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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  Local Work Horse - 2004 Ford Escape
  By townhal@aol.com - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I found the escape to have very poor fuel economy, the average 17-city-19 highway.

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  Pretty Cool SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jimh - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Ford Escape after renting one on a recent business trip. I had been interested in them for a bit and my rental of one sold the deal. Plenty of power in the V6 model! Able to pass with ease even loaded down. We just took it on an extended trip to go skiing and got 19- 20 MPG. Im 61" and have plenty of leg room. One problem.. The owners manual says to not drive an AWD/4WD with only chains in the front and it also says you cant put chains on the rear if you have the larger tires. We put the chains on the rear and there isnt enough room in the wheel well around the larger tire. The chains cut the ABS wire.

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  My dream truck! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Alisa - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Awesome ride. Smooth, quiet, powerful... rides like a luxury car, pulls everything- boat, trailer, camper...The height provides great visibility and clearance of obstacles in the road. 4x4 for adventures and SAFETY is a must in the rugged Northwest.

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  1996 Explorer A Solid SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By lgcook - June 14 - 10:00 am

  The ride is a little stiff, gas milage not all that good, but this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned in my 58 years of vehicle ownership. We have had one recall but other then that we have only had the Explorer in for regular scheduled service, spark plugs, wires, hoses, belt, and fluids. 135K miles and the front end is starting to squeek but I would not be afraid to take it to Alaska tomorrow.

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  OK, but - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Ron - June 14 - 8:58 am

  My Escape has been very reliable. With over 120000 miles, its also had its challenges. Its thrown two belt pulleys, and three belts. It goes everywhere and starts all the time. Have the xls, 5-speed. Mileage is not that great, 22-23. Last year, replaced the clutch, let my son learn to drive it, and shocks.

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  To pull a Dodge out the ditch! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By nizzlejr - June 13 - 7:22 pm

  All I have to say is wow! Ford hit it pretty good with a cheap 4x4 to get around in the winters and summer in Canada. I have to say that the only real problems Ive had is changing a motor under warranty. Other then that my Escape has treated me well. Off road in this and youll be very surprised. Ive had the chance to go with Jeeps and such with no problems geting through the muck. Ford has put metal parts on this "truck" where you would see plastic, ie end links. Very strong SUV. Fuel economy is something to get used to but then what would you expect to get in a near 4000 pound vehicle? Tows great. Transmission is good. I plan to enjoy this "truck" for another few years yet.

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  Dad passed away and I kept his car - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By TREE - June 13 - 1:15 am

  The radio definitely should have been fixed by Ford! Spark plugs shorted out. The drivers side door would not open from the inside so I could not get out of the car. It cost me $390 the other day to fix which hit me hard being a single mom of three children. The antenna also needed to be fixed because it wouldn"t go up and down. It got stuck in the middle. The windshield wipers did not work and the whole thing inside had to be replaced a few months ago and that ran about $280. The back one does not work now, but it is not important to get that fix nlike the front ones. I keep this car because it was my fathers and it has sentimental value or I would have gotten rid of it.

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  2003 Cobra - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Alton - June 12 - 3:45 am

  I drive for fun and use as a work car. The only problem I have had with the car is a noisy rear end which the dealer replaced under warranty within the first year. I am making about 500 rear wheel HP with pulley/chip, etc. I twisted a spline on the left half shaft at the drag strip with drag radials. That is the only problems I have had. This car is the most fun to drive, easiest to modify, and the most controllable car I have driven. It has never gotten out of control no matter how hard I drive it, wet or dry!

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  Never Let Me Down - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Started Every Time! - June 11 - 7:12 pm

  We bought GL model at 6 y/o w/70,000 on it. I must say it has always been very reliable. Started up every morning. I dont recall it ever breaking down on me. The engine on this is a monster. For a van, it has great power and pickup. The transmission too, has great power and pickup. My only problem with this van was its electrical system. My Aerostar had the same exact problem. Must be a Ford thing. Interior lights go on, wont go off. A short in the steering column makes it ding w/ the key out. I have to punch the steering wheel to make it stop. Side door dummy light stays on for a while after its closed. But it was a comfort ride w/room to spare. Great for a family of 5.

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  My Crown Vic - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Paul C. Pistone - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my Crown Victoria after having a Buick Le Sabre. I wanted the additional room and safety that the Crown Victoria offers. A great feeling having that much space around you, makes driving a pleasure. Great for long or short trips, excellent manueverability and handling for its size. Offers a very controlled yet smooth, almost luxury ride.