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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  This thing rocks! - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By kevin6 - March 7 - 1:21 am

  Rock on Ford...keep building these bad boys.

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  piece of crap... - 1995 Ford Contour
  By LisaD - March 6 - 6:34 pm

  a list of what Ive had to repair in the last 6 MONTHS: transmission, front axle, headlights, wheel bearings, clockspring (ie, horn and airbag), and plus recalls. There have also been many many little annoyances, such as hubcaps that wont stay on, a clock that doesnt light up, and the window crank snapping off in my hand! What gives?

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  1992 F150 XLT Supercab 5.8L - 1992 Ford F-150
  By JLMcDaniel - March 6 - 5:02 pm

  Good power from 5.8L engine, but poor fuel economy (12-14 mpg city/hwy). Comfortable front captains chairs, rear seat very uncomfortable for adults. Replaced both fuel pumps (dual tanks), and rare situation of a intake manifold bolt rusting in two resulting in a coolant leak at 43,000 miles required removal of cylinder head to extract portion of bolt. No other problems.

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  My Expedition, Dream Come True - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By jwt - March 6 - 1:31 pm

  Have really enjoyed owning this car. Adequate storage and luggage space, able to take children and grandchildren with us, looks great and have been able to tweak a few things to enhance hauling capability. Put on a front class III hitch and modified the rack to haul bicycles and a canoe. Have easily hauled building materials and have moved furniture.

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  great car - 1991 Ford Probe
  By ms - March 6 - 10:18 am

  This car has lasted for 11 years and still runs and looks great.

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  Good ride! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Paul Sander - March 6 - 10:13 am

  I traded my explorer for the Escape. I couldnt be more satisfied. Better mileage, more reliable and fun to drive. V6 is a must. Front wheel drive makes the 4x4 a luxury. Has as much interior room as the explorer. You do lose soom space in the back cargo area. Very good value.

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  Great Car.... but - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By phdmam - March 6 - 5:41 am

  I got it new and have been saving money on gas every mile I drive it. I have done my math, and save a gallon for every gallon of gas I use. Cons...-- Tires do not last long, on my 3rd set at 80k. Front end suspension is a problem - just fixed all my tie rods (the were old and torn) (I have had 20 year old Hondas with 175k and never changed a tie rod). Just changed my 2nd tone (ABS sensor) rings because they are exposed to the elements and break from rust. Overall, great car, no expenses to change antifreeze yet, no expenses for transmission fluids (lifetime). My kids are of driving age, and I think I will get another FEH

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  Affordable, Reliable, Fun - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Blaulang - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 91 Escort in 1996 with about 27,000 miles. Now I have almost 100,000 miles on it, and I have had very few problems with this car, only general maintenance (brakes, belts, etc.) The vehicle still runs great, and the body has held up wonderfully, no rust at all! Also, it has pretty good power for a small economy car if you opt for the 5 speed, and it has very tight handling. It gets around great in the winter and is good on gas, too. I would definitely recommend this car.

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  Reliable transportation - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By Boyd - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Taurus now for 4 years and so far (72000K) have had absolutely no problems with it. This is my first purchase of an American car in 20 years and for the price I am extremely pleased. It has enough pep to pass when I want to and is relatively good on gas. I like the small things like cup holder 6 can comfortably fit in the car. Big trunk for my golf clubs ! Yes, I will definitely look at another American car the next time I buy.

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  Best Ever! - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By Ex281 - March 5 - 9:35 pm

  This is the most functional, reliable, roomy, comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned in 36 years of new car purchases.