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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  New transmission needed... - 2007 Ford Escape
  By angyl421 - August 7 - 9:31 pm

  Ive had my Escape for about 3 years now and have loved it up until this point. As I was driving home last week my O/D light began flashing. I took the car to my mechanic and was told I needed a new transmission. I only have 51,000 miles on my car. Other than that, it does have some loud road noise- especially at around 45-50 mph. Other than that, the car has treated me well, too bad I have to get rid of it.

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  NIce - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By bigg5512 - August 7 - 5:26 pm

  I bought my eddie bauer with 50k now have 56k, nice smooth ride with enough power compared to 97 expi and 98 navi i owned before. I also have complaints about slowness of power windows and its refusal to work on a very cold morning but when sun came out they worked again. I also had a rear diff seal break but was fixed under powertrain warranty at dealer. Over all I enjoy my expi would buy again

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  You should wait - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By kevin139 - August 7 - 11:17 am

  The exterior looks and ride are the only positive things about this vehicle. There are too many issues including, electronic/software issues, driver comfort, my sync/my touch, etc. The seat bottom is to short and foot rest is to close. Im 6ft and the driver position is not comfortable. My phone only connects about 50% of time. I have no idea why it wont connect the other 50%. I do nothing different other than shut the vehicle off and start it again. The NAV lady only talks about 10% of the time. The music stops when she should talk but nothing comes out and the music starts again. None of the sales people mentined this vehicle is for on road use only - 20" wheels std on Ltd.

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  Works Great - 2012 Ford Escape
  By fehowner - August 6 - 9:29 pm

  2012 Escape Hybrid - FWD Pros: 1. Acceleration is on par with our conventional 2003 V6 Escape. 2. Getting better than the EPA estimate of 32mpg combined and that is with the AC running most of the time. 3. SYNC is awesome. 4. Since the base hybrid is more equivalent to a V6 XLT when considering options and performance characteristics the actual hybrid premium is closer to $4500 which makes this a great value. 5. There is an 8yr/100,000 mile warranty on the battery. Cons: 1. Exterior is a little dated. 2. Must insert and turn key like a conventional vehicle to "start" it. 3. ICE always on above 45mph which seems like a waste while coasting down a long steep grade at highway speeds.

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  Big Blue - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By ravens_fan010 - August 5 - 12:56 am

  This car went to me from my grandma and I couldnt be more happy with it! Honestly, I had considered selling this car at first (with the few miles and its good condition, it could get a good price), but after a year of owning it, I must say, I couldnt get rid of it now. My younger sister loves going for rides my car, and I became so attached to it that I even gave it a name! The only issue I had was an antifreeze leak because my grandma barely ever drove it, so most of its nine years of life was spent in the garage and the gas gauge isnt entirely correct, but other than that, no major problems. Great, reliable sedan I recommend it for almost anyone.

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  Issues with my 2003 Ford Edge Ranger - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By venisonman - August 3 - 9:11 pm

  I purchased my Flairside Edge Ranger in 2003 and it has turned 251,479 miles. I am the original owner. Issues I have had are, idler pulley had to be replaced twice during the warranty period. 6pk CD player quit working after 5yrs. Pass window window began working intermittenly 6yrs ago, seems to be related to the temperature outside, works when cold out and not when hot. Ball joints needed replacing this year. Electric mirrors quit working 4yrs ago. Just this week after an increasingly worsening rough idle condition it was determined that compression is begining to fail and I need some head work. Instead of valve work I have opted for a new long block. I love my Edge Ranger.

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  will NEVER buy a ford again - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By buyahonda - August 3 - 11:57 am

  this is HORRIBLE. the exterior is awesome but that is all you get. Too many blind spots...if we didnt have the back up camera we would have been in numerous accidents. the sync system sucks..blacksout/ resets/reboost itself out of now where. you definately need someone with you to operate any radio/ac controls or you will crash the car. it is worse then people trying to text while driving. major safety issues. our trunk door is attached improperly. has been in shop 3 times for sync system and the dealers have no idea how to fix. I get car sick everytime I sit in rear seats. 3rd row makes you feel like you are in a closet. recommend you place car seats and entire family in for test dr

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  Really great car for the cost - 2002 Ford Escort
  By sheajay - August 3 - 3:29 am

  Ive owned a 2002 Ford ZX2 (5-speed) since 2004. I bought it used with 43k miles and am trading it in tomorrow with over 156,000 miles on it. Overall, it has been a GREAT car and I wish I could keep it but my needs have changed and I need to get a car with more trunk space. I think the car has broken down twice- once the fuel pump went out and the other time was a timing belt I put off replacing & it broke. The engine was great and I consider the car to be reliable overall. Also it was great in snow w/all-season tires. I never even had to recharge the A/C or buy a new battery. Great budget car.

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  Great Truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By oldblue12 - August 2 - 11:15 am

  Super reliable vehicle! I am on my 2nd set of tires (Goodyear Silent Armors) whcih may have caused my mileage to drop a bit. I use to average 17.2 MPG mixed. Now it has dropped to about 16.8. I love the quiet steel Ford incorporated into the vehicle. Keeps the road noise to a very minimum! I also love the roominess. I wishi t had more interior storage though.

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  Very disappointed - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By carleysdad - August 2 - 10:32 am

  Up until five years ago I had not purchased an American car in more than 15 years. For me, the quality of Hondas automobiles cannot be matched. Having said that, 5 years ago I decided to give Ford a shot due to all of the press stating that "Ford was back" and the quality of their vehicles had improved. Not! I have had nothing but problems with my Freestyle since buying it new in 2006. Crappy brakes, CVT transmission problems, throttle body problems, etc. My first bad experience happended while on vacation more than 1,000 miles from home when it broke down while we were on the expressway. And in my experiences, the Ford dealers service centers are the worst in the industry.