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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  Dont buy it - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By JodiN - December 22 - 2:00 am

  In short, 10 things went wrong with it in 12 months. I bought the Limited version, loaded, everything went wrong including transmission going out at 16000 miles. Major electrical problems. Uncomfortable second row seating. Pain to remove the third row seat when necessary. For the price, its a rip off.

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  Best for what it is - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By sbmackie - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Which is a family hauler par excellence. Cant find a new one that holds as much. Family transpo chief wouldnt go for one of the newer, "prettier" vans...had to be an Aerostar. Got 196K out of our 89 (did a tranny at 165k, but who cares?)and was still tight when we sold it. It is a Ford--when it does break, it is more expensive to fix then GM products. However, it is much more pleasurable to drive then the Safari/Astro (IMHO). Like alot of other Aerostar owners, I wish I could buy a 2003...

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  Pleased as punch! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By 06EscapeOwnerGA - December 22 - 12:50 am

  I have only had one problem with my 2006 Escape XLS. The rear window wiper quit working after an ice storm. Im sure when I tried to use it, it was frozen and the motor burned out. But, thanks to Fords warranty plan (5 years, 75,000 miles); Im covered bumper to bumper! I love my new vehicle and I got an outstanding deal. $17,299! For any SUV that is brand new fresh off the truck, with 3 miles on it thats a great deal. Dealer also put a new set of tires on for free when a fault spot was detected on the right front tire! Also, while they were doing that, the GM let us take an 06 Fusion and bought our lunch!

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  Great Car but MPG? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By dbrower6 - December 21 - 9:19 pm

  Ive had my C Max for about 2 months. I think the design of the car is good but the gas milage on the highway is a pipe dream. I can see where you could get 47 MPG in the city under certain conditions but no way will it ever get 47 on the highway. A more realistic gas milage would be around 37 MPG at 75 MPH, 38.5 MPH at 70. if your lucky you can get around 40 MPG at 65MPH basicly the same as a none hybrid car. I now have 4500 miles on the car a just came back from the first trip with the car. I could have done with out the SYNC it just dont work well. I have had one issure where all four windows came down and the car unlocked its self. Fortunately I caught it before the rain got it.

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  Ford employees told yo help out on mpg - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By truthnow11 - December 21 - 7:11 pm

  I know people who work at Ford, their sales department pushed the engineers to deliver dishonest numbers, that is why 47/47mpg is basically not attainable by anyone, even chief engineer John D. cant get it with John V. at his side. Soon the fueleconomy.gov site will be flooded with people who claim 45-49 mpg, these are employees of Ford Motor company. When I was driving, I try to keep the speed low to maximize electric range and I rarely drive on Interstate, and I was teased by other people for driving like an old lady! Overall mpg is 38.3 mpg, not bad, but I still feel defrauded because I expect 42-45 mpg. :-(

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jew72 - December 21 - 12:20 pm

  I originally looked at Sport Trac when they first came out years ago, but was able to get away with buying a much cheaper xtra cab Tacoma. Since then the kid has gotten a lot bigger and he was getting cramped in the back of the Yo. I looked at all the small/mid-size crew-cab trucks and found flaws with all of them. The Sport Trac had the fewest cons and by far the most pros. Since then I am extremely happy with my choice and with this Ford product. There is tons of room in the back seat (tested a Frontier, Tacoma, Dakota or Colorado). Front seats are extremely comfortable. Reliability is first class. Good job Ford. I am looking forward to testing a 2008 soon- gorgeous interiors!

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  Go Japaneze - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By rosemarycars - December 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife as owned this car,two years now with 18,000 miles.Here is the list.Pick up car,AC,does not work,at 8,000 miles front arm needs to be replaced.The dealer asked us, do we drive on bumpy roads?At 15,000 miles the transmission goes.At 15,500 transmission leaks,needed a new oil stick!!!!.At 16,000 miles,the rear end seal is leaking,and at 16,900 the module had to be changed,by the motor.Seatbelts are cheap,and many times dysfunctional.Three recalls,seatbelts,brakes,and the radio.It as the duratech engine,a plus,but thats it.Service as been great,the owner says, what can I do,these things happen.Even the power windows squeak,buy lots of wd-40

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  Ranger Still My Favorite - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ed Jennings - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ranger, the first being a 93 with the 4.0 engine. Since it gave good service, I got the 02, and Im not sorry. The extra 47 ponies use a little more fuel but are well worth it. The handleing and ride are a big improvement over my old one.

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  Decent Used SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 4x4 Fun - December 20 - 3:36 am

  Had to get a car quickly as I was turning in my lemon 2005 Saturn L300. I passed by a used car lot close to where I live and found my black Exlorer Sport 4x4. So far, this vehicle has been pretty much trouble free and handles decently for a vehicle of this type. I really enjoy having a 2 door and only hope Ford will bring it back.

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  Unexpected - 1997 Ford Escort
  By KC0178 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with about 33,000 miles on it, for my 18 year old son to use in central Florida. We put a CD player in it. Apart from oil changes every 5-7,000 miles, a battery, tires, a change of belts @ 57,000, and a $700 rear end repair when a strut gave out, this car has been through 105,000 miles. The A/C still blows cold. The brakes need replacing. Id say we got our moneys worth out of this car. Too bad they dont make them any more.