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:

• 

  Last of a breed - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Don - April 11 - 9:31 pm

  I bought this truck used when my beloved 86 F150 finally died. I bought the Ranger as I only have a 6ft garage door on the new house and the new full size trucks just dont fit. I love this truck. No its not flashy like the current trucks out there, but it slugs it out with em all. Fuel mileage imprived by 1-2 mpg when I installed a KN filter. The stepside bed doesnt hold much,but when I need to haul crap I borrow my brothers chevy (afterall isnt that what chevies are for?) It still looks current I dont like the grille setup on the new Rangers. I put Micheleins on it and the wet handling went up a 100%. This truck is gonna stay in the fleet for a long time. A shame Ford is dropping it.

• 

  2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Robo - April 11 - 7:52 pm

  I leased this car for 3 years. It has been pretty reliable and is good balance between practical and fun. Manual transmission gives good mileage (30mpg mostly highway). Engine has decent power, except when the A/C is on. Road noise is loud. Ride is stiff, but comfortable. Reliability is average. I have had an ABS issue, and a tank/gas cap seal problem. Both covered under warranty. I will warn that I have had major annoyance with engine starting. Sometimes it doesnt start right away and this has happened since I bought the car. It has gotten worse and dealership claims it is a flaw with engine design (this is from Ford, not the dealership)

• 

  New V8 Limited - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By RJ - April 11 - 3:56 am

  I have owned this SUV for 2 weeks. It has been in the shop for 5 days. Problem #1 leaking front differential seal. Problem #2 transmission shifts poorly. In the shop now. Even with these problems that will be fixed under warranty I like this truck. I traded a 03 Sport Trac that had no problems in 30000 miles. This truck has all the luxury one could hope for. It is very nice to drive. The dealer has been really nice and fast to work on the SUV issues.

• 

  The only Ford vehicle I will buy - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jeremy - April 10 - 10:50 pm

  My mother had owned an old contour for some time. It had two things I find invaluable in any car. With gas prices now, fuel effeciency is a must and ours made it from Louisiana to Florida with-out a worry on one tank. Reliability is the other it ran quite well until someone who had no idea how to drive a standard borrowed it. Even though it had some problems after that, it still ran fairly well. It was not until my sister ran it into a stump, that it finaly stopped running. And that was because the tire ripped everything off the engine still runs though. The only drawback that I personally had issues with was the seat adjustment was messed up and Im 6.

• 

  Big Surprise - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By BTG - April 10 - 5:50 pm

  I need a large car to provide room and comfort to clients. Many of my co- workers buy luxury nameplates I chose the 500 for its comfort. Almost all of my passengers are amazed at the quality, comfort and ride of the 500. Poor weather handling is fantastic. This car is not as ego inflating as those German megapriced sedans but it has surprised those owners with the good seat support and unequaled rear seat room, comfort and ride quality. On the highway it is quite, smooth and responsive. In over 28,000 miles my only service has been oil changes and tire rotation. I have not had one single defect or problem. The AWD works without any fuss and adds a true feeling of security. Bravo Ford!

• 

  2002 Ford Escape XLS - 2002 Ford Escape
  By C L B - April 10 - 1:01 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used (end of lease). Excellent condition. Ran into problems with manual transmission, idler bearing self-destructed. 3 weeks to replace, but local dealership was extremely accomodating. This sort of failure should simply not happen with a manual transmission.

• 

  Black and Beautiful - 1999 Ford Escort
  By turboDREAMS - April 10 - 9:56 am

  My Escort has almost 180k on it now and has never let me down. Ever. She sees high rpms on a daily basis because of how fun this ride is! 5spd is definitely the way to go and the response is outstanding. I thought escorts were grandma cars until i noticed civics trying to keep up! The handling is so smooth that i sometimes forget that I am in an Escort. All my friends look to the ground with rising gas prices as I enjoy the day no matter what with my easily captured 35mpg. Fuel economy is simply amazing in this car! If you want an affordable car that just wont leave you in the dust or stranded, and out runs half the hybrids in the mpg test, i can confidently say "go with the Escort!"

• 

  Extremely happy with this terrific SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jason ESi-T - April 9 - 2:53 pm

  So far, I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle. The car always gets stares from people, and keeps me looking back at it when I walk away. Its the first SUV Ive bought, and so far, its everything Ive expected. Weve just had a bad week of ice/snow, and the SUV has again proved its worth. The poor gas mileage was expected, but the sheer delight of owning this fabulous automobile was definitely a pleasant surprise.

• 

  Eddie Bauer not Jack Bauer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By darth_stater - April 9 - 11:34 am

  Have had the vehicle for three years and it is really great. Nice fit and finish, solid construction and good performance. Gas mileage leaves to be desired and sometimes the braking seems a little scary. Moved to the big city now and must unload it for something a little more size appropriate.

• 

  True American Muscle - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Bullit - April 9 - 10:17 am

  Purchased from original owner who took very good care of it. Live in S. Florida and dash isnt even cracked! Due to gas cost I use it mainly for weekend toy. This is my 4th stang and by far my favorite! Could use some interior design changes, but performs very well, and plenty of power just the way it is. Only change has been the flowmaster exhaust I had installed. I wouldnt sell it for nothing. I plan to carefully maintain and keep for long time! My son is 13, and hopefully get to enjoy driving it also! Gets lots of compliments!