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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  Not when its broken - 2002 Ford Escape
  By hanges - January 27 - 6:35 am

  This was the best performing vehicle that I have EVER owned too bad it had to go into the shop for work over 12 times in one year (20,000 miles). Rotors, fuel lines, EGR valve, fuel tank gaskets, etc. I did get 30 mpg with it and with it fully loaded (floor to ceiling with slip 40/60 seats) set the cruise at 72 and never have it drop below 70, even then going through the Rocky Mountains.

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  good bye old pard - 2002 Ford Focus
  By DICKSTER - January 26 - 8:19 pm

  I bought this car on impulse. Basically it had a practical style because of the functional hatchback design covering a tiger. I love to drive this car. It handles better than anything Ive owned or driven in the past although a turbocharger would have been better. The creature comforts are just right for this type of car. Its not a plush ride nor should it be. Too bad Ford hasnt figured out how to make a car reliable. Ive had all sorts of problems from bent axles to a failed oil pump causing me to replace the engine. Just replaced the dual mass clutch that literally exploded and not under stress. I dont enjoy waiting for tow trucks so its going to a new owner who will love the handling.

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  Enough with the alarms and sensors! - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By Melanie Broga - January 26 - 6:42 pm

  I bought a 2014 Explorer and liked it ok, but sold it for 2 main reasons that were just too annoying. Reason #1. Enough with the idiot alarms. Im adult, and I know how to drive. If the car is on, and you hop out of your car because you forgot your sunglasses, or youre running into the cleaners, or the atm, and you have the key in your purse or pocket, the car horn gives 2 loud honks in your ear because it obviously wants to remind you not to get on a plane with the key in your purse. Then theres the "vehicle from right, vehicle coming from the left" alarm and the dreadful "youre about to hit somebody" alarm (even though the car in front is turning), and "for your safety please stay alert to road conditions when operating entertainment devices" while my passenger is plugging in her phone to the USB, and lastly, the "tailgate is coming down" alarm. Driving this car with all of its sissy alarms raised my blood pressure and made me feel more tense for no reason. Im also a little annoyed that my husbands late model jeep doesnt have these alarms, so why, Ford, why?? Reason #2: The front console was insanely sensitive. We often had the cord to our iphones touch it and suddenly the heat is on full blast, or it switches sources- from FM to CD. While the car handled well and was well equipped for cargo and towing and power, the everyday driving experience with the reasons listed above made us unload it.

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  Great Value for the money - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ted - January 26 - 6:27 pm

  Bought the base 4 cylinder 5 speed new last year. Roomy, versatile, fun to drive, ECONOMICAL, and very capable in bad weather. The size is deceiving. Looks small on the outside, but its as big as our Cherokee on the inside. Routinely get 26 - 27 mpg in town, and 29+ mpg on highway. Anti lock brakes are standard, and the car feels very solid on the road. This little 2.4L 4 cylinder makes as much hp & torque as small 2 bbl V-8s did 20 years ago. LOTS of convenience features, even in base model. Upholstery material could be nicer, and I am finding that the accelerator pedal sticks (wont depress) sometimes when cold - that will be a warranty trip. Otherwise, we love it. Highly recommended.

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  Ford Tough - 1998 Ford F-150
  By aaron - January 26 - 4:01 pm

  This isnt my first Ford truck, and Ive been very happy with them. I am a country boy and Im probably harder on my trucks than most people. This truck drives circles around my brothers Silverado out in the muddy fields, and I have had less repairs than he has. The only major repair has been a new clutch, which was my fault. I down graded from the 5.4 to the 4.6 this truck, and wish I had my 5.4 back. This is still a tough truck that is built solid.

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  I love it! - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By raveness - January 26 - 3:08 pm

  I have always been a huge Mustang junkie. I vowed to one day own one when my daughters were big enough to actually enjoy the ride. And finally the day came. I got one. And I couldnt say enough great things about it. I love this car. I love the body style. The factory stereo is awesome. I have done a few minor adjustments to the appearance (cosmetic things like adding decals and window scoops) and also modified the exhaust. And even though itÂ’s a v6 it looks and sounds like a v8. I get compliments all the time on how incredible the car looks. It is absolutely beautiful!

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  FORD NEEDS TO DROP TAURUS - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Dev - January 26 - 1:55 pm

  Nightmare from beginning to end. Spent top dollar on it, and it is now worth little to nothing. At 65,000 miles, transmission dropped, heater does not work, brakes are junk and they have been replaced countless times, electrical is so goofed up that I cant get the power locks to function properly, engine coolant reservoir cracked, oil seals went, sounds incredibly loud while driving, windshield wipers short out and occasionally dont work, keyless entry doesnt work. Ford really needs to drop the Taurus from its line up. It has been nothing but a money pit from day one, and we have done everything to it maintenance-wise. Its terrible on gas, our 2004 Expedition gets better mileage. What a mess.

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  Ford Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Victor - January 26 - 1:48 pm

  The transmission blew at 51, 000 miles and the vehicle has been in the shop for numerous mechanical things. I would not buy another Ford if it were the last car on the market.

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  Gotta have one - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Criziz - January 26 - 12:22 pm

  Simply put this vehicle is so enjoyable to drive and be seen in. It turns heads, is wicked fast and a blast to drive.

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  Cant stop a Ford - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Tough - January 26 - 12:11 pm

  I was given my 91 Explorer from a friend. The car had been sitting for 2 years without the doors even being opened, much less started. I opened the door cleaned the battery terminals and cranked the car, it started right up and has ever since. Its amazing after sitting neglected that long it started right up and I detailed it and it came clean and the paint even shines as does the leather. Its an amazing car I got mine for free but Id recommend anyone buy an Explorer!