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:

• 

  Dependability - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Ford - August 21 - 10:00 am

  My 1999 Taurus SE has 36,000 miles. It has had the scheduled maintenance and has not cost an additional dollar to maintain. Highway mileage has been 28-30 mpg.

• 

  So far so good - 2007 Ford Focus
  By pinballlarry - August 20 - 10:00 pm

  3 months, 4500 miles so far. Mileage is 32 highway with cruise control at 75 mph, 26 around town. Far better than my old Ranger, but less than EPA unrealistic estimates. No mechanical troubles or noises. Plenty of room in rear seat for most people. Handles very well around corners, much better than anything else Ive owned. Pirelli P6 tires are quiet, but track pavement grooves. Acceleration is good for this size car, low end torque is also good. Go through the gears and be in 5th by 40 mph. Brakes good. I have the safety package with side seat airbags, havent been able to find seat covers that dont interfere with airbags. Sun visors are wimpy and look too cheap. Overall very pleased.

• 

  Wifes new best friend - 2009 Ford Escape
  By RHunt - August 20 - 9:57 pm

  After 6 months of research and numerous test drives, it was love at first drive. Handles extremely well with great visibility and surprising power from the 240hp 3 liter. The 6 speed transmission took a little getting used to with near seamless shifting. Weve experienced around 20mpg in town and 27mpg on the highway. Nicely laid out with leather interior and chrome accents, ambient floor lighting and the Sync system which in my opinion, is a must for anyone who owns a cell phone. I have not doubt that "the boss" will be enjoying her SUV for a very long time!

• 

  I Love It!! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By happyfordowner - August 20 - 10:01 am

  I have had my Escape (we named her Carly) for about 6 mo. and I am very happy. I love to drive it. I have the Sun n Sync package and I love having a sun roof, sirrus radio/cd/am/fm/aux jack. I also like the USB port. I avg. 26 mpg mixed city/hwy driving which is pretty good for a V6 SUV. I like the sporty look and feel as well. Very comfortable to drive, all ready took it on a 1200 mi roundtrip vacation with my husband and 2 kids. Very roomy and comfy. I added heated seats and remote start for cold WI winters. The seats fold down and is great for 2 black labs - wish the back windows opened for venting. The dogs would like that too! All around I am very happy!! Love my Escape!

• 

  Part of the family - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By bowdog72 - August 20 - 6:18 am

  I bought a 5-speed manual Aspire third hand with 140000km on the clock. Only major problem was a faulty fuel pump that was replaced at 170k - a cheap diy fix. Since purchase the after-market mods have been tinted windows, alloy rims and stiffer suspension - because I love this car. Without doubt, this is the best car I have ever owned. Mechanically it has been perfect with regular oil and coolant changes, and one set of disks and brakes in 50,000km. Amazing, considering it regularly works in the 3-4k rpm range when squeezing through the traffic. My version has a boot opener! No chance of selling this one - the family would never allow it. Thats Ok with me - they can bury me in it!

• 

  What not to buy - 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
  By David - August 19 - 9:30 pm

  I purchased a 2004 Crown Vic Sport in late 2003 and really liked the car. It has a big car but sporty feel with plenty of power. The problem came when I tried to get out of the car 18 months later. After paying the hefty $31,000 price for this car I really expected it to be worth more than a standard LX. It depreciated $15,500 in 18 months. How Ford can still sell this with a straight face is beyond me. Do yourself a favor, DONT BUY ONE!

• 

  98 Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Blackhorse27 - August 19 - 6:38 pm

  Very relaible SUV. No major repairs in 11 years and 150,000+ miles. Some interior noise from frame stretching, flexing, but rare.

• 

  Would buy one again! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By David - August 18 - 8:25 pm

  We purchased the Escape new. It was our first Ford and we have had a terrific experience. For me, it rides a little rough but hey! its a SUV. We replaced the tires at 35,000 that seemed a little low for me. We have replaced the master cylinder, cruise control switch, ball joints, along with normal maintenance. It seems like normal stuff. We were rear-ended at 90,000 miles and, after $5000 in repairs it looked terrific again. No plans to replace. Definitely recommend the V6. great pick up.

• 

  Great car, NEEDS GEARS! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By 10mm - August 18 - 1:03 pm

  Ford made a great one size fits all muscle car here. I recently bought the car with only 2400 miles on her. Love the seats, the stock exhaust sound too. However, the 4V engine does not make a lot of tq down low so from idle to 3500rpms the 4V is a bit weak but from 3800 to 6000rpm is sheer bliss! The only good about the long 3:27 gears is if you set the cruise at 60mph you can easily get 27mpg. Cowl shake is a bit annoying buts its a vert so its to be expected. Fit and finish on this particular car is good for a mass produced Ford. I love this car...

• 

  The Most Fun and Reliable SUV Ever. - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Daniel Kantu - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The get up and go. Make sure you get the XLT V6 one.. this one can get you in trouble it hauls.... I love the 7 speaker sound system.. sounds better then any radio in my house.. I got the side airbags opt.. I think its a good choice esp down here in Fl there are insane drivers.. that put on makeup or read the news paper on I 95 or yelling at there kids to sit down...Also from day one. NOT ONE PROBLEM> gone wrong.. and i drive like hard with my cars.