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:

• 

  America is Finally Getting It Right - 2005 Ford GT
  By Glen Alcorn - December 2 - 3:42 pm

  With the increased production of overseas car makers producing exotic sports cars, I am glad to see that along with Panoz, that Ford is also jumping into this arena. The Ford GT is a design marvel. While keeping its clean lines from the original GT40, it also encompasses new technology needed to compete with the likes of Panoz, Aston Martin, et al. The interior of the car is suberb aside from its lack of lateral support. The instruments are in perfect location for quick glances at them when driving at upper speeds. I do wish that some of the materials used on the dash could be less cheap looking. The exterior design could only be improved with the omission of the racing stripe.

• 

  Rethink Ford! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By The Cook Family - December 2 - 1:36 pm

  I want everyone to rethink Ford as their cars and trucks are just as reliable as their Japanese counterparts. I bought this to replace my 2004 Escape V6. I have to admit that the 2.5L has just as much pep as the V6 did in the 2004. The fit and finish is night and day between the two. I looked at all of the competitors and found this one to be much better in style, interior comfort and fuel economy. I read all of the reviews and did not understand why a lot of reviews claim poor quality and outdated design. Have you looked at the RAV4 lately. Interior and exterior are so ugly. I want my SUV to look like one otherwise I would have gotten a car.

• 

  My Stang - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Topless96mustang - December 2 - 2:41 am

  I bought the car a few months ago and i absolutely love it. It is fun to drive and fairly fast. It does get the worst gas mileage, but thats the price you pay for 8 cylinders. Some must-have mods are: Flowmaster Dela 40 exhaust with chrome tips, headers, and a 70mm throttle body. I recommend the Edelbrock. I kept the factory intake but put on a Kk&N filter. I also opened up the scoops in the hood so the engine is kept colder. I get 20 more HP in the winter time.

• 

  Awesome Truck - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By mslrep - December 2 - 1:51 am

  Honestly, I was out looking at a Tacoma but just couldnt get over that front end and I found the Toyota dealers were just too proud of their trucks. Went by the Ford dealer on the way home and set my eyes on a loaded Ranger Edge. I got more serious when I found out my brother-in-law had a 2000 Ranger with 87,000 miles and the only problem hes encountered has been a sensor replacement, $34.00. I was really sold when the dealer came $4000 off the list. Drove it back to St. Louis that same week end and by the end of the trip, I noticed the truck really coming alive with personality, looks, handling. Matched with the auto and 4.10 ratio gears you c

• 

  Outstanding - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By 4Brooks - December 2 - 1:03 am

  We bought it with 20,000 miles on it and it has been flawless! No major problems. Weve kept it maintained by a mechanic and its been great. Long road trips are enjoyable because of all the room, and the power is great. No fears when passing or climbing hills. Everything still works great, original tranny, water pump, etc. It now has 113,500 miles, and still runs great.

• 

  It Kicks and Screams Just Like New. - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Allen Patterson - December 1 - 7:11 pm

  This vehicle truly owns the road. Its the Ford MUSTANG GT with a healthy kick of 2000s technology. It kicks and screams just like the day it was born. To prove it this might convince you I was pulled over today dec. 1 2004 by an officer not too far from the Whitestone bridge for speeding. It kicks and screams just like the day it was born. That all american V-8 engine, floor it and hear that growl like no other. The All American classic FORD MUSTANG! Its our last American muscle car. Its forever in our hearts. I love the pony logo on the seats and steering wheel.

• 

  CVPI - What a Value! - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By billjohdoittod - December 1 - 4:07 pm

  Ive had this 2007 CVPI for about seven months. I wanted one of these because of all the heavy-duty stuff that makes it virtually indestructible. And it is. The ride is stiff (not a problem for me) and the car goes exactly where I tell it to go. Its not a race car, but it is a car that I would trust in situations where a "softer" car would have problems. Seven months, no problems. I happily recommend them to others, and if this one is ever wrecked, Ill look for another one as the replacement.

• 

  Might be last ford - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By fdambowsky - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I am not happy with the vehicle. Brakes, Brakes, Brakes at 64k ive put them in 4 times so far. At 24k transmission had a "washboard" feeling. Fuel line got a leak at 35k. Checked for recalls and found the the "police" version was recalled for the same reason in the exact same location that my fuel line leaked. Dealer said "not covered because it doesnt happen to the non police vehicles. Gee, looked like it did to me. Gas economy??? 12.8 miles per gallon. Have owned many Fords in the past...this may well be my last.....

• 

  Great Buy - 2003 Ford Escape
  By foxchsr - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the ride, comfort and pleasure of owning this vehicle. It is all that I hoped it would be!

• 

  premature brake wear and failure - 2003 Ford Escape
  By biltmore - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Our Ford Escape has only 12200kms. On July 31 2003 we were involved in a collision where the brakes failed in a panic stop situation. Dealership would not check the brakes under warranty so we are now involved in a law suit to recover damages due to the fact that there were two other vehicles in the collision. Brakes were spongy and alot of brake residue left on the wheels.This vehicle is driven in normal city driving situations+