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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  Rainman - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Rainman - June 11 - 10:00 am

  It is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned there are a lot of vehicles out but this one is the best.

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  This is a big step up... By Bobby C - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By cripler10 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a lot better than its predecessor. The improved styling is really nice. The interior comfort has really been increased and it is a lot more functional.

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  Love the Escape, but beware with higher miles... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By John Holst - June 11 - 2:42 am

  I bought this car used in 2006, and have had it ever since (2017 now). Its been a trusty winter driving car, and does great with pulling a trailer. Its not the most comfortable of rides, but its not bad for longer drives either. The gas mileage was disappointing from the start though, with it being much lower than Id have thought for a small SUV. Be aware, when it gets to about 150k+ miles, repairs start to add up and get expensive. Ive had to replace all 3 catalytic converters, the entire front brake system, both front axles, a rear frame repair due to rust through, and a slight engine overhaul of belts, gaskets, coils, etc. That said, its sitting at over 190k miles now and is still trucking along nicely.

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  Love the Escape, but beware with higher miles... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By John Holst - June 11 - 2:42 am

  I bought this car used in 2006, and have had it ever since (2017 now). Its been a trusty winter driving car, and does great with pulling a trailer. Its not the most comfortable of rides, but its not bad for longer drives either. The gas mileage was disappointing from the start though, with it being much lower than Id have thought for a small SUV. Be aware, when it gets to about 150k+ miles, repairs start to add up and get expensive. Ive had to replace all 3 catalytic converters, the entire front brake system, both front axles, a rear frame repair due to rust through, and a slight engine overhaul of belts, gaskets, coils, etc. That said, its sitting at over 190k miles now and is still trucking along nicely.

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  Great Car - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By kla - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for over 10 years, and its been a great car. Very reliable - nothing major has gone wrong with it.

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  Six Weeks After Purchase... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Pat "Duffy" Sheeran - June 10 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased the base model with the convenience group that had cruise control. Outside, the Escape looks lively, higher up off the ground than most. Inside seating is a bit jammed--my coat gets caught in the door about half the time. But the leg room is spacious and the interior is comfortable. Sound system (base) is good, better than Ive had in other cars. Acceleration is fair with the 4 cylinder; Ive not had problems getting up to freeway speeds and merging, but this is Ohio, and in the sharp corners of Massachusetts it could be a problem. Gas mileage is fair, about 20 mpg city, 24 Hwy. Gas gauge doesnt work properly, but thats the only flaw I found. Very good car for the price.

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  My Focus Wagon SE - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Lee Luna - June 10 - 5:10 am

  First wagon I ever owned was a 1964 Falcon; after that I have owned several wagons including 9 passenger large wagons. Went to a smaller wagon when the Taurus came out and have owned several of them; however this Focus wagon is one of the best handling and most economical vehicles I have ever owned. I havent had one problem with the car, even my wife likes it, and that is the best testimony ever. (you have to know her)

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  1998 Contour SE Sport - 1998 Ford Contour
  By weaselbomb - June 10 - 2:00 am

  In my opinion, the Contour SE Sport is the second best car that one could buy for commuting as well as carry things as well as people. The only other car i would buy would be the SVT Contour, although the insurance is much higher than the SE Sport. Nearly all of the features of the SVT are included on the SE Sport, although the latter lacks the horsepower boost from the SVT labs. A GREAT car, Ford really shot themselves in the foot for discontinuing this model. Fuel economy could be better, although i do have a lot of weight in my car at one time. VERY fun to drive, and VERY VERY comfortable for all 4 (or even 5) passengers.

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  Never EVER Again - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Unsatisfied Owner - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Never again will I buy a probe. In just a year of owning this car, Ive had to replace both CV joints (one more than once), replace the whole radiator, replace the distribitor, replaced the front brake pads a few times, the rotors once, repair on the head gaskets, and replace the timing belt. Right now, the transmission is almost completely gone and I have a blown water hose. When it rains, it pours with this vehicle. Price for repair is outrageous. Thank goodness they dont make this cars anymore!!

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  A great car. - 1996 Ford Probe
  By JS2Music - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my GT four years ago, and now must part strictly because of cargo space. Its a very peppy car with great handling and an amazing stereo system. My car has a factory sub which adds really nice low end. The Factory CD played is/was terrible, it eventually had to be put out to pasture. Beyond normal maintance, my water pump cracked (a pricey fix-up) And both CV joint cases had to be replaced (possibly my fault). Watch the alignment if not youll go through tires pretty quickly. This was certainly my favorite car so far.