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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  A Great SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By VLP - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Unlike those car-based SUVs that are nothing more than glorified station wagons the Explorer combines real truck capabilities (such as off-road and towing) with luxury sedan comforts.

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  I love mine! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By leisuretravel - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my escape as soon as the 2005 models came out and I got it fully loaded ....I love it...Im a small woman with a big dog and a son and a husband, it accomodates me perfectly. I had a small convertable before and my son could never see anything from the backseat because it sat so low. Now he sees and comments on everything(hes six). Ill always buy Ford!

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Ford Escape
  By VickieW - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I love the Escape. Its not to big and just the right size to carry stuff and get in and out of parking spots. My husband has the F150 4x4 four door, way to big for me. I cant judge the size of the F150, but have no problems with my Escape.

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  Could be better - 2004 Ford Escape
  By martilk - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Seems reliable and comfortable enough, but has a horrid turing radius and a puny gas tank. The leather seats seem like naughahyde.

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  good ride - 2002 Ford Escape
  By bamroz - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, powerful vehicle that has a good look to it. Vehicle has nice features, but too much plastic.

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  The Good, The Bad - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Hasbeen - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this new and enjoyed it for 3yrs. I liked all the room I had for my junk. Great in snow in 4x4 and ABS was able to bring me to a stop quickly too. Had a few mechanical problems though. I had to have something fixed with the idle (kept stalling). Had to have the back wiper replaced and the running boards replaced due to pre- mature rust. All these were replaced while under warranty so no cost to me. Firestones were replaced too; those tires were much to big for this car and made the ride bouncy and at times and feel unstable, the Goodyears made ride somewhat better but I was still a bit concerned about rollovers.

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  johns 97 f150 4 x 4 ford pickup - 1997 Ford F-150
  By john norcia@aol.com - August 12 - 10:00 am

  bought this truck new, both torsion bars have broke tie rod went while i was driving it and i lost my steering.and transfer box had crack in it.i am going to trade it in for a tundra. this truck was not even beat on on only has 68,000miles on it.

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  02 Mustang Premium Convertible - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Roger4751 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Interior needs update, is old-fashioned looking. Gauge layout is blah. Seats have no lateral support.

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  Does Ford Care? - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Fred - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for just over two years. While the ride is fine, its just not the same quality that my 1992 Taurus was. I am at present without vehicle due to serious transmission problems which FORD feels are mine alone. This is not the fist problem with this vehicle either. Im not so sure that Quality is No. 1 but pretty sure customer satisfaction is dead last.

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  great car - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By bob sled - August 12 - 2:00 am

  we bought this car in 95 2 years old and have had very few problems with it. the car now has about 220000 miles on it and is still going strong. very comfortable, good handling, acceptable power, only real problems have been the ignition switch, which sometimes does not switch off completely, causing the battery to need a charge, and the a/c, which recently failed, and costs alot to fix due to the change in the type of frion.the exterior styling could be better.