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:

• 

  fun driving - 2003 Ford Escape
  By purple - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Escape for 3 months now. So far I love it. Handling and ride is very nice. It is comfortable and roomy for everyone and everything I have hauled. The gear lever in the way I had read about in previous reviews is not an issue with my 2003. The stick moves towards the dash after I shift into Drive. I had test driven a CRV first as I am a former Honda civic owner of nine years. CRV was okay, but it did not have the build quality of the older Hondas as far as I was concerned.

• 

  Great Car But... - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By taxdoc - September 21 - 9:06 am

  Love the car. Sync has a lot of issues with smartphones. Doesnt do all that it is suppose to. The seats have very little support and I am seriously considering replacing them with Recaro seats.

• 

  Love it! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By wiley - September 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a the best vehicle out there for the price. The exterior is spectactular. I love the sporty look. The interior has lots of room, and its very practicle for maneuvering in and out of tight parking spaces. I went from driving small compact cars all my life to driving this, and I have had no problems.

• 

  White Buffalo EB 4wd & 5.4L - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Mack - September 21 - 2:00 am

  60,000 miles,very few problems. Bought it new. Brakes went at 40K, front differential seal at 50K. The Goodyear Wrangler RTS worn out at 55K. 17" Bridgestone Revo tires made a vast improvemnt in handling & ride. 4wd works like a dream rode through 60 miles of TX South Padre Island beach sand like it was a throughway. As prevously stated,the air suspension componets (pump & frt shocks) wear out quickly and are expensive, but help to reduce excessive ride height. We hope to keep this one for 8-10 years. At 60 mph we can nurse 16mpg, but my wives heavy digital driving style, around town we see just 11 MPG. Paint & leather is holding up well.

• 

  Comfortable Drive and Expensive Repairs - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Don Tucci - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 1996 Ford Windstar GL in April of 1999 (28,500 miles). The car performed solidly to about 68,000 miles. At this point, the engine cooling gasket went bad and the entire engine needed replaced. Ford replaced the engine at a local dealer, but it still cost me about $1000.00. Now at 90, 000 Miles I am having a multitude of problems. Speedometer broken, re- winshield washer motor burnt out, wheel sensor failing, and transmission beginning to slip.

• 

  Auto Owners Put The Pedal To The Floor!! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Mystang - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I have the 2002 Prem.GT Coupe Mech460 that is so loud it shakes my neibor house.Red lazor tint paint is the head turner when Im at a light.I have an auto trans. and any of you that think this car is laking power,drive about 20 mph and put the pedal fast all the way to the floor WOW!! unbelievable.Watch the rpm, the car hits 6.5 and 7.5.Driving regular the car shifts at 2 to 2.5.Put the pedal to the floor baby!

• 

  Great Truck but WEAK TRANSMISSION - 1999 Ford F-150
  By texastman - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Great truck except for the total transmission failure @ 65,000. All service had been done but Ford said tuff luck and I paid $2400 for a replacement from Ford

• 

  Great Value - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By rowbum82 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle not only looks great, but is a pleasure to drive. Extremely comfortable leather seats, tons of room, terrific sound system with 6 CD changer. The big V-8 and tow package make pulling trailers a snap. My only complaint is an annoying tendency for the drivers side window to occasionally "pop" into place when closed while driving. It must be due to air pressure because it never happens when the vehicle is standing still. Otherwise, I couldnt be happier. Fuel efficiency is not bad at 13.6 mpg on the highway. Lets face it, its a luxury station wagon on steroids.

• 

  Ford is Focused - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ford is Focused - September 21 - 1:03 am

  If this the car that Ford is betting on for the future of its company, its off to a great start. In my 30 years of driving, Ive never owned a Ford. it was the best choice I could have made for my first Ford purchase. The handling, the style, the comfort, have made it a complete package worthy of calling it a Ford. Old Henry Ford would be proud of it. Ive had nothing but praises by peple that have rode in it and those that look at it. Im proud of what our American car companies can do when they set thier minds to it. Ford is really focused on building a quality product. Keep up the good work. I love my car.

• 

  Great smaller SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Richard - September 20 - 2:26 pm

  Its a great small SUV and handles very well. True, it is a bit underpowered, but its a sharp looking, nicely equipped vehicle with tons of room for cargo and people. I love it! Having a daughter in college moving in and out of dorms, I needed the large room, but not the large fuel costs of a Tahoe or Explorer.