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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  Escape from Ford, literally - 2002 Ford Escape
  By escapeohio - March 13 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Escape could be a very good vehicle IF Ford had worried about some quality control. Problems:the drivers side mirror vibrates so badly that it has been fixed 4 times, to no avail, the CD changer ate six of my discs, a constant droan from the transmission, the dashboad controls have cracked, numerous rattles and squeeks, the left door window came off track,engine stalled. Also of note is that Fords customer service through dealers is horrible. Everytime I have taken the Escape in for a repair the mechanics have broken something else. I dont receive this poor of service from my other cars manufacturers, BMW and Nissan, respectively.

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  WORST TRUCK EVER - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By Mrp - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst truck Ive ever owned. Bought a used 1996 XL in 1998. I have had many problems ever since. Many electrical problems. I have been stranded roadside twice. Do not buy one

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  Luv the little truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By adirondacker - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I am only a few months away from paying off the 0.9% financing and have loved owning this truck. Feels strong and sturdy but much better milage than my fathers F150 and brothers 250. Got all the amenities (power everything) with lower price.

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  Loved it, but hated transmission - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Tibbels30 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used Oct 4,2001. Broke down December 24th (lovely christmas present) 2001. The transmission went out. Come to find out the dealership put a used transmission in it in September. We made them put in another transmission (used again) around the end of Jan 2002 and it also went out in about 120 days (after the 100 day warrenty expired) Now it sits and the finance company doesnt even want it back!! I was told that transmissions in Explorers go out all the time, exspecially before the put in the newer ones in 1994. Do I dare buy another?? I cant deciede. Good luck to anyone who buys under 1995.

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  My Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Carrothead - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Never had any mechanical problems, only a few electrical problems which included replacing the rear wiper motor and the signal control unit on the steering column. Do not like lugging the heavy 3rd seat in and out. Wish there was a way to firmly secure the 3rd seatbelts down when 3rd seat not in use - they swing wildly if not secured - I use a mat in the back for cargo so locking them back in place is not an option. Would like the air vents to be a little more variable in their directional control. Otherwise, I love my Expedition and will buy another for sure.

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  GREAT CAR - 1998 Ford Escort
  By fromthetown - March 13 - 2:00 am

  My experience has been great with my ZX2. It is fun car to drive and gets great mileage. I have put very little money into the car except for regular oil changes and a K&N Air Filter. My only complaint is the spongy feeling brake pedal. Besides this the car is awesome. I would recomend this car to anyone, but especially to any college student who needs reliable transportation like me.

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  A VERY GOOD CAR FOR $1500 BUCKS!! - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By 1992LX - March 13 - 2:00 am

  1500 Bucks & only 98000 miles, the car has ok acceleration for a 3.8L(232ci) V6. Handling excellence, interior is excellent. Its just a good car.

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  Problems from the Start - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Burrell - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Taurus we bought a 2000 brand new and after 12000 miles we had to have 8 air bag sensors replaced and the computer as well, that did not even fix the problem so we asked Ford to replace the vehicle, I applaud them because they did replace it. We got a 2002 Taurus right when they were released. We now have 15000 on this one and we are having electrical problems with it, sometimes when you start the car none of the power accessories work (radio, windows, mirrors) nothing and the moon roof will not shut some times. We are going to trade it in for a different car, and not a Ford this time.

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  First Two Years - 2001 Ford Escape
  By norg759 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Two years are almost up. 24000 miles and just some thoughts. Had to replce the tires at 23000, front end out of alghnmt. Check engine light came on and was fixed by dealer without problems. All in all, a good little truck (wagon?) that my wife loves and I would buy again.

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  Fourht One of these in a decade! - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By slcdbc - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This is 4th CV I have purchased new in a decade. All of them have been EXTREMELY reliable and trouble free. Gas mileage is very good - comparable to smaller cars with six cylinder power. ONLY complaint ... needs to have a bit more power - ALL CVs need the extra power from dual exhaust. Best value in a car today, considering cost, maintenance, upkeep.