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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  Head gasket - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By 99EB - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck was purchased used with 56K, now has 62K and everything is starting to go wrong with it! Head gasket is now leaking oil ($1500 repair). Heated seats have been replaced already ($370 each), rear door molding is defective, wiper/turn signal switch defective-wipers go on whenever they want to, Gas mileage is VERY POOR for this vehicle! We are now getting rid of this and going with a Japanese SUV, hope you do to! Dont waste your time on this car if you dont like going back to the dealer every 3 months.

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  Regret buying a Ford Escort - 1999 Ford Escort
  By "S"CortsSuk - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I leased a Ford Escort SE back in Oct of 1999, and I totally regretted my decision a few days later. I had so many problems with it in the beginning. I also had to replace the suspension after two years, which cost me $1,000. Back in Dec of 2003, I had to replace the engine too. That cost me a lot of money. It is a cheap car to own, but no resale value. It is also an ugly car. I dont recommend American economy cars. Get a Civic or Corolla instead.

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  My 2000 Ford Escort Zx2 - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Nickc1178 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Ford zx2 brand new in 2000 with 34 miles on it. In the last 3 and a half years I have put 70,000 miles on it. The only major problem I have had is the automatic transmission. The transmission is not very good. I have had to have it flushed twice already. The thing shifts hard all the time out of first even when the fluid is full. The only other problem I have had is to replace the left front tie-rod. Otherwise the car has been pretty good. It protected me in a nice 45mph accident when a soccer mom pulled out in front of me in her mini van. 27mpg on average.

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  One Fun Car - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By phlibber - March 23 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car new and 8 hours later, I had my first speeding ticket. What a fun car to drive...with a radar detector. Interior fit and finish is lacking and the convertible top allows any and all outside noise to enter, but thats where the Mach stero system shines. It drowns out all the outside noise while you put the car through its paces. The V8 provides plenty of zip. We had a 6 cylinder version of the 1996 Mustang for 4 years and it struggled to get out of its own way. In my opinion, the 6 cylinder version of this car is a big waste of your money. Be sure to include an extra $250 for a good radar detector.

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  TOO SMALL AND TOO SLOW - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By DRAY15 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  It has no interior space and no power whatsoever. I think my lawnmower is more powerful than this thing.

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  Me Ranger - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By J30rdesign - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with my truck. I was told to just keep the oil changed and I would never have a problem. Well they were right. I have driven this truck hard, beat it up and it still wants more! Great Truck

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  Mustang GT Review - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By stanger - March 23 - 1:13 am

  My GT has been a pleasure; no problems so far and what I expected performance wise. The fit and finish is excellent and the retro look is a refreshing step back in time. Gas mileage is better than expected. I get 17 - 17.5 in stop and go city driving. I made one road trip of 660 miles and got 26.8 mpg at interstate speeds averaging 65 to 70 mph. Seating is very comfortable. Trunk space is surprisingly useful for a sporty subcompact (I do not have the Shaker 1000 which does eat up trunk space). The ride quality is very good on smooth flat surface; the expected bumps on broken surface. Acceleration is superb for a less than $30,000 automobile with a small V-8. Thumbs up to Ford.

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  Yay me! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By tasha d texas:) - March 22 - 10:06 pm

  I always drove Chevys I traded out a Chevy Equinox 07 which was worth 12,000 and I owed 19,500. I was real skeptical about a Ford car, and I was truly suprised and amazed at the power that this little car has. I spent my 1st 2 hrs of owning this car in a bad traffic jam and had fun playing with the knobs and my gas gauge barely moved even with the air on.

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  Great Car For The Money!! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By John - March 22 - 10:10 am

  After looking at everything out there in this class, there was no comparison to the quality and extra features that Ford put into this car. I drive 104 miles round trip to work every day and this car is making LA traffic more enjoyable. The road noise is minimal and the handling, braking, bluetooth and Sync all make me feel very safe. I was looking to buy a 2009, but after seeing the new dash design and all the great improvements to the 2010, I had to have it. The power of the 2.5 vs the 2.3 is obviously better. I am very happy with the 28 mpg I am getting in the stop and go city driving. I cant wait to take it on a long road trip to see the mileage. All in all I have no complaints so far.

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  Engine shuts off on hwy at random. - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Nate - March 22 - 2:46 am

  Taking to the dealer to get resolved multiple times they say its fixed and end up giving the vehicle back,shuts down multiple times on the highway.Almost causing multiple life threatening accidents.