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:

• 

  Great Car, high tech fun all around - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Howie - August 3 - 3:23 am

  I recently traded in my G6 Hardtop Convertible for a 2010 FFH. My G6 while fun to drive when the top was down was getting an average of 15 mpg. This is the first Ford car Ive ever owned and Im really impressed. The car was a bit more expensive then I hoped, but all Hybrid seems to carry a hefty premium. And there is little to no incentives on them. I just made my first fill up and it was at 560 miles. Was averaging about 36-39 mpg. The fuel gauge is a little misleading. The tank holds 17.5 gallons, but the car list empty at 15 gallons. So you do have a nice reserve, though I wish it was a little more descriptive. Overall its a very fun and semi sporty sedan.

• 

  Great Buy - 1999 Ford Escort
  By nydriver - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my ZX2 new and after 4 years of driving it, have yet to have a problem with it. Not only has it been reliable, but also economical. It drives well and makes long trips painless and city traffic less painful than in other cars. This car is a winner in my book.

• 

  Fairly Good - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By First Ford Ever - August 3 - 2:00 am

  A great road cruiser and very comfortable on long trips. Safety ratings top which was important to us. Video a hit with the kids. Dealership is best Ive ever dealt with though, so making ownership experience tolerable. Road noise too much at this level.

• 

  4th windstar and counting - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Steve Bradley - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We started out with the 95 model, had a few problems that were quickly taken care of. Had a 96, no problems as well as the 98. This vehicle has been solid so far. Great on trips and around town.

• 

  This mini van is a lemon - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By denise gibson - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We bought our van in June 2003 and it has been in the shop 3 times now and at 800 it had to have a new motor put in it. And we just keep having problems with it. Popping noises in the rear and shortages in the passenager side. I would not recommend this van to anyone and this is the 8 Ford vehicle that we have owned.

• 

  Love it - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By rjs - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Im very satisfied with my Explorer. I bought it used about 8 months ago. Other than a back wiper blade that had to be bent a little to make it work right I have had no problems with it. It has good performance (I have the larger V6.) Its just a fun car to drive. Gas mileage is about 21 mpg hiway and about 13 city. It has the usual truck ride which is bumpier than a car. Im looking forward to upgrading to a 2002+ Explorer sometime in the future to get the wider wheel base and smoother ride.

• 

  2000 Explorer Sport - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By 5150 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  If youre going to by an Explorer, you may want to opt for the 4-door instead of the 2-door sport model. It doesnt take corners well at all and the suspension leaves a lot to be desired. It drives like a pickup truck. Weve had ours for 4 years. The engine has been fine, with only a sensor going bad. Also, the brakes had to be replaced at only 21,000 miles.

• 

  Good Truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By RobsReview - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had the truck for a year and like it a lot, I have a 2,000 lb. Ski boat that I can tow easily and I have the small V6 (3.0 liter). It is very dependable and will buy another when they have a true four door and V8 option which is supposed to debut in 2006.

• 

  Love it! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By robind - August 3 - 1:13 am

  I brought the 2008 Ford Escape as a late Christmas gift to myself! I have been driving my husbands ChevyS10 pickup so this was a nice change. I love the feeling of still sitting up high and love they way it drives. It is fun to drive. I absolutely love my moonroof! I am taking it on a long trip in 2 months from Florida to Connecticut and I am sure it is gonna be a much more comfortable ride than riding in the Chevy truck. I am actually looking forward to this trip. Gas mileage is about 19 in the city which isnt too bad. Not sure about highway since I havent really taken it too far yet on the highway.

• 

  Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ellahsue - August 2 - 10:40 am

  Had it a week and am loving it. The pickup is better than you would expect for a hybrid. Although not loaded with bells and whistles, it has enough. Nice ride. Got 32 mpg on my first tank of gas.