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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  The Idle - 2003 Ford Escort
  By zx2owner - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for over a year now, and while it is fun to drive and rather reliable, there is one concern I have about the automobile. I recently took the ZX2 into the dealer ship for a vibration in the steering wheel (well actually the whole car) when I am at a complete stop. I was told that all the ZX2s have the same problem, and that it just "idles hard" since it is a four cylinder engigne. However, many automobiles are four cylinders and do not recieve the same problem. I was told there was nothing that could be done to alleviate the problem.

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  6.0 Diesel Works For Me - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By jberg - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Excursion in June and have put on 8200 miles since. Most use is at 75 to 80 mph on highway trips without a trailer. On those trips, I get over 20 mpg. I have a 28 transporter which I use to haul ATVs and camp in. With the loaded trailer behind it, the mpg drops down to 11. I can pull the trailer both up and down hill as fast as I care to.

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  No more Ford! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By rotceh - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new. Multiple recalls, a rear windshield wiper that NEVER worked, and just flat out bad Quality Control from the factory. First and last time I buy a Ford.

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  Really miss my red 97 Ford F 150 truck! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By NanaD - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I really like the looks of my Exp.Sport,but it is the worst vehicle I ever drove.You feel every bump in the road..and if those bumps are in a curve,the rear will get "squirelly". If you drive in the rain...slow way, way down because you lose traction (rear) on wet roads. I tried other tires with no success in changing this problem.

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  If they could just get small things fixed - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By criziz - October 30 - 12:13 am

  The car overall is fabulous. The only sticking point is the radio (Shaker 500) and the heater control unit. Ive had 4 radios in the car and it still doesnt work correctly. The heater control unit pumps air through the defrost and feet even when it isnt on. Fords response? Tell the customer thats how it is supposed to work. Thats simple irresponsible to say. My service manager allowed me to hear that on a phone call to Ford. Unbelievable. Shame on Ford for that. Now that doesnt mean I dislike the car, its fabulous and a blast to drive. Just hate the company for thinking so little of their loyal customers.

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  Transit Connect work rig - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Lisa - October 29 - 10:00 am

  We use our transit connect for work. My number 1 concern is the lack of leg room for back seat passengers. At times we need to transport more than one person to the urgent care and the lack of leg room makes it very difficult to do so. At 60 Miles an hour the RPM are 25,000, seams to high. Front seat is fairly comfortable, even on longer trips. Visibility is very good all around. Huge front panoramic front windshield easy to see pretty much everything.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Vicky - October 29 - 6:16 am

  Love the car. Went through a lot of problems with Ford dealerships themselves but worth it for this SUV. Great gas usage. Very impressed with that.

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  I love my T-bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By Pam S - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I really love my T-bird. It is fun to drive and looks sharp. Great on trips. Everytime I buy gas or go to the store someone stops to ask about my car. I spend most of the time with the top down, but put the hardtop on ocassionally when rain is expected over several days. There isnt a car out there I would trade for.

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  the last van you will ever need - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By andre hill - October 29 - 2:00 am

  My Windstar SEL has very bad transmition problems, it shifts very hard. thatis the only thing that i find worng with the Windstar SEL. Besides that it is a very nice van for a family of 4 or more.

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  Unreliable but Fun to Drive - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By TbirdSC - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I ordered the my T-bird SC new. So far its been the most enjoyable car Ive driven. It has a unique blend of performance and comfort. The vehicle is roomy and rides well. It handles like a much smaller car. Its a cross between a luxury car and muscle car. Unfortuantely Ive had numerous problems with the vehicle from the very first week. This resulted in an alarming 90+ service invoices over 10yrs for problems outside of regular maintenance. The vehicle remains a very enjoyable and fun car to drive. Although the reliability has left me with a somewhat tarnished image of this product.