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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  Love it, but not my wife - 2009 Ford Escape
  By WhoFan - May 8 - 2:43 am

  Love it, but my wife has an issue with the seat head rests, front and back. I agree, the back one, way too far back to be of any issue in an accident or sleeping. Front, she thinks is to forward. I like it, but its about personal confort. Its the only issue, other than that, love to drive it. Dont know if the leather package has better head rest.

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  210,000 Miles and Still Ticking - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Nevada Paul - May 8 - 12:16 am

  I commute 145 miles a day in 5 years it has never left me stranded. Replaced brakes once at 190K. No major repairs. ZTEC engine, 5 speed manual transmission. By slowing down from 80 to 75 MPH, mileage went from 30 to 34 mpg. Would I buy another FORD, you bet.

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  Great Value - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By 95SHO - May 7 - 9:34 pm

  The car has been very reliable with only minor troubles since I bought it cam sensor, starter and heater door control. Parts are not hard to find if you use the internet for your searches. Some dealers still have plenty of parts. The Yamaha engine is fantastic, simply the best in any vehicle Ive had to date. Keep up with the maintenance and the car will last a long time.

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  126,000 miles still 30 mpg & a Great Car - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By revrok - May 7 - 9:11 pm

  I am currently at 126,000 miles and loving my 2007 Escape Limited Hybrid. Getting 30 mpg in all around driving and have had very few problems with the vehicle. I did have the cooling fan issue mentioned at 110,000 just out of warranty, but otherwise I am very happy. My dealer service department also crows about the reliability as they are servicing taxis at over 400,000 miles!

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  SUV - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By abzotech - May 7 - 4:03 pm

  Had a problem with noise comming from the transmission. Took at about 6 trips to a Ford mechanics to 3 different dealerships, and two calls to Ford directly to finally figure out what the problem is.

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  Thunderbird - Great Idea, Poor Ford Planning - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By frank - May 7 - 3:59 pm

  I love my Thunderbird. The exterior design is a eye stopper and its fun to drive, both with the hard top and the top down. Great performance holds the road well. Too bad Ford was cheap on the options for the price they ask. The Corvette offers a lot more options for the price. If Ford really wants to sell high end cars they need to add quality style and options on the car.

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  2000 XLS after dealer helped with 99 - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By njdevilsrn - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I got this 2000 XLS after my almost loaded 99 XLT turned out that is almost needed a bright yellow paint coat (hint, hint). To save me a few bucks on an assisted buyback, I got a 2000 XLS rather than XLT. The only things I miss from the XLT are the cushier seats, overhead console, and the power of the SOHC engine (certainly not the problems that come with it). This ride has been pretty OK. Tranny needed to be replaced at 21000 miles, replaced rear wiper motor (who hasnt?). Also with a rattle in the door for 4 months now, dealer cant hear it (go figure?). Definitely buying an ESP as the first 2 years of ownership and the 99 did not inspire confidence.

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  totally diggin it - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By quartertone - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV handles great compared with most everything we ever test drove. The seats in the xlt are the way to go. Way more comfortable than XLS. Very happy with performance of the V6 with no reportable problems. Really enjoy all amenities and so many that are standard. Will recommend to anyone who is interested in a vehicle of this type.

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  My first pickup - 2001 Ford F-150
  By westbound - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I moved from an SUV to a pickup of equal weight. I find it more comfortable, but more difficult to handle because of the extended wheelbase. Stopping distance is not as short as I would like. The automatic braking system prevents skids but does not seem to respond briskly enough for my taste.

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  GREAT UN CAR - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By pch2o - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Tis my fourth Mustang convertible and my best one.