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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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By Done w/FORD - December 9 - 11:54 am

  Bought this Expedition new in 07/1999. Rides great, lots of room, easy to drive, enough power to tow 23 boat w/ease. Electric system is absolutely horrible. All 3 wiper motors, 1 power window, and 1 heated seat have been replaced. Some fuel/air sensor on the engine was replaced. Now all of my warning lights on the dash i.e. 4x4, ABS, and airbag, have lit up. Dealer wants $270 to figure out why. Doesnt include how much to fix the problem. Ive spent more money repairing this 5 year old vehicle than I have on my 15 year old Toyota P/U. I will be trading this in for a Sequoia this week.

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  O2 SEL - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By J Tate - December 3 - 6:53 pm

  OK tranportation, but value after buying falls too quickly.Bought for 20k now with 38K miles its worth $7600. No thanks Ford, not again. The self dimming rear view mirrow is more of nunance than value, doesnt dim enough. Could of used disk brakes on rear instead of drum. If you buy one, get it used and save yourself the loss of value.

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  Get Focused Before You Buy - 2000 Ford Focus
  By mg - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My 1st new car was a complete lemon. The dealership didnt help matters involving multiple engine problems even going as far as saying I just did not drive it enough.

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  Small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Matts Review - November 30 - 1:13 am

  After driving the Ford Escape for the last month in snow and Michigan winter I realized that Ford could make a few upgrades for 2006. The 4WD system on the Escape is very limited and needs some serious improvements in my book. I bought the Escape because I need a 4WD vehicle that handles well in the snow. This vehicle is about a 5 out of 10. It basically handles like a FWD car and lacks the sure footing of a true SUV. Ive called the dealership twice now to make sure that I in fact bought the 4WD model which they tell me I did. Besides the above complaints, I do like the Escape and think it is a fairly good SUV which is built with quality in mind. Handling and performance are ok.

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  Going and going and ....... - 1996 Ford Escort
  By sasam - November 28 - 7:56 pm

  Bought it hoping to keep for a year, but after three it is still running without any problems, other than oil changes and basic maintenance.

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  PLEASE!!! Buy something else - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By TickedOff - November 28 - 1:45 am

  If this is Fords idea of "quality is job one" then these should be built in China. Bought brand new, and on drive home from dealers lot fuel line came off gas tank. 1 week later both rear shocks go out (wasnt hauling anything). Had passenger sliding door seal replaced twice, as water was getting in cabin. At 37000 miles entire front rack had to be replaced (out of warranty). Have had approximately 8 sensors replaced (at $200 each). And at 70000 miles manifold gasket went out. All the while dealer and Ford say sorry but dont offer any reasonable compensation or replacement. Been driving Fords for 20 yrs... wont ever buy a Ford again!

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  Transmission problems - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Shane2001 - November 24 - 10:05 pm

  Great car when it is running, great fuel, good comfort. But I have had the transmission rebuilt Once already, and it is on its way out again. Its only got 39,000 miles on it, it should be able to take what little power that is coming out of the engine. I have heard about some other poeple have the same problem in the years around mine also.

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  Disappointed - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Tonyyy - November 24 - 3:27 pm

  Check engine light keeps coming on for problem after problem. Most recently, at 51k, engine misfire. Had to replace ignition coil, ignitor - that didnt work. Ended up at dealer service ripping apart the whole engine to replace a bad valve - big expense. Big disappointment. CD player gets CDs stuck all the time, luggage rack needed repainted after only 10K, powered seats not working properly, really not enough head room for me at 64". Nice looking vehicle, but Ill be looking elsewhere next time.

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  The Escape Means Well - 2001 Ford Escape
  By djphilosophy - November 24 - 2:40 am

  I have treated this SUV with loving care & maintenance. It has all the fun things people want in an SUV, including space & performance. Unfortunately, the transmission died at 46K miles, has had 5 recalls (one involving the seatbelt receptacle!), & the local Ford dealership has been horrendous with service. I dont know who to complain to, but I know I will never buy Ford vehicles again! And the Escape had so much going for it. American automakers seem to give only a 60% effort into making a great car. Their cars come out half-baked! They look great on the outside, but all fragile on the inside.

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  ford - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By who care - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Expedition. Our first being a 1999. Some things are better,like the third row seat. Vision is terrible when backing up or trying to find blind spots. There needs to be a cup for change. Used to use the ashtray since i did not smoke. The lighter thingy in the compartment is a waste with a second one on the side. Locks are oppisite and will take some getting use to. Seems smaller but much more safer. We really love the 1999 so this will definelty take some getting use too.!!