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 2002 - Recommend - 2002 Ford Escape
  By tabouelle - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I was impressed by its good behavior on the road, even at speed around 90-100 mph. It does much better than the other SUVs I have driven. Inside fabrics and materials looks good and solid.

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  still a good car - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Tawnya - March 5 - 2:00 am

  we bought this car used and found out that it had been wrecked.I have had no real problems with it it drives great it is very fun.I would not recomend this car if you have older kids not enough leg room in the back,I drive this car every day and I love it.besides I feel like a teenager when I am driving it.

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  Trucks kick ass - 1997 Ford F-150
  By ATL Chic - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Its is an awesome truck -- for me a big change though because I had a Mustang GT

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  Ford quality - 2000 Ford F-150
  By falcon - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the truck since 11/02, bought it with 18k has about 22k now and I have nothing but praise for ford! This truck runs and drives great and the v-6 has plainty of power for what I need it to do and gets the same mileage as some 4 cyl. compacts. I had a 98 x- cab 5.0 4x4 chevy before this and wish I had driven a ford before I bought it! Nothing has broke off,come apart,rattled or just not worked! Cant say that for the chevy! Also this is the best riding truck Ive ever been in! An american truck with Toyota Quality

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  minor problem, great car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Wolfdio - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have been through a lot with this car. I just love it. I have had it for years before i bought it. my dad bought it in 95 for $2000. In 98 we had to buy a new tranny, and when 2003 came around we had already gone through 3 alternators... ive learned how to fix alternators, and im glad i did.

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  the perfect first car... - 1998 Ford Escort
  By CodyB - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my car!!! I bought one as my first car last year, and its great. Its great to find the S curves on back roads and fly by my friend with a civic. The only reason I only put a 9 for performance is because it doesnt really compare to my dads nissan 300ZX, but its still a peppy little sports car and I love it.

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  Expensive to keep - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Roamer - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a fine truck (when it runs & the "ck engine" lights arent on.) Lots of problems (after warranty expired!) w/alleged water leakage & spark plug/coil paks going bad. All very pricey to repair. O.D. "off" switch broke. Manual lumbar adj. broke. Dealer service poor. Tends to "wander" on freeway despite alignment & tire change. Rear wiper works erratically. Beautiful truck too bad it doesnt measure up to my old Suburban. Mileage w/4.6 better than expected- about 16-17 hwy.

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  I love it! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By lisann - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had the rear wiper motor replaced and 1 window motor. The radio 3 times still static,but I listen to cds mostly. Have 55,000 miles on it now and looking to buy a 2003 next year (used). Resale value yukky but I think because everyone has one. Had no problems with power (5.4). Dealer service departments (2) have falled way BELOW my expectations so now that its out of warranty Ill be looking for private repair facility if I need. Have received many good comments from people who have riden. If you are having problems with this vehicle it must be a lemon which happens to all makes and models. I LOVE IT!!!

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  4.6 Liter 8 cyl Eddie Bauer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CJP - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Foggy windows every time it rains (very poor climate control). Third row seat means a sloped cargo floor. Heavy items fall out to the ground when you open the liftgate - watch your feet! No separate fog light switch - you cant use fog lights when using the auto lamp feature. Auto lamps only stay on for 20 sec after vehicle is shut off. Heated seats turn off after 10 minutes. Cheap plastics used throughout interior. Screeching noise from instrument cluster area. Ford is still scratching their head over that one.

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  Devoted Explorer owner - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jeagi - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Explorer and we love it! I have owned a 1992 and 1996 XLT with the V6 and have only had a few minor problems in ten years. This is my first V8 and I really like the extra torque. Anyone who buys a V8 should know the gas mileage will not be spectacular, I am pleased with the mileage I have gotten. The Explorer has a feeling of quality and safety that I will come back to again and again.