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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  Scratched Glass - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Mike and Debbi - February 23 - 2:13 pm

  2009 Ford Escape,Escape Owners 08/09 help us out! This is the second Ford Escape we have purchased. New 2001 and less than a year ago 2009.(We love the Escape) The issue is the Belt Mouldings have captured sand/fine grit and has scratched the rear passenger windows. More noticeable due to heavey tint,and now on the front drivers glass and passenger. 2001 Ford Escape never this issue.The 09 is getting worse.The Ford Dealer stocks his inventory on a Boat Yard on Quincy Bay near Boston Harbor. The service department will not help us out to fix this problem,stating its our fault.We do not live next to a gravel pit,nor do we drive this vehicle on the Beach.Ford Reps will not acknowledge.

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  A Real Trooper With Love - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jenny - February 23 - 1:12 pm

  Had it since 2002. Yes, Ive had some major repairs. The engine went at 96K miles, so it cost us $7k to fix that. It cost me $4k to fix all 3 converters, and yes I had to pay to fix 3 of six coils. They said driving of fast accelerating and sudden stops could contributed to it, and we also drove it in England for 3 years, so that didnt help either. But its always been there for us through the worse of times. Blizzards are no problem for me. I have better traction than most newer SUVs and trucks, including your MBs and Lexus. It does make squeaky sounds in the interior, but its older. Not much you can do. With all the accidents, its always gotten lesser damage and held up the most!

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  Regret Selling It!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Diaur - February 23 - 10:34 am

  I bought my Focus ZX5 brand new in May 2005. It was such a fun and sporty car. It is excellent drive and has great fuel economy. I sold the car to CarMax in 2007 as I bought another car. It is one of the worst decisions Ive made in my life! I regret selling it!

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  Awesome - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Matt - February 23 - 9:48 am

  I am 64, 260lbs. When I sat in this car it was like sitting out in the open. So much space in the front! The leather seats are incredible comfortable. The styling inside and out is really nice. I really looked around before my family picked the Flex. We fall in love with it more each day. It is like sitting in a lazy boy and driving around. Smooth ride. Great handling. Didnt get the limited so I am thinking about getting some additions at some point. This car also has plenty of space. We have 2 kids and dont have a problem with room.

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  SHO No Go in AWD - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Keendog - February 22 - 4:36 pm

  Great car, quiet, fast, very fun to drive. Having MAJOR problem, however, with AWD system that my local Ford dealer (in Brighton, Michigan) and local for FSE (Field Service Engineer) cant seem to diagnose. The AWD does not work, specifically the rear wheels do not provide any torque. It will be fixed I am sure by people who know (and care). Have to downgrade build quality as a result since it had this issue day one. This is a GREAT vehicle in every other way (even without rear wheels driving, it is very fun to drive) and once fixed will be a pleasure to drive for years to come, no doubt.

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  Serious Value, Hard to Beat - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Buy American - February 22 - 3:21 pm

  Bought new 7/06, 0% financing on $20K. Get 25mpg with the 4, sit up high for safety, park in compact spaces, room for all kinds of toys and junk. Have slept in it more than once. Dependable and faultless performance. No, its not for towing big boats or taking turns at 50. I have had it over 100 in the desert and it holds steady. I have owned 50 cars and this is in the top 5. Used car buyers - ALWAYS check for body and frame damage, NEVER buy a car that has been wrecked, they WILL NOT run right ever again, trust me.

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  Flex Is Excellent! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Buzz Garven - February 21 - 9:37 pm

  This vehicle from FORD has made us completely forget about our overpriced, awfully reliable BMW X5 Sport, and we Saved $30,000 by purchasing FORD FLEX instead of European service nightmare.

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  Love my Fusion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Kelly - February 21 - 3:29 pm

  My husband leased me the car new for my birthday, when the lease was up to be terminated, I just couldnt part with it. Love the looks, styling, and handling. Wish it had a little more cabin room, by 62" husband has difficulty fitting because of the sunroof. I am having issues with the drivetrain making a vibrating noise, and will have to address it soon, apparently it is a common problem with the Ford/Mercury 2007 AWDs. This car is awesome in the snow! Turning radius could be better, but it went where my friends Suburban wouldnt last year, so take that all you 4WD enthusiasts!

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  WoW ford hit a home run!! - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Lover - February 21 - 11:20 am

  This car is amazing!!! I drive it for work all around the city and it gets 18.9 mpgs overall!!! This car has great power and pick up. I like to brag that I always beat those Bmw suvs out of the traffic lights! Its got a very nice interior 9 cup holders but dont use them i pack people it in all the time and love to take it off road!!! no problems and a sunny future together!

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  Best half ton yet! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Happy Camper - February 21 - 12:54 am

  I came out of a 2008 GMC Sierra Denali AWD and questioned if the F150 would measure up to the GMC in terms of performance and amenities. Whereas the GMC has a more powerful engine the F150 beats the GMC in every other category hands down. In my onion the new F150 is the nicest, best built feature packed half ton on the market today and Ford did it without taking any tax payer money! Fit and finish are top notch and not a squeak or rattle to be heard.