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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  I Love My Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Susan Colcord - December 29 - 8:17 am

  I recommend this vehicle highly to all from families with small children to "little old ladies". It has a roomy interior, is easy to get into, and the cargo space is adequate for traveling or a day at the beach. It handles very well in all weather types. Im getting 250-300 miles per fill up ... following the speed limit helps! It heats up quickly in cold weather. A bonus of owning a Ford is their roadside assistance ... comparable to AAA. To end, its a sharp looking SUV.

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  2010 xlt 4x4 f 150 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By M long - December 29 - 8:09 am

  It is in very GOOD shape

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  good deal - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By mary cabral - December 28 - 11:34 pm

  Have had this car for nine years. Has had very very few repairs on it. I did replace the battery three times and I replaced the tires once. It has 28,000 miles and still looks pretty new and the motor is in excellent condition. I drive this car on long trips and it has never stopped on me for any reason. I did treat it well, with oil changes every 3 to 4 thousand miles. I strongly recommend it. I had ever had a Ford before because I like foreign cars but this Explorer proved me wrong!

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  I hate my Exploder! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By jonesthai - December 28 - 9:14 pm

  I have taken this excuse of a SUV into the dealer 12 times under warranty (thats including 3 recalls)! Door ajar light has been "fixed" three times and still comes on to this day. All problems include transmission, rear window, rear window washer, tires, ball joint, knocking engine noise (dealer said this was normal!), starter, rusty step bar, etc. I will never buy another Ford, anything owned by Ford, or anything that looks like a Ford again! Please do yourself a favor and look at another company besides Ford.

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  Last Ford - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By chris D - December 28 - 6:52 pm

  We purchased the vehicle new from the dealership and had great luck until about 30,000 miles. We then kept having basic problems including continual brake problems, Blown head gasket, Intake manifold, Electrical problems on windows and door locks. I have spent an additional $6,000 over 7 years to keep it running with no help from Ford. At this point, 113,000 miles, I will keep it because its not worth anything unless the transmission or something else goes. This is my last Ford, they have made a loyal Toyota customer from me.

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  Love my 50th Anniversary Mustang - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Omar Khan - December 28 - 5:49 pm

  Wanted to own Mustang forever, practicality and utility always won and I ended up with either a 4 door sedan or an SUV. Lifes too short to live with regrets so I made a decision and found my 2015 50th Anniversary Mustang in Wimbeldon white. The sound of that V8 is music to my ears and never fails to put a smile on my face. She gets washed 3-4 times a week and ois always lookng her best. Best decision I ever made! Now only if the gas mileage could improve I wouldnt find myself at the gas station so often.

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  Ford figured it out - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jimbelin - December 28 - 2:26 pm

  The Ford Focus is one of the best economy compacts out there, period. Fine build quality, comfort for four adults, a joy to drive and great mileage (36.5 highway). It is every bit as good as its Japanese counterparts and thousands less, for a fully equipped car. Mine cost $10,027 for power everything (not seats), ABS, alloy wheels, front & side airbags, DOHC engine and a good sound system. Great commuter car, good first car for a teen driver or choose the wagon for a family in the making. Cant think of any negatives about this car.

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  Worth The Wait - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By njlime - December 28 - 7:26 am

  Waited 3 months, but it was well worth the wait. I ordered without having driven a GT or a convertible. I am thrilled. The car is comfortable, powerful, & looks terrific. The exhaust sound is almost worth the price by itself. I get stares wherever I go. Ford has done a tremendous job on the Mustang at realistic prices. The interior upgrade package does a decent job of minimizing the plastic look & feel of the cockpit, although I would have been willing to spend a bit more for a little more luxury inside & a passenger seat with power controls.

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  So far, so good! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Dover ZX2 - December 27 - 10:53 pm

  Sporty, quick car thats fun to drive! I bought my ZX2 with 30,000 miles in 2001 for $8K. I have put 90,000 more miles on it in 4 years. This car gets great gas mileage on the highwayÂ… my best was 39 mpg. Some gripes: tends to drift on concrete pavement. Engine is loud over 70 mph. I agree with a few reviewers, this car has a mind of its own. My cruise control will stop working randomly. The horn went off by itself Â… I had to pull the fuse! I bought an extended warranty which was a great investment Â… it covered the cost of replacing the entire AC system, alternator, radio/cassette, tie rod, and horn.

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  Go For It - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By David - December 27 - 10:16 pm

  We are very discerning car buyers. We have bought three new BMWs in the last 10 years, have had two Chevy Suburbans, and own a brand new Range Rover. We shopped for a hybrid partly because we were feeling guilty, and have no affection for Japanese cars. The Ford Escape Hybrid is, without a question, a neat little vehicle. Both my wife and I are both enjoying it greatly. Does it have the finish of a Range Rover? No, but it also costs about $50,000 less and it uses a lot less gas. The Escape has a lot of pep. It darts around town as well as any car. And all the while, we feel a little less guilty using it than we do when we are using our other cars.