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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  Well designed, but poorly constructed - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By J040227 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicule as a replacement for our Explorer since to accomodate our growing family. The vehicle interior is very well designed to accept the whole family and the load that comes with it. Its comfortable and has very good handling. BUT quality of the vehicle is mediocre: tinted windows appear somewhat dirty; windows are noisy when sliding up or down, various noises, windshield wipers that wont wipe, etc. Some problems have been fixed, and for the others, well, neither Ford nor dealer wants to help despite obvious problems confirmed by 3rd- party.

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  Best Small SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By redhound1 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought this care with 2 miles on it in November 2003. Ive enjoyed every minute with it. My wife who has a Sable always wants to use my Escape. I compared the car with a Jeep Liberty, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, and a Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The Escape won hands down. Car has GREAT pickup and handles almost like a car. Even without the 4wd option, I had no problems getting around in the snow this winter.

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  The Best - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By hnk9452000 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The best part of the Ford Crown Victoria is the engine it has the perfomance of a mustang.

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  Greatest Truck Yet - 2004 Ford F-150
  By CoreyTho - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Everything about this vehicle was perfect. From the engine size to the interior is just great.

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  Could do without the dealers - 2000 Ford Focus
  By cheeseshark - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have moved 3 times (all away from my purchasing dealer) since purchasing my ZX3. It has been through every recall and program (7 or 8 now, I think) and at each step I have had to bear the burden of ford dealers who treat each request for service as though it were MY faulty craftsmanship that created the service needs (1 exception, University Ford, Peoria, IL -great attitudes and service). But, Ive moved again and I now take my vehicle to a local mechanic for EVERYTHING.

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  Great Wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Mark Forman - April 21 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful vehicle to drive with good handling and peppy engine. We have had the previous Focus wagon(2001) and loved it for its reliability. The new wagon with the PZEV engine is a step up in performance. A good choice.

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  Awesome Truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By toomanytolist - April 20 - 11:04 pm

  This truck as been fun to drive. The only problem Ive had is having to replace a brake line. It uses a lot of gas but it well worth it just to drive it.

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  Rio Rojo - 1995 Ford F-150
  By Steve S - April 20 - 5:55 pm

  I found out that eBay was the best source for finding this year model used truck. Consumer Reports reliability survey results indicated that Ford was ahead of Chevy and Dodge for 1/2 ton, full-size truck models from the mid-90s. Except for 3/4 ton plus trucks, crew cabs werent the rage in the mid-90s but at least the extended cabs on full-size trucks can hold three kids (or three adults in a pinch).

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  Twas a great car - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Dennis - April 20 - 5:00 pm

  I had bought it after a 30,000 mile lease expired, and it was in like new condition. For 100,000 miles of driving, I only had about $500 of repair, a blown fan motor and a small part that I dont remember The V8 engine performance was superior, the handling was very good but not exceptional. Im selling it to a colleague today for $1, but hes getting much, much more than the asking price.

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  Ford Escape Delivers - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - April 20 - 10:16 am

  The Escape is a great mini SUV that does everything well, keeping in mind its limitations. Its not what I would consider a primary family vehicle; for that I would suggest something bigger. The Escape is a great commuter, grocery getter, or light hauler. It is fun to drive, very peppy, agile, and responsive to all inputs. The build quality is quite satisfactory. I have no complaints at all.