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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  I love my Aspire - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By J.C.M. - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my Aspire. It was the first and only new car that I ever bought. It has never not started and gotten me to work. I drive 60 miles a day just for work so gas mileage is important. I have had to do only basic maintenance (brakes, tires). My car has 134000 miles on it now and I havent had a payment in 5 years. I love this car. My only complaint is that for a small car it has relatively expensive tires. Also, if you tune up your Aspire, I recommend that you seal your distributor cap with electrical tape.

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  I Miss My Truck - 1993 Ford F-150
  By skirksmith - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I just lost this truck to an accident. I had 132500 miles on it with nothing more than a belt and hose change. This was the most dependable vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  5.0 Mustang - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By ponyboy - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought the vehicle in near mint conditon with 65,000 original miles. Finding these cars in great shape is tuff and when you do youll pay for it. Love the classic stying and the manual tranny. Did some bolt ons to make it sound real good and even some things so it will handle better. Fun car, would highly recommend!! A soon to be classic

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  Terrible Brakes - 2003 Ford Focus
  By T. Egan - August 6 - 12:03 am

  I bought this car from dealership with 17,000 miles (a previous rental) and had to bring back to dealership several times. Back brakes continuously squealing. After 4th time, still noisy as ever. Finally told, well thats just how the brakes are on the Focus. The doors are very hard to open. Ive had this car more in the shop than any other vehicle Ive ever owned. Very hard to squeeze your hand down on side of seats to get to levers and I have very small hands.

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  Great little SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Ron L - August 5 - 12:10 pm

  I was looking for a smaller vehicle to replace my 96 Ford Windstar without giving up too much storage. The new Escape XLT fit the bill perfect. The new Escape looks tough and does a great job for what I need. I am getting about 25mpg and very pleased with the looks and performance so far. My wife who drives an Accord V6 coupe would not come near the minivan, now I cant keep her out of the Escape, which is OK, since her Honda is a sweet ride! The Escape 4cyl does just fine in this little truck, it wont set any land speed records, but it has no problem merging with traffic and cruising with the pack, while delivering over 24mpg. Overall we are very pleased with our Escape.

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  Love it so far...BUT... - 2006 Ford Escape
  By crostolinaste - August 5 - 7:53 am

  I just picked up my new Escape last week and I love it. I did have my eye on this model for some time and feel that I did a lot of research prior to the purchase. However, I discovered this last weekend on my first "roadtrip" that the air conditioning is inadequate -- it only blows the cool air through the dash vents, nothing below the waist. This is sort of an issue for me. At this point, Im not sure if I would have decided against buying this model based on this one factor, but it really is a huge disappointment. I will definitely be seeking aftermarket repair shops to see about overriding Fords inept cooling system.

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  most underrated car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By fordman - August 5 - 7:40 am

  I have been very impressed with the Five Hundred. This car has tight handling like a sports car and rides like a much larger and more expensive car. Gas mileage is respectable 19.2 mpg local driving with air conditioning on. I dont understand why Ford is keeping this such a secret.

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  What a great car... even after seven yrs - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Jackcarteryahoo - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable car packed full of options. Even after 100,000 miles, the car has plenty of power and acceleration. Ive taken great care of the car and it still looks and drives like new. I would highly a Countour SE if it has been taken care of.

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  Nice Car - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By SteveDave - August 5 - 2:00 am

  As a previous owner of Mustangs and Camaros I am used to the "crudeness" of this type of car and enjoy it. Simple plan, stuff a V-8 and a manual transmission in a small car and - poof - you have a fun ride! I have had this thing for over a year now with no problems (except trying to find excuses to drive somewhere!).

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  Too many trips to the fix it shop - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By nomo - August 5 - 2:00 am

  We thought we made a terrific purchase at a fantastic price. But what we did not pay up front on the price, we paid at the garage. It turned out to be a very expensive car. The head gasket blew at 104,000 miles and everything else went right after. We are trading it in and we will only get 2000 dollars for it...so sad. Fords explanation? It has 100,000 miles...that is all you get! Tell that to Toyota...thats what Ill be driving!