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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  Its been a good vehicle - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By rsknaub - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This van has been very reliable and has only been in the shop twice for repairs in almost 100,000 miles. The first time was for a failed sensor which cost about $100. The second visit required a new intake manifold. That was a little more costly. However, it still runs great and Im ready to get my second 100,000 miles on it. The biggest surprise is that everything still works after 3&1/2 years.

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  DONT BUY A 96 CONTOUR!! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By HateMyCar96 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I had nothing but problems with this car after it hit 50,000 miles!! First the drivetrain and then the radiator and the water pump and then the wheel cylinders whet bad! Dont buy a 96 contour unless you enjoy constant aggervation and automotive problems!

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  Tale For The Tall People - 2002 Ford Escape
  By BumperCar - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Can you say Headroom?!?! Being on the tall side the headroom is a key feature and the Escape has it..I had to go without the moon roof..I love the Escape XLT V6 being a first time SUV owner. I cant wait for the hybrid..It would be great to get 40 miles per gallon instead of 18-20..

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  my 1995 eddie bauer - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By derek ansaroff - December 30 - 2:00 am

  my ford bronco is amaizing i have no complains it is fast stong and reliable it can go anywere i want with ease

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  Poor choice - 2003 Ford Escape
  By K PRIDE - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Before warranty was over, Ford replaced entire plastic panel around bottom of vehicle (faded). Battery failed & was replaced. We just went out of warranty (38,000 mi) and the gas pedal has started sticking when you take it out of park. At 40K mi, the CD player has quit working. Sorry, but its out of warranty! Sorry, FORD, you lose in the long run!

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  2002 Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jkr - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I really like my ford Escape in an all around package its hard to beat. Very fun to drive! Easy to see out of,easy to move about- park

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jasbike - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Great little gocart of a truck. This combination of the 4.0 motor, the 5sp manual, reg cab and two wheel drive make it light and quick. Therefore the quickest combo you can get. It is a shame they stopped making this set up, but I am glad that I own one. Chrome Yellow

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  FUN HANDY LITTLE TRUCK - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Roy Wagelein - December 30 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT MY TRUCK NEW IN 2000. LAST FOUR DOOR IN ARIZONA AND I WAS NOT TO PLEASED WITH THE COLOR THEN. RED. PAINT JOB IS GREAT AS ARE ALL EXTERIOR FITS. MOTOR COULD USE SOME MORE JUICE, BUT JUST FINE FOR DRIVING UP TO PRESCOTT OR PAYSON AND FLAGSTAFF. TOWING IS A LITTLE SLOW GOING UP STEEP GRADES. SO IT TAKES 5 MINUTES LONGER TO GET WHERE YOUR GOING. NOT ONE PROBLEM YET. IT IS MAINTAINED EVERY THREE MONTHS. THATS REALLY ALL I CAN SAY NEGATIVELY ABOUT THE TRUCK. POWER AND MILEAGE. I COULD HAVE GOTTEN THE 4.0 LITER, IF THERE WAS ONE IN FLEET SALES.

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  2000 Taurus SEL - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By SEBOWMAN - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has many great hidden secrets about it. First, Ford doesnt tell you how the 200HP engine is really enderated and very powerful. This car is a dream to drive. The degisn of the body is reflective of serious vehicles like BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes Benz.

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  Not as bad as you may think! - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By SCTommyDC - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Excursion. We frequently take excursions from SoCal into NorCal and Central Cal, delivering finished goods and transporting our two sons. With a quick mod on the air intake, we get 14+ MPG, and this includes 75mph ascent on the grapevine and fully loaded in the cabin! We got 16.3 mpg once on a trip to Vegas and back. Its bigger than other SUVs (Largest), so small cars yield and Semis see us.