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:

• 

  Tough Truck - 1997 Ford F-150
  By at - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Our truck has never been in the shop except for routine maintenance. Vacation with the truck in Colorado and have been very impressed with its 4WD and going over very rough mountain passes. We live on a acreage and have used the truck to pull up trees, haul dirt, ect. (would of made a forign truck cry). Comfortable ride.

• 

  Love this truck!! - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first truck. I leased it in May 2001 for two years. What a great lease deal! I got every available option. The last two trips I took the 4 liter engine gave me 18 and a whopping 20 mpg!!! I have had very good experience with this vehicle. A slight vibration was resolved by the dealership with different tires. Other than that it has only been in for oil changes.

• 

  ford escape fun to drive - 2002 Ford Escape
  By gsegna - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I decided to purchase the 6 cylinder 2002 ford escape after one trial ride. It is comfortable, has quick aceleration, a smooth ride, and handled very well in a couple of scary situations. I like my vehicles to have all the accessories.The price I paid ffor this vehicle would have cost me hungreds of dollars more in the Honda crv and the Rav4, the only other suvs I was interested in.

• 

  better paint job - 1995 Ford Escort
  By lenln59 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  poor paint job! i bought the car in 1996 brand new,but by the third year the paint on the bumpers started to faid and rigt now the sunvisors are falling apart. i had no major problems . recently i changed timing belt and i have another problem with it, its shaking when idle and on the freeway.

• 

  Delivery car - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Xtina - April 23 - 7:35 pm

  I had a 2013 Ford Fiesta and at the time was great until I got hired to deliver pizzas. The focus is a big upgrade for me. I spend most of my day in my car driving. Very roomy and the back up camera is very helpful. The front seats are very comfortable but never sat in back. Heated seats and steering wheel is a great plus. Im glad they fixed the Microsoft thing tho. The robot lady understands everything I say, whether be to call someone or play a song. Drives very smooth. Nice and quiet ride and actually handles well in snow! 2 USB ports and an auxiliary. I love all the cup holders too. Like 5 up front maybe 4 in back haha. And I am most happy that I got it in black with black interior yay.

• 

  Love it - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bill Kooser - April 23 - 5:20 pm

  Enjoy fitting in drivers seat. At 64"+ I can still wear my hat. Great road visibility. Great to sit high - makes for easier in and out. With drivers seat back, there is still room in the back for long legs.

• 

  Love this beast - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Flasher - April 23 - 10:46 am

  I have always been a GM person (1967 SS Chevelle in the 60s) I drove this Shelby and wow. Since purchase I have spent less than 3K and got Ford Racing Axel Back exhaust, Ford Racing cold air kit and ford racing retune and then regeared the back end to 3:73. it has hp of Kr now. The only drawback is the good year supercar tires. They do not last and I get wheel hop on hard acceleration especially with TC turned off. I guess when tires need replacing I will go with something better. Still the best bang for buck.And upgrades done at SVT dealer keeps everything under Ford Warranty.

• 

  My 3 Day Review... - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Charles Gathers - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car 3 days ago after having a good history with my previous car, the 94 Mercury Sable. Has enough pick-up to get going when you need it.

• 

  0 to 145000 original owner - 1992 Ford Taurus
  By DGB - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 92. 3.0 motor is bullit proof. Uses quart of oil every 2000miles (145000 on odometer). Changed oil every 3000 and trans fluid (key maintenance) every 30k. Air cond still ice cold, just replaced water pump (144k)..rebuilt trans at 112000 (starting to get soft ($1600).I pulled heavy loaded popup trailer on summer vacations. ABS Brake rotors only problem area. Acceleration misfire caused by mass airflow sensor cable, FORD has update..worth the $40.

• 

  Beware the 1.9 Engine!!!! - 1996 Ford Escort
  By ofcgddss - April 23 - 2:00 am

  The 1.9 engine is the WORST piece of junk EVER! I bought the car with 30,000 miles on it...at 70,000 miles the heads had to be rebuilt at 80,000 the entire engine blew. This was the most unbelievably unreliable car ever owned. According to websites, MANY people have reported this problem with the heads as early as 50,000 -- yet Ford refused to do anything about it. Common symptoms -- shaking, rough idling, dying suddenly ... dump this lemon as quickly as possible and do what Im doing -- buying a HONDA