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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  Ford GT Mustang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Steven Wilmarth - November 24 - 10:07 pm

  The heritage lives on. What a wonderful American sports car that combines affordabilty with performance. The GT achieves a 0-60 time in 5.6 seconds and does with style. The premium package is a bargain to add to the GT car. If youre in the market for a fun to drive, reliable and affordable muscle car, this is your ride.

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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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  Fab Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By bobby240 - November 24 - 9:55 pm

  A fine-handling and looking car with plenty of lux touches for the price. Performance is great with good economy. The interior is refreshingly stylish - a feature ruined on the 05s. The quality of interior materials is only so-so, however my car had numerous trim defects. The hood is of too-thin metal and lacks an underside pad. The heater fan is noisy on higher settings, and using air con saps engine power considerably, esp. in 5th. The car is a little slow off the line (in 1st), but picks up in the higher gears. With the sloping hood its hard to see the corners of the car. Overall, for the money the 04 Focus SE is a great buy.

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  Best vehicle ever owned - 2001 Ford F-150
  By ricdoz51 - November 24 - 8:22 pm

  Except for a bad experience with the dealer this truck is excellent so far. Purchased it from the lot the truck had 600 miles already on it but so far no problems.

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  12 years and still going strong - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By xlt - November 24 - 8:19 pm

  This is my second Ranger. The first was an 83 that had over 150k and as far as I know is still going. The 93 has been a real work horse for me and now has 100k on it. Basic mechanical wear with very little rust. I live in the Boston area and the winter conditions are hard on all cars. The Ranger has performed well. I am now looking to buy a 2005. Only because I would like some extras this time.

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  Not Too Shabby... - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Rob281 - November 24 - 7:18 pm

  A LOT of noise in the rear differential. Kind of unnerving. Now having transmission troubles. Soon to be replaced(again). But performance is INCREDIBLE!

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  Good First Car - 2001 Ford Escort
  By looks best in black - November 24 - 5:48 pm

  Its my first car. Bought used with 40k miles. Gets amazing gas mileage and its pretty fun to drive. Back seat is a bit roomy for a car of its size. It gets up and goes for a car with a 130hp engine. Has a lot of low end torque, but when it gets in 2nd and 3rd gear it slows down a lot. Then up again in 4th. Older people might not like how low this car is (makes it hard to get in and out of). The ZX2 sits at least a foot lower than a Civic. Aftermarket parts are limited, but there are some. All in all if youre looking for a smaller car with great gas mileage and a little more "get up and go" then this is the car for you.

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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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  My wife loves it! - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By Realtor 67 - November 24 - 12:40 am

  I bought the laser red GT Convertible new in 1998 for my wifes 49th birthday Its just had its 30K dealer service and only 3 minor items showed up. The rear brake pads and the original battery are nearing replacement, and there is slight oil seepage at the steering rack (not enough to even spot my garage floor though). Other than replacing the original tires at 22K miles and normal maintenance, I have spent $0 on repairs. Its been trouble free and burns no oil between 3K mile changes. It has all factory options except the engine block heater and they all still work fine too. I gave the interior a 7 only because legroom is a bit cramped for tall drivers and the seat belt frays.