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:

• 

  Great Value, Great Fun - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Anke2000 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car! It is an SUV, but small, has tons of room inside, yet handles and feels more like a compact. Although it only has 4 cylinders, since it is a standard, I get incredible control and manouverablity. I like that I sit high enough to have a great view all around (enhanced by windows everywhere -> the blind spot is minimal), it is not so hight that I need to climb up into it. All around a really great deal for such a "small" package.

• 

  Perfect SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By GGreenman - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV that has answered all of our calls. Gas mileage has been consistantly in the range of 19 to 22. Once we got rid of the OEM Firestones that came with the veheicle its been unstoppable in snow. We bought the Escape new and other than a couple of factory recalls we have had "0" problems, we would not hesitate in purchasing another Ford Escape.

• 

  My Experience with the 2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By SJohnson - April 18 - 2:00 am

  First of all, it has that noisy engine. Tapping of the valves. It will keep on running though. Very reliable even with the sounds. I have nearly 66000 on it now and it has no rattles inside. The kids are very comfortable in it. The sliding doors on both sides make it so nice for entering and exiting. It has great pick up as well as a good braking system.

• 

  American engineering at its worst!! - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By Kyle Brautigan - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is horrible.We decided to buy the all wheel drive version. We tried to use it in winter and I noticed it did not work well. We took it to the dealership and after about 2 years of ownership we found the a.w.d wasnt even working. It was the main reason I purchased the car. The car has stalled numerous times, has broken down and been needed repaired about weekly. It never starts on winter mornings and the drivers seat is broken and slouches back to one side. Poor quality across the board. I will find it difficult to buy a Ford again after this car. YIKES!!

• 

  Never Again - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jram - April 17 - 2:00 am

  After having many problems with a 97 Explorer, we decided to trade it in and try again. We have had a host of problems from rear wiper motor malfunction (2x), rattle that the dealership still cant find, and a host of electrical problems from dash board lights that go on and off, check engine light that stays on, O/D off light that comes on at any time and the radio/cd lights that have not worked for almost 2 yrs. Dealership and service has been horrible and useless and drove me off the road when they did not fix my brakes properly and they did not work on Interstate 85 in Norht Atlanta, not the place to not have brakes. My Dad was a Chevy man and now I know why.

• 

  lovin it - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By cardio75 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a new 2002 explorer and have enjoyed it thoroughly. Since it now has a 3rd row seat, i was able to use this as my family car and avoid the minivan club. no problems or regrets at 750 miles.

• 

  2.3L Duratec Ranger a Winner - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By wecole - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new and it has been a great commuter vehicle. The 2.3L Duratec is a super little motor. Plenty of pep and great milage to boot. No problem towing the Jon Boat on the weekends. Excellent braking with 4W ABS. I am very happy with this economical, fun to drive truck.

• 

  A surprisingly good car - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By rohada - April 17 - 2:00 am

  It was a company car. Only repair in 85,000 miles was a replaced oxygen sensor. This car would be a great value for someone looking to buy it new and keep it somewhere shy of 100,000 miles. Never stranded me, always started. Though I dont need one for personal use, I have recommended it to those who ask if I would buy one. Performance/fun to drive not in keeping with an Accord, but is is well above average in all other categories.

• 

  Flawless after a year and 14,000 miles - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Spunk - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Not one recall. Car is excellent. Drive hard or cruise along. Steering, Braking is on par with $25,000 and up cars. Seat are comfortable. Lots of room for a car this small. The stock stereo is awesome. Many aftermarket parts if you want to get more out of the motor.

• 

  Solid Feel - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Panguluri - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this for about $14,000. after 71k mi. the ride felt solid and the reviews checked out to be decent. I liked the security of a large vehicle, the 4x4 and the third row seating for my family of 4 and occasional guests. leather is largely intact, but you can see some rips on the drivers seat. electricals are a bit weird the door ajar sign stays on for a couple of minuges someitmes, and its tough to figure out if the whole thing is malfunctioning or if its trying to be smart. abut 14 mi/gal. the 5.4L engine is plenty to jump the truck out of the road if you need to merge or merge ahead of the other car rather than behind it.