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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  Gimme another X! - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By liverdonor - May 2 - 3:58 pm

  Had a 2001 Ltd diesel and traded for new 05. Man, what a difference. I liked the 01, but the improvements made to the vehicle are _very_ apparent. Handling is better, power is simply amazing - tow a 5000lb trailer like it isnt there when crossing Stevens Pass. The shift quality with the new 5-speed is better - tighter shifts and the tow-mode means no burning your brakes on long downhills. And of course, as before, I can carry my entire extended family (many of whom do not drive) all over the place, and watch while the engine (under load) gets better fuel economy than my Chrysler 300M. This is a brilliant car for its purpose - Diesel Forever!

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  Decent car, but hard to repair - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Perry Reed - May 2 - 2:14 pm

  The SHO is a fun-to-drive vehicle. Although the ride is somewhat harsh, it handles well and has more than adequate power. Mileage is decent for a car with this much power. The interior is well-laid out and the controls are easy to reach. The car is well-optioned, and includes climate control, which is nice to have. My major concern is the poor camshaft design, which really ruined the owning experience of this vehicle for me. Also, they could have made sure that parts are more readily available. For example, the electronically-controlled suspension has unique, expensive struts. They would have been well- advised to update the V6 from the previous SHOs rather than go with a new V8.

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  Sold my Prius to buy this. Mileage is stuck at 39 - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By paulroberts - May 2 - 1:27 pm

  To start with let me say that I really like my C-Max. The 47/47 mileage rating however is a joke. I have been trying so hard to get my mileage up higher and it just isnt going up. I now have 2,400 miles on the car with City mileage about 70%. I sold my 2007 Prius to buy this. Was ready for a new car, needed more space. Looked at several other models including the Prius V. The C-Max is just more fun to drive, quieter great build quality with a couple of exceptions. Coming out of a Prius I am used to babying the car, drifting into red lights and stops, watching up ahead to let the accelerator off early. I dont punch it ever except to get on the freeway. With all that just 39.3 mpg.

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  Long List of Problems - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Bad luck ford - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2001 XLT loaded escape Dec. 2000. After 4000 km. Serpentine belt idler pulley fell off. 8000km smelt burnt oil inside cab. Dealer replaced complete engine! Neighbour bought same vehicle same problem. Replaced jammed seat carriage. Hgh spd vibration in front end. Rebushed something and balance tires(Pour PDI) Plastic kick plate mouldings were replaced (needs mud flaps from factory) CD player jammed, deck replaced. Very poor quality job done by Ford. Dealer did rebate some cash and provide adaquate service each and every time this vehicle was in the shop (way too much shop time) Needs new engine coolant level sensor...on and on. Gas milage poor.

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  THE NEW BABY! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JTCM56 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  VERY SATISFIED WITH VEHICLE. SOLID AFTER 2 MONTHS. LOCAL AND LONG TRIPS MADE WITH NO PROBLEMS. AS REPORTED, JUST A TOUCH NOISY ON THE INTERSTATE BUT IT HANDLES LIKE A GERMAN CAR. SUPER PICKUP AND MUCH BETTER BRAKING THAN MY F150!

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  Suits Me Fine - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By 2fords+ - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I got our Windstar from my dad when our family grew too big. Only had one problem which was covered by recall (blinking lights, gauges wouldnt work, warning noises on and off when we stepped on the brakes... all because of a missing seal in the rear of the van) and the work was done in two hours at our local dealer.

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  very disappointing - 2000 Ford Focus
  By bjc - May 2 - 10:00 am

  leasing our 2000 ford focus since may of 2000 has 27000 miles on it and has been in the shop more than I can say. We live in the northeast and every time it rains I find 6" of water on passager side floor have had rug replaced 5 times. Not to mention the numerous recalls. WE decided to change the o in FOCUS to another u BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT FORD DID WHEN THEN MADE THIS PIECE OF CRAP.

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  Buy It... No Regrets! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Banker - May 2 - 10:00 am

  After spending the last 4 1/2 years without a pickup, it was time to retire the Jeep Cherokee (NEVER buy a Jeep). I bought the F-150 with the 5.4 litre Triton V-8 and absolutely love it! I pull a 5,000lb trailer about every other weekend in the summer, and this truck does it wonderfully. Most of my towing is high in the Colorado Rockies, and my normal driving is on the flat, eastern plains of Colorado. My F-150 does a wonderful job of both. Plenty of torque when I need it, with a smooth and comfortable ride. Gas mileage is typical for a full size 4x4. Growing up in ranch country, I can really appreciate a first class pickup, and this "fits the bill".

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  Mustang Fan, but This is Over the Top! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Lane Morrow - May 2 - 4:16 am

  Ive had high hopes for the 05 since I saw the concept drawings 2 years ago. Since then Ive waited patiently and in October, my wait was over. I cant say enough for this car. After having 7 (so far) different Mustangs, this is by far the nicest, most comfortable and capable of the breed. The new interior is worlds beyond the old. The entire car actually makes all previous models just fall way behind. Its a home run for sure in my book.

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  Lovin my new ride! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By DeAnna So - May 2 - 4:04 am

  The design of the steering console and handling response is GREAT... the steering wheel is a bit smaller than average which helps it to feel like a sports car and the handling response really is great! It gets really good gas mileage and is easy to get in/out of... not too high off the ground to access comfortably. It feels really sporty for an SUV. I even like it more than I liked my ML350 (Mercedes) SUV... and I liked the Mercedes a LOT.