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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  Only Drive Fords - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Kris - June 27 - 9:15 am

  I purchased this vehicle after owning an Explorer for about 4 years. I wanted something a little bigger to haul kids, friends, dogs. Explorer didnt have 3rd seat yet. I love this car. Weve driven it a long time for family trip, etc. including 2 large dogs. I love this car, its just time to start looking for something newer and with a 3rd seat that folds in instead of has to be taken out (very heavy).

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  Change of Habits - 2004 Ford Escape
  By chomsky - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I think there are still bugs that need to be worked out. My Escape has about 76,000 miles and had to have a new master brake cylinder. I have never had as many problems with a Ford as I have had with this Escape. The resale value also drops very rapidly. Yes, sorry to say my next car will be something besides a Ford. Like my grown children say buy a foreign made car they last. Old habits are hard to break but my Escape has broke this one.

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  2004 Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By htfritz - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Handles very well, very comfortable and roomy. This is our 3rd Expedition and wed buy another.

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  98 Taurus SE - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By EV1nut - June 26 - 11:16 pm

  Just got my SE with 152,000 miles on it. It seems to be a good car considering that the previous owner probably doesnÂ’t know what a spark plug is. I find it far easier and more fun to drive than the family Suburban. Visibility is excellent all around, and the car has plenty of power for me, even with the Vulcan engine. For the most part, I like the styling and the cabin layout.

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  36000 miles in 1 year - 2006 Ford Focus
  By focusdriver - June 26 - 7:56 pm

  Car was driven hard and fast across Pennsylvania twice a week. Only 2 complaints. Any little snow or a little mud in wheels made vibrations in the steering wheel. A pain to keep clean. And the front tires throw stones /sand /dirt against area in front of rear wheels to the point of needing paint touch up. Not cool. Other than that, this car loves to cruise at 80+ with great mileage

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  2000 Explorer Review - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By davidmay - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Very Satisfied with the Explorer. Very functional and an enjoyable drive. I drive 88 miles round trip to work daily, plus several road trips. All on- road. Very please with the reliability after the tire recall. Minor problems: AM Radio reception, antenna cable came loose. Radio display comes and goes. Understand that it is a common problem. $300 repair by Ford, But have found 3rd party mail in repair for $75.00. Will do that when the display fails altogether. Rear wiper will not work at times. Have not had that looked at yet. Currently have 65,000 miles and plan on keeping it.

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  2002 Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By trucker J - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Love the look of The Edge. I have the 4x2,Auto trans with V6, 3.73 rear end. The XTRA cab is nice for being able to put the seat back for more legroom , but it is hard for the kids to get in and out of. Gas mileage is about 12 city and 15 highway, not very good. Only have 1500 miles, so Im hoping it will improve.

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  I was an SUV hater - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Steven - June 26 - 9:36 am

  We are very pleased with this vehicle. Not just because of outstanding mpg, but also because of it being an extremely environmentally clean car. It is also quite comfortable to travel in. We just completed a trim from Iowa to SE Pennsylvania and enjoyed the trip. Averaged 31 mpg highway driving, 65 mph steady with AC on. We had considered a Prius, but because of a bad back my wife was not comfortable sitting so low. The Escape is easier to get in and out of too.

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  Changed from a van - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Jane Hullinger - June 26 - 6:50 am

  I went looking for a van, but found this Taurus X with 8,000 miles on the lot. After driving it, I bought it. The second row seats are an easier height to get into than a van, but I miss the armrests, as my Taurus X doesnt have them. I was told mileage would be 25-30 on highway, but I dont get that good. About 23.3 catches me most of the time as I live in a rural area, and do small-town driving plus some highway. I have only driven about 4000 miles so far, and have had no problems.

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  Great - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Bob - June 26 - 5:33 am

  We bought our 2001 EB Expedition used in 2003, and it had about 20,000 miles on it at the time. Since then we replaced the impossible to balance Goodyear tires with Coopers (like Michelins, only cheaper), and the smooth ride increased 100%. In four years, the only issues we had were the leveling system went out in the rear, and was fixed under warranty, and the backup sensors dont work from time to time. (They just beep continuously when in reverse) My wifes only complaint is that it drives like a truck (because it IS a truck) and gas mileage only averages about 14 mpg. but hey, you dont buy this car for the gas mileage.