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:

• 

  Great going to work vehicle, but not kid - 1990 Ford Probe
  By John the Baptist - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was given to me last year, the only thing is that it burns oil a bit, but otherwise nice. Not for using with kids, only 2 seat belts in back, and a PAIN to get car seats in. GREAT for what it was given to me for. Back and forth to work and to run small errands (by yourself that is! :-) )

• 

  Air Compressor Out at 44k miles - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By PACU - November 18 - 11:36 pm

  Once again I have issues with a Ford at the untimely 45k mile marker. My compressor goes out in 100 degree weather and Ford wants to charge me $950 to fix it. I try to get Ford to work with me and they refused to come any lower than the $950. Last time it was my trans on my Explorer at 45k miles and they refused to work with me then too. 3 years and less than 45k miles is too early for a compressor and I think Ford should have worked with me. So with what I feel was less than acceptable customer service for a 30+ year Ford customer, Ive decided that this is my sixth and LAST FORD. Ive been a Ford man my entire life, but after two problems like this, no more.

• 

  1 Word: Awesome! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jenna - November 18 - 6:06 pm

  Some may think I "downgraded" to the Focus from my fully-loaded 2005 Five Hundred Limited, but I love this car like no other. It handles like a sportscar, the mileage is fantastic (I commute 450 mi./week), and its just fun! I took 4 friends shopping this weekend and while it was a bit of a tight fit in the backseat, we were fairly comfortable and the trunk was large enough for all our purchases. My husband cant wait for me to get sick of it so he can drive it more often; that wont happen any time soon! I would recommend the Focus to anyone looking for an economical, sporty little car. For all the features at these prices (not to mention the current incentives), you cant go wrong.

• 

  Escape to more! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Escape to adventure! - November 18 - 11:10 am

  I recently traded in my 2005 Ford Escape for a 2008 Ford Escape. I went over that vehicle with a fine tooth comb. Then I did it again. I drove the Vue Red Line, Cx7, CRV, Element and an X3. The Ford won hands down! This vehicle was made for me. I got the Satellite Radio, Monnroof, Convenience Package, Sport Wheels and too many other options to list. I have had complete strangers come up to me and ask to take a look because they havent seen one and want to take a peek. Its amazing! I have had it for 3 weeks and already have 1600 miles on it. Its just FUN to drive! Ford has done an amazing job on this redesign! This is my 4th Ford. I wont even look at a Chevy!

• 

  Look Elsewhere for your midsize SUV - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By ewb - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned it for 10 months, and it has only 35K miles and already is is the shop getting the transmission replaced. Warranty is only 3yr/36K, even on drivetrain. The ride is very rough, but what you would expect from a short wheel based truck. Must wear seat belt or the car beeps at you every couple of minuts, very annoying.

• 

  ford explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By P diddy - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I think that the 03 ford explorer is the best mid sized suv that there is.

• 

  Second time around - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Plumber - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Ny company leases two Explorers (XLS) and I drove one of them for about a year. This was a bare bones model and I wished It had better appointments. I needed to buy a new car for myself, and chose the XLT Sport. This one is nicely appointed and what a difference it makes! Much quieter and smoother than the XLS. I find this to be a very practical vehicle to own. It does many things well, plenty of room, the ability to haul cargo, and the 4 wheel drive is great in the snow. If someone is going to own one vehicle, this one fits the bill.

• 

  Love my Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By chestylarue1 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Although I have only owned my Escape for 30 days, I am in love. The driver seat is so comfortable. As someone with lower back problems, its so nice to sit on a Los Angeles freeway and not have a spasming right hip. The seat is like a comfortable living room chair so there is very little pressure on my back. Kudos to Ford for making a comfortable nice sized SUV

• 

  Nice Package - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Jack DiBella - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I was very supprised how on accelration it just takes off ,plenty of power for a V6 .Im getting about 22mpg right now with a little over 1200 miles on it. I had a 2001 explorer before this. I feel the Escape has a better feel and handles very well on turns and parkways.I am a truck driver by trade and have always been in some kind of truck for at least 8hrs a day and feel at home in my Escape.....

• 

  Nice Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By medicdi - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Escape is a simple SUV compared to the Explorer or the other larger SUVs. It has punch on excelleration and the ride of a mid- priced midsized sedan. The seats fall short behind the knee unlike the Explorer that offers comfort and support to all of the leg. Long trips are comfortable in the beginning but due to the lack of leg support a few hours of driving can be uncomfortable. The stereo system is stock, but is on the high end of Fords audio devices. It has a great sound and 6 disc changer. Climate controls are in a good location. All in all I would get the hybrid version when it comes out.