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By JK - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I think this is a better vehicle than the GMs. Especially for the money. However, I highly recommend you go with a quality conversion. The conversion industry is on its head, and for $3,000 - $7,000 more than factory you can get an awesome highway beast.

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  The Paint is Peeling - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By LEONARD - November 27 - 10:38 pm

  I love the exterior styling. I have the sport model. However within 500 miles the paint began to peel and the muffler began to make loud popping noises as the vehicle warmed up or cooled off.The dealership said the paint could be spot touched up and that the noise from the muffler was normal. I wanted the vehicle repainted and the muffler replaced. When I requested this I was told no on the muffler ( the noise is so loud you can hear it 20 feet away every time it is started or turned off) . In fairness to Ford the only paint peeling is on the body clad molding. It was also peeling on several other new units on 2 different lots and was verified by techs at both locations.

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  Dont let the looks fool you! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Gabriel Welch - November 24 - 3:13 am

  I purchased my 2003 Ford Explorer with 170,000 miles from a private seller because I loved the way it looked. I have always driven SUVs. I like feeling high up and safe. The Explorer was a good vehicle to meet those wants. The Explorer was fast and powerful! A great vehicle for any sort of hauling. Its also very roomy and comfortable. Ford really did a great job with the Eddie Bauer. It had so many great features for a 2003. Unfortunately the Explorers reliability or lack thereof was enough to drive me away from it after only a few months of ownership. I didnt expect much from an older SUV with high miles but I certainly did not expect what I got. There were times when I did not want to drive anywhere because I was too afraid to! The Explorer was a smooth and comfortable ride, Ill give it that. But maybe thats because I was comparing it to the frequent tow truck rides. I ended up selling the Explorer with around 183,000 miles because I didnt want to foot the bill for a bad transmission, leaking head gasket, three bad wheel bearings, bad steering and suspension components, and a bad charging system.