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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  Wont buy another one - 2003 Ford Escort
  By De - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My 1999 ZX2 jerks when going slow such as a slow take off or stop n go on the frwy. Service Mgr told me thats normal. Feels like it wants to stall. Taken it in 7 times. No leg room in back seat and if youte tall your head hits the top of the car. Air conditioner stopped working at 35,000. Good on gas, reliable. Great take off. The jerking has turned me off. Can feel like Im learning to drive a stick and cant balance the gas and clutch. Other than that - its okay.

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  needs more power and room - 2003 Ford Escort
  By lucky larry - August 23 - 2:00 am

  nice styling but it needs more power and room. not enough room in console for stuff otherwise a sweet little car thats fun to drive.styling

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  Excellent car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Johnny23 - August 23 - 1:06 am

  Driving my ZTS auto for over a month now. What a great car. Not a single problem to report. Handles great, plenty of room and fuel economy above average. What other car could you get for $14200 ($100 over invoice, with $1500 rebate)with abs, cd, full power, tilt/teles wheel, cruise, fog lights, 16" alloys spoiler!!

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By egiardie - August 22 - 7:06 pm

  Two weeks ago, I traded in my 2003 Mazda Tribute and purchased a 2006 Ford Escape AWD Hybrid. Ive never posted a review of anything Ive purchased before, but I just had to do so this time around because I LOVE THIS CAR! It handles great, is very comfortable and is averaging 25-28 mph in the rural country driving I do - where my Mazda Tribute had averaged about 20 mpg (city driving would provide even higher mpg for this vehicle). I feel great knowing that Ive purchased a car with the new hybrid technology that will allow us to decrease our dependency on an ever dissipating oil supply.

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  Enjoyment - 2005 Ford Escape
  By freiberg - August 22 - 12:20 pm

  With only 1100 miles, the fuel economy is between 18 and 21 all city driving. With the 3L V6 it is more than responsive for a small SUV and is just a lot of fun to drive. Agility is another quality that I truly enjoy in rush hour traffic.

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  Rocker Arm & Lifters - 2002 Ford Escape
  By TonyaSM - August 22 - 2:00 am

  My Escape has been a great purchase for my rural area. Goes great in the snow. A few minor problems, bad alternator, bad CD player & windshield makes a clogged draining sound after a rain. The popping sound in the front wheel was the rocker arm and ball joint. Its all been replaced under warranty and she drive like new again.

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  Still love it after 9 years! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By robdobby - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this car in early 1995, and nearly 9 years later Im still thrilled with it. The body is still tight, the V6 still smooth and torquey. It has been reliable, the first time it let me down was a few weeks ago when the water pump went (after 8.5 years and 76k miles). Its a shame that it was cancelled. Reviewers always complained about the back seat, but I think this is a perfect sized small sedan.

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  2003 Excursion - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By McDuck - August 22 - 2:00 am

  We really like this rig. Ive owned two Suburbans and I like this Excursion much better. I am amazed by the fuel milage with the 7.3 diesel-- 18 to 20 mpg. We got the Eddie Bauer version and the drop down DVD is a huge hit. Might buy a second one if I can get a good enough deal. Only complaint so far is poor visibility out of right side mirror. It would benefit from a larger parabolic mirror.

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  Hucks Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Grover Engle - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle at a low interest sale. I got a good price from the dealer. I had an Exlorer but wanted a bigger vehicle. This fit the bill. It has enough options to make it a pleasure to drive. I get around 18MPG on the road and about 13-15 in town, which surprised me. 6 CD changer sounds great. So far, so good.

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  94 Escort - 1994 Ford Escort
  By 94fordman - August 22 - 2:00 am

  this car is not a bad car to drive