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:

• 

  2011 Ford Escape sever rust issuers & repair bills - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Izaak - March 3 - 7:14 pm

  I bought this 2011 Ford Escape brand new one owner , this vehicle has rusted out under the vehicle , gas tank rusted and wheel wells, and tire rims, muffler, drive shalf basically I need a new car. I still,have 5 payments left owing on this vehicle. It will Cost 3600.00 and they were afraid when they start taking it apart I would have more expense , I was told to take it trade it in, start over. My opinion this vehicle should of had a recall on it. Ford has seen a lot of this and it would cost them a lot to do a recall . I paid 30.000.00 dollars and basically said to me go buy another one, this vehicle is no longer worth putting money in to fixing it. My air condition went out , and water gets in the door front passenger and they told me that is normal keeps it from flooding their new design. My vehicle is sitting in Fords shop , and I have to sit and wait for them to keep passing the buck and fiqure what to do because their protocol want let them go over their managers head. Their manager that they contacted has declined their letters, and pictures. Refuse to pay for their mistakes, all reviews I am reading on rust issuers , Ford should stand behind their product and support their customers. I am out of a vehicle at this point, paid 30.000.00 dollars for a vehicle to last me 5 years . Mark Fields President of Ford, and Phil Perry executive , you can not get in touch with them. I was told to write them a letter. Really we all know how that will go. As if the president is going to take the time to read millions of letters everyday. Managers at the dealer shops have been very supported to me, trying, calling, sending pictures . They have a protocal they have to go by. Its up to me now to go out and report this so no one else gets burn like I did. I was very hurt and disappointed in Ford not excepting the dealerships managers letters 2 letters and pictures, and they would not even give me a reason why. Just no help in repairing this rust problem. They wouldnt give me a explanation or a reason. 30.000.00 6 year vehicle load hard work paying it back and couldnt even give me a call or a explanation . Talk about hurt, frustrated, upset disappointed I was shock. Dealer ship manger at Ford was shock as well. Safety of gas running out of my vehicle and smell on inside due to rust put my family in danger when driving.

• 

  Good For the Money - 2008 Ford Focus
  By focus - March 3 - 5:26 pm

  This car looks good. Its a five speed which is fun to drive. Ive always driven an automatic. The cruise works great. Handling is good. Ive only got about 300 miles on the car and I get about 23-25mpg city and in town mixed w/air on. Mileage probably get better when it gets broken in better.

• 

  Best of The Best - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Robert Staples - March 3 - 4:23 am

  Great Car! Lots of Room, Nice Ride, Comfortable, It has been a Joy to Own!

• 

  ZX 2 - 2001 Ford Escort
  By JOHN WATSON - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this ZX2 in December of 2000 and the vehicle has been excellent and reliable transportation since I have had it. It has only been back to the dealer one time and that was for the hood not opening properly. Other than that all I have done has been change the oil, tranny fluid and gas and go. For a small car the ZX2 has plenty of pep and gets excellent gas mileage. The only negative to this vehicle is when I was looking into trading it had depreciated more than I would have expected. I would recommend the ZX2 to anyone looking for a small car that gets excellent gas mileage.

• 

  PHATCATS TAURUS - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By PHATCAT - March 3 - 2:00 am

  FIRST OFF I WOULD LIKE TO THANK AVIS FORD FOR BEING SO HELPFUL IN GETTING ME TO DECIDE TO BUY A TAURUS ITS A VERY GOOD CAR FOR THE SINGLE MAN. REALLY DOES HAVE A GET UP THAT MOST CARS DONT HAVE TODAY I WOULD DEFINITELY ADVISE MY FRIENDS & FAMILY TO BUY A FORD TAURUS. THANX FORD FOR A GREAT CAR.

• 

  My Ford Taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By forgtz - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the second car that I can say I have been extremely pleased with. I was in an accident where another car hit me in the left front at 55 mph and I was not injured.

• 

  MY SECONDED EXPLORER - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By GEORGE - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my second explorer, but we now have a 2002 new and i would not own any other car. my 1993 had 220,000 on it and ran great. This one has 219,986 miles and I still drive it on the road. My wife drives the 2002 and we love it.

• 

  1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By bcbeachman - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been reliable and a pleasure to own. No real problems until after 50k miles, including of course the Firestone tire debacle which I think was blown out of proportion. Only major problems have been a leak in the air plenum o-ring, replaced lower ball joints and idle air control module going bad at 60k miles. Otherwise, garaged, change oil every 3k miles, and follow the manual for all other routine maintenance. 4.0 SOHC engine runs great, gas mileage good for an SUV, no abnormal wear on exterior or interior. Solid ride, great on the highway. Would definitely recommend any low mileage Explorer to this point.

• 

  The Owner of a Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By burnt on ford - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new and paid around 25000 dollars for it and I has been a nightmare. Not only did the dealership try to screw me out of the rebate the transmission has been replaced 3 times in 55000 miles and the thermostat has been replaced 4 times in 70000 miles. Ford has been absolutly useless in helping me. I tried to trade it in and of course they didnt want it either. I will never buy another ford I will buy foreign first.

• 

  The Perfect Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Lucwolf - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I got the 6 cylinder, standard 5 speed tranny. Enjoy the truck and get a lot of compliments on it still. Have it loaded up with a lot of appearance items. NEVER been in for service other than regular maintenance. Built in Canada makes a difference. It sits outside for weeks at a time and does not get driven, yet starts up right away every time. My 3rd F150. all been the same. No problems. PERFECT