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:

• 

  Awesome - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By James - June 13 - 8:16 am

  Yeah, its a Ford...and I rate it a 10 anyway. Honestly, I am being objective. Our Sport Trac has leather interior and a sunroof...which makes for super comfort. The gas mileage is reasonable, and as a result of 10 full tanks weve received 20 mpg on freeway. The engine runs great, and is clean and quiet. This vehicle is great for both rural and urban settings as it is easy to maneuver in city traffic as well as snow. This is the only Ford we have or will buy.

• 

  Much better cars that are higher priced - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mrtoastee - June 13 - 4:26 am

  First let me say, this car looks good, inside and out. The engine is very zippy, the shifting is very smooth (I have the automatic), interior is quiet, seats comfy, steering is responsive, steering wheel is great, and dash layout is clean. Interior is not bland in my version.I love that there are no cubby holes in the dash and everything is smooth and metallic looking. This translates to no dust or dirt getting stuck in corners, on buttons, or dark spaces which is a plus I believe. Radio gets bad reception? Not mine, I have satellite radio that came with it, and yes.. the same small radio antennae. Maybe you should check wattage on radio stations you choose, mine picks up radio from France.

• 

  No Way in Snow States - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Charles - June 13 - 2:50 am

  In cold weather I was getting down to 19-21 in city driving, 26 on highway. Never got over 24 in city, and I drove this by the textbook. Took off slowly, to stay in electric mode, people honked a lot at me on slow take off from lights. I chose fwd to save fuel, slipped all the time in the least amount of snow, got stuck twice in snow when other fwd cars drove by me. Then I read it has no traction control! The heavy battery in back throws off the weight balance advantage of fwd. Very frustrating experience! You in cold weather states need to beware! I traded to escape 4 cyl fwd, and similar mileage in cold temps and no slippage in snow, maybe ok in warm states. Not worth the extra $ for hybrid.

• 

  Love My Escort - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Jdup - June 13 - 2:00 am

  A ford escort is usually a car that people joke about but to tell you. I had good luck with mine. I had a 1997 escort wagon and currently own a 2000 sedan. There are real good cars. Im 62 and yeah its kinda tight but it dont stop me from driving it. I longest I spent driving it was about 15 hours. Its got a peppy 2.0 inline 4 cyl. But who needs all that power anyway. The fastest you can go is 65mph.

• 

  I must have got a lemon - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Katwman - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1998 XZ2 in the spring of 1997. I have had continual problems with the brake system throughout the life of the car. Ive had it back to the dealer at least 5 times for the same intermittant clunking noise, that the dealer cant seem to pin down. Ive gone through two sets of rotors in 40,000 miles. In April of this year, the timing belt jumped off, for no known reason, to the tune of $700 repair work (it is out of warranty). That should not have happened at only 38,000 miles. The radio on-off switch is malfunctioning, half the time the radio wont shut off.

• 

  faulty engineering - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By sparkyie - June 13 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle is a piece of crap. If you are thinking about buying a Ford van... dont. After only 83k mi. there is water in the oil and oil in the radiator. And the transmission has always been a problem. Dont expect any help from most of the dealers... they almost always deny that they no nothing of any technical service bulliten. Lies and deciet

• 

  She Finally did the Roll Job... - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By SWillibr - June 13 - 2:00 am

  OK vehicle. Lacks Japanese interior comfort qualities. Reliable. REALLY bad breaks! Front suspension bad (I- Beam). Good cargo room. Medium quiet ride. Rolls too easily. Great safety restraints... My family is still alive.

• 

  fun spirited small American car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jeff - June 12 - 8:20 pm

  The automatic transmission has perfect shift points and quick response from throttle input. The steering feels nimble with good road feel. The ride is firm, but not harsh. No squeaks, rattles or wind noise heard so far. Fit and finish are above average. The seats could use a little more support for lower thighs.The SES model seems to be well worth the extra cost over base models.

• 

  My Experience - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Larry Lewis - June 12 - 8:46 am

  I am very happy with not only the comfort, but also with the noise level in the cab. It is quiet. I have the large engine which gives me plenty of power and not too bad of gas mileage. Only thing I wish now I had gotten the leather seats.

• 

  Skipping Rear End - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Mike - June 12 - 8:13 am

  Everything is good with the handling except the solid rear axle causes the rear end to "skip" all over the place if there is the slightest imperfection in the road surface. With maximum acceleration in 1st gear it is always evident and gives the certain sense of loss of control. Rear suspenion certainly needs to be independent.