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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  Will Never Buy Ford Again! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Helen - June 20 - 1:23 pm

  Sad, but the Focus really soured me on all Fords. What hasnt gone wrong on this car? Despite the recalls just since Ive had it, the $2400 transmission put in at 70K, the extra $1000 it will take for MORE O2 sensors, fuel gauge sensor, etc. and the additional $1,000 Ive put in since Ive had it (if you add it all up, its about what the trade in is worth), Ive had it with this car. Once one thing goes, everything goes.

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  The Lazy 2016 Escape! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By archie cash - June 19 - 8:55 pm

  First I have the 2.0 Turbo Engine. Lets start with the Vista roof. You cannot have the windows down as the head liner will flip and drive you crazy at any speed. I have taking it on one major trip and now have parked it and looking to sell it soon. Under the front is a cheapest cardboard covering of the engine you will ever find! Thats is until you have to have it replaced because of a piece of Truck tire that hit it. What it really does, is protect a small piece on the A/C compressor that looks like a afterthought. Its fuel Economy should be more. I would look at a Edge because of power verses mileage. The Escape doesnt corner well. At least with the 19" tires. Its tall and narrow and drifts. For the money, you can find a better SUV. The 2017 has made changes the 2016 doesnt have. Like a bigger gas tank. Then their is the shifter that is to far forward on the 2016 but was moved on the 2017. You will like the sound but that can come on just about any Ford, the sync 3. I had one side window blow out on a turnpike and the glass did not stay together but went everywhere, lucky for me, my grand-daughter was asleep under a blanket. The hood was really ugly but the 2017 they did some changes also. I would stay away from this SUV and look at others before I buy and also look at the HP. The 2017 added more HP, but again when you get only about 3 mpg over a 300 HP V6, I would really look at the V6 Engine. Last, when will Warranty be upped on a Ford? Even the Lincoln has 4 years. Many others have better and for the money I really would not do this again. And for love of money dont buy a White one if people around you burn wood as its a magnet for soot! The tailgate on mine goes in for a look as waving my 11" shoe will not open the back. I hope this helps someone, Thanks!

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  Taurus : A Great Car That Falls Apart - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Ford Guy - June 19 - 2:00 am

  The 86-91 Ford Taurus starts life as a great car. It has a good ride, seats 6, looks good inside and out, and is relatively comfortable. It is also really fun to drive for an affordable family sedan. For the first 5 years you will love it. However, after 5 years you will start to hate it. Things start to make noise, alternators die every 4 years, and other things go wrong. My advise would be to buy a Taurus with VERY low mileage. As long as it isnt worn out, the 86-91 Ford Taurus is a great car. Just watch out for the higher mileage vehicles.

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  So So...not the greatest - 1995 Ford F-150
  By mc64dart - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Not the best truck I have ever owned, but it is not the worst. It does guzzle gas, but it runs like a top.

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  Be Wary - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By BoDerek - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Repeatedly in dealership for "Check Engine" light. Meticulously well maintained car blew head gasket at 88K miles. Ford resonse: "Sorry, 1995 3.8L Windstars are covered for head gasket problem..." However Ford maintains they "corrected it in 96 and later models..." so too bad if you are having trouble. Local mechanic says 3.8L head gasket woes are a Ford trait, not unique to Windstar, but all 3.8- powered Fords with 60-90K miles. Also clunky transmission makes me very nervous about its future. Lots of interior room though. Soft, quiet ride. Rear seat too heavy--needs two people to remove.

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  Bad Star - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Amiga - June 16 - 2:00 am

  We have had to replace the transmission and engine ALREADY! Brakes 4 times!

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  The less miles the better! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Amanda H - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I had my Escort for around 3 months before the timing belt broke at 140,000- leaving me with a worthless car. Granted this was my fault, but even before the car had its problems. The check coolant light was always on- but it had plenty of coolant and never ran hot. Also had the steering wheel light always flashing, mechanic thought that it probably had to do with the sensors. The rear defroster button also stopped staying in the on position. It worked, but you had to hold the button down yourself. However, having said all that- I believe an Escort with about half the mileage of mine would be a fine starter car for someone.

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  No Way in Snow States - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Charles - June 13 - 2:50 am

  In cold weather I was getting down to 19-21 in city driving, 26 on highway. Never got over 24 in city, and I drove this by the textbook. Took off slowly, to stay in electric mode, people honked a lot at me on slow take off from lights. I chose fwd to save fuel, slipped all the time in the least amount of snow, got stuck twice in snow when other fwd cars drove by me. Then I read it has no traction control! The heavy battery in back throws off the weight balance advantage of fwd. Very frustrating experience! You in cold weather states need to beware! I traded to escape 4 cyl fwd, and similar mileage in cold temps and no slippage in snow, maybe ok in warm states. Not worth the extra $ for hybrid.

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  I must have got a lemon - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Katwman - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1998 XZ2 in the spring of 1997. I have had continual problems with the brake system throughout the life of the car. Ive had it back to the dealer at least 5 times for the same intermittant clunking noise, that the dealer cant seem to pin down. Ive gone through two sets of rotors in 40,000 miles. In April of this year, the timing belt jumped off, for no known reason, to the tune of $700 repair work (it is out of warranty). That should not have happened at only 38,000 miles. The radio on-off switch is malfunctioning, half the time the radio wont shut off.

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  Car you love, but hate! - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By 93TaurusGL - June 7 - 2:00 am

  When my parents purchased my 93 Taurus GL sedan, I hated it. It was a uncool, 4 door sedan that I soon learned had much more potential than I had initially thought. The 3.8L engine had great performance, but the transmission couldnt keep up. I had my GL for about 3 years and bought it with 113,000 miles. The last day driven it had 142,000. Other than the transmission starting to go bad, the car ran and handled great. The car tryed to run hot several times, and did not run well on hot days. It may not be really reliable, but this car saved my life when I was hit by a farm truck and was sent literally flying through a line of trees.