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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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By clittl17 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has been so dependable. No problems what so ever. Normal wear/tear such as tires only. One set of breaks just replaced. Will replace (only when needed) with another Escape! Highly RECOMMENDED!!!!:):):)

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  Love my ESCAPE!!!!!!! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Liliabeame - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escape... I waited 3 yrs to get it and enjoy the fun in driving it... Love the interior room and looks of the vehicle...

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  cars - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By princeovfreak - July 11 - 2:00 am

  cool and very good

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  Very Good Car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By dspruill4 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I had bought these car in 2000. I have not had anything go wrong, except for the battery. Very good car

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  Great Vehicle for large families - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By SUVman1 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This truck has never let me down. 7 trips to FLA from NJ... and still runing great.

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  Excersion Review - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Jim Barron - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice car. I hope they can improve it, though I do not think that it needs many improvments.

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  Not worth the high sticker price - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By sangelaspop - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Have had alot of minor problems overs the years,especially the wheel area. Have problems with tire inside/outside tire wear. Have had two alignments, shocks all the way around,problems with led on radio/CD player, etc... Not too bad I guess, considering the amount of miles driven. But it nickles & dimes you. Probably the worst Ford Ive ever owned. Miss my SHO!

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  just o.k. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By quiglebee - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th suv. It drives like a box on wheels. The brake dust is really bad on the front wheels. You really have to punch it to get going from a dead stop and the gas mileage is poor especially when using the A/C. I have had it in the shop once already for the air conditioner.

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  loved until recently - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By pdl2 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  bought used in 97 with 36k on it. currently 144k. until recently I loved it. the speedometer went out around 50k...works up to around 65mph. no problems till 2002 fuel pump went out. however just replaced radiator, individual window switches went out several months ago...and when it shifts into second gear...sometimes I hear a scraping sound. I had hoped with its performance initially it would last longer....as Im startign to look for another car now. Hoping to get it traded in before transmission goes out. I would still buy another if I could find low mileagle. love the 3.0 engine though I have a rear seal that is leaking

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  Fast and quick - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Stepheng - July 11 - 2:00 am

  A fast 5-speed car with great handling with good high preformance car. Bad for tranmission problems because I put in 2 of them and the trans when it breaks it leaks on the clutch making it a replacment too. Hard on the front drive axels being replaced about 3 times too. Motor is still great and not burning oil or knocking on startup.