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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  Love escaping in my new Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Rose - May 4 - 1:56 pm

  I absolutely love the incredibly roomy design with the great fuel economy I get with this car! Its big like an SUV and roomy in the front and back with lots of perks but still gets the great mileage of an economy car.

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  My Putt-Putt Puddle Jumper - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By dward - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My parents didnt know how to drive a 5 speed so the car sat in their yard for a year. It was mine for the cost of safetying. Since then Ive spent on nothing but upkeep. I love the car for the city, but I find performance on the highway lacking. Ive had no problem with rust or major repairs and I live on the ocean in the snow belt. Ive driven more than 450kms on one tank (about 15kms/L or 60m/G). It costs more for a metro bus pass than it does to run my little Putt-Putt Grasshopper Puddle Jumper for a month. My friends tease me but they say, the more nicknames you have for something, the more you must like it. I love it.

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  Ford lost a repeat customer - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By jimmck - May 4 - 2:00 am

  2nd Expedition for this family. First was a 99 XLT - no major problems (windshield wiper issue - and rear wiper motor went - thats it) in 66K miles. 02 Eddie Bauer (subject of this review): After 44K miles: Rear sensing system failed. Drivers heated seat element failed. Minor build issues (annoying) - headlight/foglamp switch fell apart, read quarte pop-out windows always noisy when operating. Transmission FAILED at 44K miles. Ford/dealer not standing behind their product means that I will look at the competition when the lease expires. Ford / dealer - you lost a repear customer.

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  Safe to wreck! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By ill_iterate - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I was envolved in a bad collision. A lady in a civic tried to cross the street while I was doing 55mph...So? The Civic is gone to automobile heaven, and that truck was fixed and still runs great! Just a small bend in the frame! This truck is stout, but get the 4.0 because my 3.0 is lacking power.

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  Sweet ride - 2009 Ford Escape
  By RON C. - May 3 - 7:26 pm

  Got a great deal then had them add running boards before I would sign. This is a very nice auto. The sage exterior and camel interior are excelent. Has every option but GPS and trailer hitch. Wife had to have heated seats, she is happy. Sirius radio and Sync are a lot of fun. Handles very well and enough power for me. From Ohio and looking forward to 4x4 feature.

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  Ahhh - 2008 Ford Escape
  By it is - May 3 - 3:00 pm

  Switched from awd to 2wd -- and Im doing alright (not needed in tx). Needed room for dogs, with better mileage than I got with my wagon. This is it! Worst case, my first mileage estimate is 27 mpg with 70 hwy/30cty. Better than expected! I had to find something under 20k, and used wasnt practical--I rack up the miles. It has my bare necessities, but I miss the seamless cargo space of my wagon (the Escape has gaps, with dangerous pins in them)--until my custom mats are made, Ill have to keep travel crates in the car. Other than that, why are they still doing drum brakes?

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  Real Muscle - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By johnny - May 3 - 12:36 pm

  I loved the car the moment I test drove it. I traded my 350Z for it. It handles just as good if not better than the Z, has more MUSCLE with the 300 horsepower engine, compared to the 288 with the Z and I love the RED LEATHER seats in my black GT with hood scoop and 18" polished wheels, makes for a real looker.

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  Mustangs rule the world - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Trickydick1997 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  ive driven this mustang for 3 years, have had a couple accidents of driver error not because of any default of the car.

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  been a good friend - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By davebc - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since it was new. It has been nothing but reliable. Never broke down, never caused a problem. Sometimes I think of getting a newer car, but it still looks and runs great and I think the styling still looks better than most newer cars. I was considering a BMW, but I think Ill save my money and keep driving my old friend

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  Dont buy a Ford - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By armstrongh - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Usual Ford problems - Head gasket failure, engine failure, transmission failure, door chimes, etc.. This van now has 74,500 miles on it, but would have more if it was ever out of the repair shop. Stay away from Fords.