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:

• 

  Nice looking ride - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Autumn - October 1 - 5:50 pm

  I bought this Escape and it currently has 170,000 miles. I bought it used. So far the only thing I have has to replace was spark plugs, but recently I have noticed that it has problems starting when it is cold? Also I have had troubles with the CD changer. And yes the back hatch only opens when it feels like it. Grr that is very frustrating! But I do love the looks, space, and the drive. I love it just want a brand new one. I think dependability all depends on how well they are maintained!

• 

  Great Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Many Klatch - October 1 - 3:20 pm

  My 6 cylinder F-150 has been a real workhorse. My last couple of Ford Rangers lasted 150,000 miles before I traded them in and the F-150 seems to be on the same track. I get 22 mpg in mixed city and hiway driving with the manual 5 speed if I keep my foot off the gas. The 6 cylinder has all the power I need to haul lots of weight on those occasions when I need to haul 1,500 pounds. I had to replace a broken overload spring and upgraded to a heavier set to handle the weight. The engine didnt have a problem with a full load. The acid test was that the engine hauled all that weight over the Pennsylvania Turnpike in cruise control with very few problems.

• 

  Single Mother - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Katherine Kendrick - September 30 - 10:21 pm

  This SUV ..doesnt receive the accolades it deserves. I love it! I have a dissabled..Adult son..front passenger. .comfortable and adjustable for him. And with simple regular maintenance. .holds up extremely well! My mileage is high but strictly highway. ..wont GET rid of it..for that reasons alone! 4 wheel drive is perfect for "country living "...and reliability

• 

  Single Mother - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Katherine Kendrick - September 30 - 10:21 pm

  This SUV ..doesnt receive the accolades it deserves. I love it! I have a dissabled..Adult son..front passenger. .comfortable and adjustable for him. And with simple regular maintenance. .holds up extremely well! My mileage is high but strictly highway. ..wont GET rid of it..for that reasons alone! 4 wheel drive is perfect for "country living "...and reliability

• 

  Rolling Bar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Dustlyman - September 29 - 9:21 pm

  Well this 02 is my 2nd Ford Windstar, my first one was a 00. Both were used from my wifes grandpa. So when they hit 50,000 he sold them to me. So I have been pimpin Windstars for the past 5 years. Got to say I love the space. I take out the middle seat and leave them out, leave in the back ones (no kids yet) friend/family say its like a limo. Just throw whatever I want in the middle, its great for groceries, trips to home Depot/Lowes. Also makes it easy to mix drinks out of. If you take out all of the seats you have a reg cab pick-up with a cover. As far as any problems, none got 88,500 on it now. Excellent in the snow. A/C, heater works great

• 

  170,000 miles on it - 2001 Ford Focus
  By xjandxj - September 28 - 12:56 am

  Just sold my ZX3 after 7 years, 170,000 miles. Fun, fun car to ride however, it has truly been unreliable pretty much from day one. Calipers, fuel pump, catalatyic converter, wheel bearings $500 dollar repairs 5 months in a row escape a few months and starts all over again finally sold. When running (second to none) on fun factor but not without cost.

• 

  Nice ride, but not luxury - 2007 Ford Edge
  By GoOrange03 - September 28 - 12:26 am

  The Edge is awesome looking on the outside but is very lacking on the interior. The interior materials are cheesy plastic and really need to be upgraded. This is a heavy truck and needs a more powerful engine. Around town it is great but highway aceleration is poor. The sound system stinks and needs an upgrade. I already miss the monsoon system I had in my VW. Ford needs to think about adding the little touches that will make this ride a true standout, automatic open and close lift gate, keyless entry and start, sensors on the front which alert you to cars in front of you. Pretty much take all of the features found in the VW Toureg and put them in the Edge.

• 

  Fun Little Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By James - September 27 - 5:06 pm

  I bought this car because I was traveling long distance to work, at first 120 miles on way now about 60. The gas mileage is good. I avergave about 30 mpg. I have really enjoyed having it. No major problems. I did have to replace the ignition switch once and the engine light stays on, Im told its because of where I buy my gas. I just find this a fun little car. My entire family enjoys the car. It goes good in the snow and wet roads as long as I take it nice and easy. Ford must have done something right with this one because I see lots of them on the road.

• 

  Nice car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Carp - September 27 - 4:47 pm

  I bought my 1998 Contour used, have had the car about 5 months, Very nice little car eventhough it is 10 years old it is still tight, holds the road well. Replaced the 02 sensor because it would stall, also the fuel pump, extensive brake repair but then again I dont believe that the brakes were ever repaired. Nice car, worth keeping to me.

• 

  2005 Ranger - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Brian - September 27 - 2:03 pm

  I bought the truck used about a year ago. Very nice truck, the ride is a little stiff, but I dont mind that. The seats could be a little more comfortable, but other than that it rides nice. Its only been in the shop once, a friend of mine kicked the inertia switch and broke it, so thats nothing to blame on the truck. Plenty of torque, Ive towed a 4000 lbs box trailer with relative ease. Fuel economy is not great, 19 MPG was the best I got, going 60 on mostly highways using cruise control, but its a truck. Stereo sounds good. I like the overall look of the truck. If you get the sport mirrors, a set of blind-spot mirrors might help they dont show a wide enough angle to see.