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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  Fun to drive - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By MarcB - July 8 - 2:00 am

  A great summer car that rides and handles very well. The V6 could use more power but that can be cured with dual exhaust and intake upgrades. This car seems prone to electrical problems. In the past 8 months it has had 2 major (vapor canistor sensor, ignition coils)and 1 minor (cruise control) electrical problem. Harmonic vibration at around 60mph/100kph.

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  Glad its only a lease - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Rick Casorio - July 7 - 11:23 pm

  One more year to go on the lease then Im done with Ford. Never get the 4.6L V8, way underpowered. Never buy one with the General Tires, noisiest tire on the planet. Hope you can overcome the electronic throttle lag when you push the gas. Hope you dont buy one like I did that the transmission fried at 12,000k because some seal blew connecting the transmission to the transfer case. Ford doesnt put "new" transmissions in anymore, just rebuilts. And this rebuilt one has been serviced 2 times already and it still doesnt run right. Expect 12mpg in the winter and 15mpg in the summer. Only owned 2 Fords in my lifetime and both have been a disappointment. This is it! Pity too because I get the Ford Discount.

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  Far better than you think! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Joel - July 7 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle as a result of searching for something comfortable after major surgery. Strong engine for a 3.0, CVT is quite cool once you get used to how it operates, AWD is seamless, the ride and handling are comfortable without being bone jarring, controls are well placed. The interior and trunk are cavernous, fit, finish and features are quite good for a car picked up with 19800 miles and going on three years old. Intuitive controls, upward seating position, phenomenal stereo and nav system round out a really cool car. Im not certain why the automotive reviews were so harsh on this car. I could not disagree more with the reviews out there by the auto critics.

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  Not too bad - 2008 Ford Escape
  By harleyhoney - July 7 - 11:26 am

  Ive been pretty happy so far with my purchase, its loaded with everything, it handles great on icy and snowy roads, stereo is OK, could be lots better, comfort isnt too bad, seats could be softer, I did have problems with a exhaust sensor, and the roof rack always rattling, got that fixed great small SUV

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  Seats - 2008 Ford Escape
  By tlrogers - July 7 - 11:10 am

  I am having problems with my front seats. They are spotting and turning from black to gray. The dealership says they have had complaints, but there is nothing they can do except clean them. They wont replace them, only clean them. Ive had my Escape since March and have had to have them cleaned already! I did some research and found out these seats are made from some type of recycled material. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Other than that, I love my Escape.

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  Focus Hatch 5 speed manual - 2012 Ford Focus
  By wgreen3 - July 7 - 6:02 am

  Ive had the car for a month; it replaced a 2007 Mazda3 and I also previously owned a 2007 Focus. This car is worlds apart from the 2007 Focus. The shifting is buttery smooth; good power, good fuel economy (averaged 36 mpg on recent 800 mile road trip). The car feels "stiff" and this is a good thing; it holds corners amazingly well, very little sway. This actually takes a little getting used to if you havent driven a car that handles as well. Its very quiet, much quieter than the Mazda3. The drivers cockpit feels like it wraps around you. A very well thought out, good performing vehicle, especially for the price point!

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  Why did they ever build this car? - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Ihatethiscar - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This is quite possibly the worst car on the road ever. I would rather risk a Pinto of the 70s than spend one more minute in this pile of junk. Let me sum it up 3 transmissions, 2 head gaskets, new steering knuckle on driver side, numerous brake problems, plastic buttons on climate control are gone, suspension problems, and tie-rods. All before 100,000 miles. POS.

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  Head Gasket Hell - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By No More Fords - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Its a good car if you get the base engine, The 3.8 is not a good engine the problems with the head gaskets are not worth the extra performance. So far the forth set of head gaskets have lasted 40000 miles I hope it holds on to 150000.

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  Good car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By ma dan - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine for 2yrs but only put 26,000 miles on it. I had to purchase an automatic transmission for my wife. I wish that I had just brought a 5 speed home :] Its been a good car. No problems, no interior parts broke nothing. Been a great 2yrs of service. But I dont see where the "lazy boy" comment comes from. My rear is numb an hour into driving it. Something that annoys me is that it is a completely different ride with a full tank of gas vs 1/2 or less.

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  Out Utes Every Other SUV - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By SkiMan - July 7 - 2:00 am

  My 97 Eddie Bauer has been on many an expedition. With 60k miles, it has had dealer tune-ups and oil changes - and never needed a part. With Michelin LTX M/S on the rig the chains have stayed in the bag. We ski no matter what the weather, and the Expedition has gotten us there safely every time. The big 5.4 liter V-8 will "haul" up the hill, or easily haul a boat in the summer. If you want to do it all with a SUV, winter or summer, this is the rig for you.