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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  My new escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By jalange - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the car three days ago from the dealer. Used to be driven by a little old man in town and the car only had 21,450 miles for a 1997 LX Sport. Looks like showroom new. Read reviews about quality, fuel economy and design and all have been correct, Ford has a great car here. I used to be turned off by Escorts since m-i-l picked me up at airport with a 1985 which died every 10 miles. Ford has really turned it around.

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  Very Reliable Car - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Happy Camper - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 1996. It had 12 miles when I got it, and now has 110,000+. The only thing I ever had to do was keep the oil changed. Once I hit 110,000 miles, I did replace the timing belt and fan belt, but those are the only mechanical problems Ive ever had. All in all, its been a super reliable car.

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  BIG SUV... Great for towing! - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By T&D of Silverthorne - June 10 - 2:00 am

  We searched foreign and domestics alike seeking the perfect SUV for our family. Couldnt find it but settled with something that would fit our needs. We needed to pull our travel trailer through the Colorado mountains with ease, keep the kids occupied until we reached our destination, and kept the adults happy and comfortable.

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  Surprising -- won me over vs. Accord! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Michelle - June 9 - 11:36 pm

  OK, I admit it. I was leaning toward the Accord. But the Fusion won me over. Its a lot of car for the money! Handling is crisp and clean. Comfortable but a good feel for the road. Interior appointments (leather, dash, etc.) are very nice and stylish. The car looks beautiful too. Many of my friends are impressed and surprised its a Ford. Given the savings over the Accord (I saved thusands), I am more than happy with this car. The 4-cylinder has plenty of power, but the fuel economy could be a little better. other than that, I am very heppy. Its peppy and fun to drive.

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  Great Truck For The Money - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Grego - June 9 - 9:03 pm

  This is a great truck in a mid-size. Not as big as the F150 and still packs a punch with the V8. I have a boat that I trailer around all the time with no problems. The inside is roomy and comfortable and the amount of plastic used is minimal which gives the truck a rattle-free ride and a nice luxury feel. The exterior styling is functional (no non-functional hood scoop) and still looks tough and not "girly" like the Tacoma or Frontier.

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  Pleased - 2007 Ford Focus
  By jr - June 9 - 8:00 am

  I purchased an 06 SE on July 29 and totaled the car on August 2 via a driver pulling out in front on me. The outside of my car was completely smashed starting on the front left. The inside remained almost unimpacted minus the airbag debris. While I could afford a higher ticket car, I am completely confident and pleased with Fords Focus. I purchased a 07 SES a month ago and am completely satisfied thus far.

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  TIRES, TIRES, AND TIRES!!! - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Mustango - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I think Ford made a really nice car with this coupe. For the money its a nice looking ride and some peep to it. One thing with these cars is they go through tires BIG TIME! and we drive it very little. Its not the tires I put on it, Its the car itself dragging the tires tread down. At 53K miles its I have replaced 4 sets of tires on it due to poor suspension. Nice looking car and good for a v-6 on gas

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  lots of trouble - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By unhappyRay - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 29k miles on it, and soon I started to get problem. First the passenger side leaked and the hood stuck. About a year latter got the headlight switch problem(Ford recalled for previous year model for this problem, but not 2000), then rear brake leaked. A lot of body roll, mechanics told me the struts were soft but not need to be replaced yet($600 job). Fan squeak during wet weather, steering also squeaks, one window rattles at high speed, and theres other unidentifiable squeak.Will dump it soon. I thought American cars had improved but I was wrong, this is my first Ford and will be the last.

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  Great Economical Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By mreniceguy - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Ever since Ive had my car, I have been impressed for the value. I have only had to make some minor repairs along the way but so far its performed better than I expected. The gas mileage is great, especially since I drive a lot between my home town and where I am currently working. A one way trip is about 215 miles. Ive put a lot of miles on my car since Ive had it and I cant complain. A great car for your money

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  Milking the car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By wolffie - June 9 - 2:00 am

  The ZX2 does exactly what a car of its size and build should: move. Fords five-speed manual transmission does an excellent job of milking every last one of the engines 130 horses. It shifts smoothly, and gets decent gas mileage (26 city, 30 hwy) even with quick starts more, ah, spirited driving. It handles well, even at high speeds, and turns tightly, capable of making a complete 180 on slightly wider residential streets. Ive driven a Focus, and, roomier though it was, I felt like I was driving a small tank it felt combersome compared to the succinct body of the ZX2. Its no Mazeratti, but its definitely a blast to drive.