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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  One Tough Truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By ladogman - April 7 - 9:12 pm

  Im a professional dog trainer, i have an 8 hold dog topper mounted on the truck with dry storage and a 15 gallon water tank. I also tow behing this truck a 4 hole dog trailer which also carries my four wheeler and other gear. The 300 inline v6 is remarkable, alot of trainers are amazed at my trucks capabilities. I would not trade my truck for no other truck out there. I just wish i would have bought one with four wheel drive.

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  I Love My Focus ZTS - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Mark - April 7 - 6:40 pm

  Ive had this car since January 01. Its fun to drive, handles very well, has excellent passenger room and trunk space. Good small car for mostly in-town use that I can take on a longer road trip and it doesnt beat me up. I only drive it 8000 miles per year so I might have it another 8 years if it holds up. Ive had some occasional minor but annoying throttle body sticking since I bought it. The dealer replaced it once under warranty, but it still sticks periodically.

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  My Love went Sour - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Kris - April 7 - 1:17 am

  I really loved the car. We bought this car used with 31,000 mi on it. 2 months after purchase the battery light went on and a new alternator is being installed- at 32,000 mi! I wish it was the breaks! Now Im waiting to see what will happen next after reading the reviews!

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  Aging well - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By That guy - April 6 - 8:22 pm

  Bought mine with 35k miles on it and its still going strong at 114K. Had to replace ball joints and other normal maintenance items but so far that is it. Tows 2 tons of firewood on my trailer with no problems. Cup holders everywhere, plenty of 12v jacks for gadgets. Roomy and high ride. Climate controls for second row. CONS: The 3rd row seat is neat to have but a pain to remove and store when it is not needed. Some times the accelerator will resist initial foot pressure when its cold out and the bottoms of the doors are starting to rust (A Ford trait).

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  window woes - 2008 Ford Escape
  By tom burns - April 6 - 12:50 pm

  the intermittent rear wiper is inadequate on wet highway driving, the delay is too long between wipes causing rear window to get too dirty, causing poor rear visibility. the windsheild on my current vehicle has been hit and chipped by flying rocks no fewer than 10 times in 18 months, that is 10 times more than my previous 40 years of driving, coincidence or aerodynamics? the interior is too noisy on the highway and makes listening to the very good sound system a frustrating experience.

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  chopped - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Duck - April 6 - 10:22 am

  I bought my escort from a shoty used car guy after I wrecked my Neon. Ive been into modding cars since I was 16 so the thought of getting an Escourt didnt thrill me in the least. Big time surprise to me swapped the original motor for a 2000 DOHC Ztec ZX2 w/ 74k miles then began the work on this car, my feul economy is sorta my fault....:P but other than that no real complaints with the new ZX2 motor and upgrades its quick, still great for long trips.....not only that but Im killin mustangs off the line and putting 140 easy on the speedo and 11.6 on the board

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  good but not great - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By pandabear - April 6 - 9:06 am

  I must say for a V6 it is quiet quick. I had added the Airaid cold air intake to it. And managed to run it at 15.05 at 92 mph through a quater mile at the track. So its plenty of power for what you pay. Now to the cons. Panels are falling off all over the place. Front and back bumpers just seem like a pre- K toddler could pull them off. It is way to tight fitting on the inside. Which i guess its suppose to be. I love the way the inside looks though, with all the nice chrome pieces. It can be turned around like a fourwheeler too with very tight steering. But if you get this car youll just be wishing you had the V8 the whole time so dont waste your money on this.

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  In the shop - 2008 Ford Focus
  By cornbreed - April 4 - 11:17 pm

  My focus has 8000 miles on it. I take care of my cars. Face it you need a car to get you back in forth to work. while i was driving my foucus started making this popping sound? Then it sounded like the front drive train was going to fall out from under the car so i pulled over to check it out an the engine was viberating the hole car. took it to the shop to find out both motor mounts had broken. besides that its been a good little car.

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  ford should look into this - 2004 Ford Escape
  By NOT SO SURE - April 4 - 8:07 am

  I have owned 2 escapes and I am a little disappointed in them.At first when they are new they are wonderful vehicles. They are fun to drive and very reliable. I am an avid outdoorsman and need my escape to haul a small trailer under 1500 lbs. I am anal about taking care of my vehicles, but around 50000 I had to replace all 4 wheel bearings on both vehicles. Also this year while parked in a lot to watch a sporting event we returned to find the rear window had blown out. I have friends who have stated that this has happened while driving the vehicle I am somewhat dissapointed in this design flaw. Ford should look into this. As the vehicle gets some milage on it it starts to nickle and dime.

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  1 Tuff Ford - 1994 Ford F-150
  By MIKE - April 4 - 6:56 am

  Bought this truck new. I still own and drive it daily. It has performed above my expectations. For a American vehicle that was built in a era when American vehicles had very poor qualty and performance this is 1 bad truck. My truck still looks great and turns heads. It performs strong and just like that old timex watch it takes a liken and stlll ticking. The only work done to this truck was a transmission overhaul and a water pump. For 15 years not bad. I would buy it again.