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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  Big Yellow - 2001 Ford Escape
  By m nelson - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the first yellow Escape sold in Texas. It is very fun to drive. It is great on highway trips (13 & 15 hour drives). The fog lights were especially appreciated on two trips overnight with fog for 6 hours or more. Since we have been long-term Volvo drivers, we appreciated the steering and drivability. The Escape has none of those problems. It is also a pleasure in intense freeway traffic, 0 to 5mph and the speed limit variety. We have the towing package. It seemed to work fine the one time we used it.

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  5.0hhh my god - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By frank brady - February 28 - 2:00 am

  just about the best car ever built!

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  Respectable - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By MrMattin2024 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with over 100,000 miles and it has not had any major problems. In the past year I replaced a bad thermostat ($7), a inside door handle ($12), and recently an air idle control sollonoid is going out ($104). The fuel economy is my biggest annoyance, at 15 mpg for most short trips around the area. But, it also has gotten a little over 20 mpg on some longer freeway trips. Overall, its not a bad vehicle. Also very sure-footed in snow in 4x4 mode.

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  SUV has lasted despite recalls - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By C. Bright - February 28 - 2:00 am

  My 96 Explorer still looks good & drives well. It hasnt been driven hard - its spent more days at the airport than off-roading. I get an oil change every 5,000 miles or so and I havent spent much time at all at the repair shop (new brake pads and a new thermostat). Its been recalled twice: once because of the infamous Firestone tires, and once for for something having to do a weak front stabilzer bar link (granted, both pretty serious). I have to say I wasnt too impressed with the way it drove until after I replaced the Firestone tires with 4 brand new Michelins. They made a huge difference in stability and handling.

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  Beware of brakes! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By megan teut - February 27 - 7:53 pm

  BE WARNED! This is a great car, but what the dealer wont tell you about is the "brake" factor. Ford uses a softer rotor that is designed to wear with the brake. So, every time you get your brakes done you also need new rotors. Even worse is that the brakes only last between 17,000 and 20,000 miles. So, if are going to purchase a Focus, be prepared to spend an additional $500-$1000 almost every year for new brakes.

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  I will buy another one in few years - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By nickzmm - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought vehicle with 23k miles, now has 143k. Other than front hub failure at 64k ($400) and premature front brake/rotor wear out (my fault for not taking to Ford dealer)($700 total) car has been very reliable. Changed fluids, etc. at recommended intervals at Jiffy Lube. Has not used a drop of oil. Tuned up at 80k. Runs great and expect to keep for another couple of years. V6 engine has enough power for my use and not too bad on milage (15.92 m/g over the last 1100 miles).

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  ZX2 with S/R computer - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Mirlin - February 27 - 2:00 am

  When I got my ZX2 in January 2004, I was astounded to find a new motor, transmission, and S/R computer in it. With High mileage (79,000) and just the need for transportation to and from work, I wasnt expecting much, but Ive got a car that not only can smoke rubber in first and second gear, it beats the pants off Honda Civics. It does what I want it to do and does it VERY well

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  This Truck ROCKS! - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Cory Johnson - February 27 - 2:00 am

  WHAT A TRUCK. I will say that it is worth it to go for the diesel engine. not only is the fuel economy great considering the size of the vehicle but the sound is incredible! It gets about the same mileage as my01 Cherokee. get the 4wd. its handy in the winter and itloods tough. Its amazing in the snow. AMAZING! its more comfortable and easier to drive than expected. Diesel is typically cheaper than gasoline. It is a little tough to park. Ill get over it.small price to pay. If you are thinking about buying one DO IT! You wont regret it the diesel has a standard 100k warranty and everyone tells me that the diesel willrun a half a million miles.

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  Need more ponies - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By ranger 1 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 Ford ranger XLT 2.3 16v with a 5 speed manual. The truck drives fine but the only thing lacking again is horse power. The vehicle has 143 horse power but feels as though it has 115 horse power.

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  This Car Catches on Fire!!! - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By Serafima - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 91 tempo for about 9 months, and just the other day, it burst into flames on the highway. It turns out, in 1996, Ford had a recall on several of their models that were built with a malfunctioning ignition swtich between the years 1988 and 1993. If you buy the car, make sure you get the free installation of the new ignition switch, otherwise, prepare to back up traffic while you watch your poor little car die in its own bonfire. Enjoy your new tempo!