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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  Nice Ride - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Ford Fan - May 5 - 10:46 pm

  Over 5500 miles on my Sport Trac, really enjoying it. Had a problem with a soft brake pedal, but the dealer has since fixed it. The v8 engine and 6 speed transmission work well, I have towed my 4000 lb travel trailer over 2000 miles, lots of power in the mountains. Fuel economy - only 9.5mpg towing, but my last tank unloaded on the highway (60-75mph) lasted 415 miles, for 19.88 mpg. I recommend this truck.

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  Best Vehicle Ever Driven - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jim - May 5 - 6:50 pm

  I am a ex-professional long haul trucker. The best kept secret. The Ford Hybrid is the best car I ever owned. Peppy, great MPG, sporty.

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  Ford Escape Hybrid AWD lives up to hype - 2005 Ford Escape
  By wilbur - May 5 - 2:40 pm

  I also have a V6 AWD Escape (03) so I obviously like the general design, and Im in a good position to compare the two models, as their only differences are the hybid propulsion & CVT trans. Touted as "no compromises, V6-like performance," its true! The hybrid handles smoothly and is relaxing to drive in both city and freeway. It has as much or more power than my V6. Got 30 mpg average on a 600 mile road trip from Seattle to Sisters, Oregon, via the Santiam Pass (V6 would get 23mpg). Get 29 mpg in mixed driving near Seattle, and we live 800 feet up in a hilly area. MPG is reduced with driving in hills and with night driving (during the latter, gas engine is on more due to headlights draw.

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  SUCKS!!!!!!! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Cara - May 5 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the Ford Escort ZX2 has been horrible from the start. First, 3 months after I purchased it the entire transmission was shot. (Under warranty they replaced it). 1 year later the power steering went out. The break are horrible and even though I change them often the dealership says that these types of cars have that "Squicky" problem.

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  Probe running strong - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Lanae - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my base probe since 6/29/99 (maroon w/black interior)and purchased it with a 3,000 mile warranty. I have done regular maintence to it and the 2 cv boots that needed replaced were covered by the warranty i bought. It has had some idling problems although, at the moment it vibrates so much that i have to put it in neutral at the stop light because it needs motor mounts. I am shocked that a domestic car could make it this far. I am thinking about getting another probe 95-97 but, i have heard that the GT parts are expensive so a SE will suit me just fine.

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  Absolutely the best - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By B Happee - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2003 007 edition. I have never had another car in 30 years that has been so much fun. It also moves. The 280 horses are unbelievable. The ride is smooth as silk. I road in a friends Boxster the other day and was stunned when I realized how much better my Bird rides. The turning radius is the shortest I have ever had. U turns in two lanes leave you room to spare. The radio/CD is fabulous and very clear even with the top down at high speeds.

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  99 Explorer, tie rod end replace 37K - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tipman053 - May 5 - 2:00 am

  At 37000 miles all four tie rod ends needed to be replaced. This seems too soon. The cup holders and extra storage in the front area is extremely poor. Driver seat does not go back far enough for leg and arm comfort. Performance is very good, and gas mileage is surprisingly good for such a large vehicle. Side to side rocking on rough roads seems excessive.

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  Great car - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By Bradandmia - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a few 5.0s and even some 4 bangers. All a great cars - each in their own way. The 5.0s look fantastic and have a great torque curve - breaking the tires loose is too easy. The 4 bangers are tough and reliable and go forever. No major breakage, but even when something goes, I can almost always do it myself. Great cars. Love them!

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  Fantastic family truck!!!! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By pej7445 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent family truck. the 4.6 doesnt hog too much gas either.

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  Good car, but needs refined. - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By bagel - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My Taurus has 145000 miles (50000 of them my own in the last 2 years) on it and I have not experienced tranny failure (although it does shift rather eratically) or the head gasket problems associated with the 3.8 V6. All of the features still work except the fuel door release. My car is reliable but overall quality and design are poor compared to the competition. The cupholders in front of the stereo are useless and the interior is flimsy. But the seats are comfortable and I get 30 MPG on my frequent highway trips. Plus the 3.8 V6 gives me plenty of passing power!