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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  Our Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ldc - January 7 - 1:20 am

  Just a wonderful little SUV. We have an F150, and this compliments it perfectly. We traded in a 93 Escort wagon that was the perfect example of reliability. The F150 is also completely reliable, and the economy is as good as can be expected with the 5.4 liter and towing package.

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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By tr - January 6 - 11:16 am

  Great handling, fuel economy and value for money.

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  Had to trade it in - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By dina k - January 6 - 11:10 am

  I wanted an Escape Hybrid since they came out and finally got one. I stupidly didnt realize the importance of getting the 4WD version. Its hard tires handle well below average in any kind of slick/snowy conditions. The truck told me the tires were under pressure when it was cold out and that the passenger door was ajar when it reached below freezing temps. Finally had to get rid of it when the dealership told me they couldnt fix the loud squeeking coming from the front drivers side brake.

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  Ford got this one right (mostly) - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Joseph - January 6 - 7:23 am

  This review refers only to the base coupe S model. I bought a 2 door with a 5 speed manual transmission, so bear that in mind as you read further. Also keep in mind this is an economy car. If you want high performance look elswhere. Ford quality is way up these last many years. My base model with manual transmission has plenty of power and a nice tight suspension for a gas sipper. 2008 models have totally new exterior styling from the earlier Foci, and in my opinion are much better looking. Interior controls are simple, without silly frills. Dashboard gauge design is boring. The trunk space is huge, and the rear seats can be folded down. Incredibly quiet and solid.

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  98 contour GL 4cylinder - 1998 Ford Contour
  By ron1234567 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  bought it at 72,000 runs STRONG! turning and suspension are great, gas mileage is ok, plenty of trunk space for subwoofers, drivers seats feel fine

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  Not Happy - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By stockclimber - January 6 - 2:00 am

  At least the car look good. My wife bought this car before we were married and as soon as she could she pawned it off on me. It doesnt handle well. My road to work is twisty and I had always enjoyed seeing what my car can do on it. The mustang handles like a brick. On the inside, the seats are not very good on the lower back and the seatbelts tend to turn in such a way that when you close the door the buckle jams the door and cuts into the paneling. All in all I have not enjoyed this car.

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  My 2000 Taurus - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By hardy54 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Taurus has been excellent in reliability. I have never had to call someone to come and start the car, etc. It has "wind" noise which is due to the design of the car. That should be fixed in the 2004 cars, hopefully. We have been very satisfied with our Taurus. We receive numerous comments on what a pretty and nice car.

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  2001 taurus - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By abcdx - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought as used lease vehicle with 70000 miles. This car has plenty of power and I average 25mpg and 29 on long trips. Its very exilerating to drive! The transmission shuttered after I purchased it. Had it flushed and no problems since. Be cautious of these fly by night transmission shops, they will want to replace your transmission for no reason!

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  gettin bags - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By pimp matt - January 6 - 2:00 am

  im gettin bags and paint and i have 18 in wheels fat system and exhaust

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Ford Escort
  By loyalhall - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought it as a used ex-lease car at 3 yrs and 35K. Compared to other small economy cars it is excellent. Peppy, good handling, excellent in snow, gas miliage ave 30mpg, and a very tight turning radius. On the downside, it takes the most expensive parts. Sparkplugs were double a normal economy car and likewise with tires. I did have to replace the alternator ($125 part) and drive belt ($30) but otherwise have had no problems. The oil filter is just about impossible to get to so you will be taking it to the lube shop. Good amount of road noise and gets uncomfortable on long road trips, but 2-3 hour trips are ok. But what do you expect for $6.5K, a BMW?