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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  Windstar is bad after 50000 - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Cody jo - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I had problems with my van after 50000. Lots of small repairs

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  Ford Explorer EB - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By WADDy - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I like my ford explorer eddie bauer a lot no problems 183000 miles very nice vehicle.

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  The Real SUV - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Hot Tuna - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a real sport utility vehicle. If you live in a large city like I do (Chicago) you need a car that can fit the smallest spot and can carry all of your things when engaging in your annual move to another apartment. The audiophile sound system is bar none and the exceleration for a sub 20K, 4 cylender car is exceptional. People may smerk when you have a focus (those that dont know what an SVT is) but when laying the smack down on an eclipse GTS, passengers soon realize that this focus is on roids.

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  5 years and still enjoying - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By jagrant - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine in 1999 and have 105K miles. Traveled many times across the U.S. and total comfort. Only have replaced battery and brakes. I change the oil ever 3K miles. Steering is a little squirrely and feels like you could loose control at times. I will NOT let my 16 year old drive this vehicle. My friend rolled hers and it held up well. The electronic handpiece for turning signals and lights have been replaced twice. A little sluggish when passing or quick acceleration compared to my other GMC truck. Overall I cant get rid of it and hope to own it to at least 200K miles.

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  redesign engine - 1997 Ford F-150
  By NICHOLEMARIE - September 9 - 2:00 am

  my f-150 2 dr 4.2 ltr has been sitting at my dealer ship for 6 months. the engine died at 68000 miles and ford will not take responsibility for this. i have gotten in touch with attorney general in my area( consumer protection) and waiting to here from them. i dont think i will ever buy another ford, also the total of the bill is 5000.00 that i dont have! this truck was maintained very well, and this really makes me furious!!!!! is there anyone that i could write to other than what i have done already? is there an address that i could write to and make sure they get it? please let me know. thankyou, lisa

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  Wife Loves Hybrid Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jerry - September 8 - 4:26 pm

  Owned new 2006 AWD for 1 month. 32-33 MPG city driving, 28 mpg highway in first 100 miles. 15 Gallon tank means 400+ miles between fills. Mileage is improving and 100% operation on electric motor below 40 MPH is increasing as vehicle is broken in. Wife is a former Passat-325E BMW driver - she loves how the Escape handles. Handles better than expected in high winds.

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  2nd Time Around - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BeachDude - September 8 - 1:40 pm

  This is my second Escape, the first being a 2002 Ltd. I returned my Volvo XC90 at the end of its Lease. Decided to do some economizing. Get away from premium gas and buy something with better mpg. The improvements/features over my 2002 are substantial. Most things have been improved greatly, some things fall under "if it aint broke why did you try to fix it...but made it worse?" Parking brake release and twist locks on roof rake. Though, 5-6 speed trans would be nice. The 4 speed shifts very smooth compared to the 6 speed in my Volvo. But, with all that I am enjoying the truck!

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2012 Ford Focus
  By kc - September 8 - 2:42 am

  First of all the transmission is terrible. my 2012 hatchback has had me stranded many times. On top of that the whole fuel system malfunctioned an had to be replaced. Ford should take these cars off the streets an give the people who have them something else something SAFE to drive.

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  my friend, my Probe - 1994 Ford Probe
  By tlynn - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1994 Probe in 1997. It had 32,000 miles on it but looked brand new. I have been very happy with gas milage and still get 25.8 MPG IN City! Other than basic maintenance I have not had to do much mechanically to my Probe. The only disappointment I have had is the fading of the paint and the breaking down of the plastic parts used in some parts of the car. A mechanic explained to me that the problem I sometimes have in cold weather when my door wont unlock by the key is due to the breakdown of the hard plastic used. The same "plastic is used in the seats for the lumbar positioning, etc. My driver seat is forever in the position I need it t

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  awsome truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By fordsarebest - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Ibought my ranger in 2002 and all I have done to it besides oil changes is a new battry.I did have the transmission suddenly lock up going 65 mph but it was my fault.I replaced it and I dont hink I will ever have to but another truck for a long time .Ithas 133000 mile and still runs like new .lots of power and great gas mileage I con get up to 450 miles to a tank. the only thing is it is not too comfortable on long trips,but i can deal with it because this truck is great.