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:

• 

  Ford lover soon to be Chevy Lover - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Debroid - March 4 - 4:03 pm

  Rear view Mirror has exposed wires. Get a chirp/squeak sound when stopped then the accelerate. Annoying!!! Was told that this is a characteristic of vehicle....funny! Noise louder then the radio. Headliner coming off back by hatch. Exposed brakes grab & make noises. Less road noise than the 2006 escape we had. Snyc/bluetooth great. I have been a Ford owner for years. Hope I dont have to crossover to Chevy.

• 

  Value, man. Value. - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Jimmy Balmer - March 4 - 2:01 pm

  Ive been very pleased with my Escape. My wife and I put 1,500 miles on an Escape that we rented in Alaska in the middle of the winter. When we got home, we bought one. Its been great.

• 

  I love the beast-ness of it! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By L0V3 MY 3XPL0R3R! - March 4 - 9:16 am

  I love my Ford Explorer and the V8 engine! Im capable of going shopping, grocery shopping, moving, or whatever in it without worrying about not having enough room! Im able to travel in snow well without any problems, maybe with ice but who doesnt?! The 4WD is AWESOME! I would love to get the newer Explorer, why wouldnt I love it? The only thing I hate is the minor problems with it...the rear window wiper blade doesnt wipe-it wipes maybe 3 inches of what it should, the gas of course, and just minor things, which have been worked out. Its built to be awesome and have that "Im a bad ass" feel to it. I wouldnt trade it in for anything less- even though gas prices are tempting me :[

• 

  Very Reliable Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By singsingsing - March 3 - 6:57 pm

  I picked up this vehicle when it had 35K miles. Its only been in the shop a couple times: at 45K miles the speed sensor went out ($350), then at 135K miles, the timing belt and power steering pump when out ($700 both). Around this time the filler hose for the gas tank started to leak. I just taped it really good with Gorilla tape. To replace this part is costs, $350 just for the part! If you go to the salvage yard, all the rangers are missing the filler hose assemble! There are some annoying electrical issues: wipers turning on by themselves, dome lights and headlight warning sound going out (caused by same switch in the door jamb). Rides rough, and looses traction over bumps.

• 

  Good overall, but has flaws - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Havlack - March 2 - 8:49 pm

  Here is the deal, Im anal about cars. I notice every little thing that makes a noise and doesnt feel right. As a whole the car is pretty nice. Lots of features and a very good price. But there is a serious lack of detail in some areas. The interior finishes are poorly assembles. All the plastic components do not fit tight and constantly rattle. Tranny makes odd noise (hoot per TSB). Car was not aligned properly at the factor and dealership still hasnt got it right after 2 times car only has 5300 miles on it. Still not convinced Ford has it but getting there. Good points: nice design, reliable proven power train, lots of features for the money, lots of safety equipment, decent handling.

• 

  MPG - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Roy - March 2 - 12:50 pm

  I am consistently getting 33-34 mpg. That is back and forth to work (14mi. 1 way) and around town. The lowest I got was pulling a UHaul 5x 10 trailer to Bismarck, ND. It got 23 mpg with the trailer empty. Loaded I got 27 mpg on the way back with a tail wind. This was all driving at 65-75 MPH!

• 

  Gas Eater - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Jeff - March 1 - 5:20 pm

  Just bought this car and it is one of the most beautiful cars around. You have to have the right color combination to appreciate that statement. I think it is a great car, but extremely disappointed in the mpg. I have tested it twice now and it comes up at 12.8 miles per gallon. Anyone else have that problem or do you think there is something seriously wrong with the car?

• 

  Good at first..... - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By SK - March 1 - 1:15 am

  I bought my Explorer brand new. ANd in the beginning, I loved it. Had problems with the transmission acting out, but everytime I took in to dealership, they could never find anything wrong. Drivers seat belt gets stuck once in awhile...have to keep ejecting over and over till it finally frees. The tires wear out very quickly. The brakes wear out quickly...had to have done more times than should have. And of course the heater....the blower wnet out, the wiring melted...Ford did not care at all, said it is not a safety issue. Well to me it was, because in the winter months and working nights..having no heat to defrost the windshield to see out of was a hazard. That cost me $500. to have fixed.

• 

  Great truck for the money - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Tom - February 28 - 11:13 pm

  Got a great truck for the money. Did not get the power windows, mirrors or locks and wish I did, but got the cruse, fancy wheels and tires and fog lights that I need on trips. A lot more quite than I thought it would be. The power stinks with the four speed trans, I have had sixs with more pick up and go. Going to add duel exhaust which should pop up the gas millage and power a little. But over all, well worth the money and a sharp looking truck, tough looking and great ride. Very happy I bought it and would recommend it to anyone. Ordered a color match fiberglass cap to use on long trips and got the tube step bars and carpet cover for the dash.

• 

  I would do it again - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Bob - February 28 - 12:03 pm

  Wife bought the car used (26,000 miles) in 2000. I commuted with it for the next 10 years, 72 miles/day for 4 years and 40 miles/day for the remainder. In 146,000 total miles, the worst problem was a/c compressor--$700-at around 50,000 miles. Ive also replaced the alternator and the water pump. Gets 30 mpg all the time, no matter where or how I drive. Starting to leak a few bodily fluids, but not bad. Selling her today, but Ill never forget her.