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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  1995 Escort GT - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Young Ma Hubbard - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a friend. It had been wrecked but I got it for a good price and it only had 20000 miles on it. Years later it has 101250 miles it and it is still going strong. It has a powerful automatic transmission. I have had to do little maintenance on this car. My kids are grown now and the only negative thing I can say is there isnt a lot of leg room for folks stuck riding in the back seat.

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  Wonderful - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Shayna - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned two Windstars. The first is a 1995, and I still own it. It has 120,000+ miles on it, and she is still running like a champ. It is just as reliable today as it was the day I bought it. The second is the 2003. I wouldnt own anything else but a Ford vehicle. They are the only vehicles that I would ever trust enough to put my children in. Ford is a company that I can safely say truly knows what a growing family needs, RELIABILITY.

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  LOVE MY T-BIRD - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By MIKE DEMARCO - October 22 - 2:00 am

  WE HAVE TAKEN THE T-BIRD ON SEVERAL SHORT TRIPS AND ENJOYED ITS ROAD HANDLING AND COMFORT.WE PUT THE TOP DOWN AND WHEEL TO THE LOCAL DRIVE IN OFTEN ON THE WEEK-ENDS. WE ENJOY THE LOOKS AND COMMENTS THAT WE RECEIVE.

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  1993 Ford Tempo Gl automatic 103K - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Libby Strickland - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is of poor quality. The parts wear out quickly and are not durable. I cannot wait to get another car. I would only get another Ford if it was brand new or relatively new.

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  good ford - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Bruce - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I drive about 33000 miles a year. so far the car hasnt given me one problem. but thats a Ford

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  Best SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By TigsZBest - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Escape because it was very comfortable to get in and out of. I have a physical disability which makes driving a car very hard for me. I needed something higher, but was afraid of getting a SUV. After I test drove the Escape I knew it was for me! My friends and family were very amazed that I found something that I felt so comfortable in. It is a joy to be able to go out and have a comfortable and easy handling vehicle to go in.

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  Best SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Schwendy - October 22 - 2:00 am

  You simply could not design a better SUV! Though it is called a mini SUV, you would never know from the inside, with plenty of leg and head room for all passengers. The features I feel set this car aside form the compedition were its great looks, interior space, great acceleration, and very responsive steering. It hanles much more like a car than a large sluggish SUV. It doesnt hurt you at the pump either, with about 21 mpg average in the city with the V6 engin. I can honestly say I dont have a single complaint after 6 months and 11,000 miles. If your in the mini SUV market stop looking and buy a Ford Escape! You wont regret it, I promise!

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  Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Vasaflicka - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun, zippy "baby" SUV which I purchasded in February 2001. The ride is surprisingly smooth. It gets the same mileage as a Ford Taurus station wagon with abt. 25 mpg on the highway (17 mpg in city). I love the choice of 4WD in the winter. I would highly recommend it to drivers of all ages.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By SPUNKY3283 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  THIS SUV IS THE BEST OF THE BEST. GREAT POWER FROM THE V6 ENGINE, AUTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, AND GREAT GAS MILEAGE, WOULDNT GIVE IT BACK FOR ANYTHING!

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  good suv - 2003 Ford Escape
  By RICKSTER - October 22 - 2:00 am

  since i had it its been reliable and comfortable to drive with plenty get up and go more room than it looks