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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  Not bad - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Mike - April 22 - 9:21 pm

  Looking back, I probably should have bought a Civic or Corolla, but this car has been good basic transportation. As long as you keep up the maintenance, it is a very reliable car. Ive had to replace a wheel bearing, but other than that, just basics like tires, filters, etc. Still gets great gas mileage (25-30) and drives smooth. Complaints: Noisy, no armrest, and totally unacceptable amounts of vibration when the car is in Drive and idling. It doesnt vibrate any other time, but at a stop light the thing feels like its about to come unhinged. I guess I didnt notice it during the test drive. Quality fuel, and on time fuel filter changes keep it to a minimum. Overall - Fair.

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  My 500 - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Louie - April 22 - 7:26 pm

  When first purchased, the wheel alignment was way off. Had to get it fixed twice. Another problem was the hood. It seems to flutter in high wind while driving at 45 and above. No other problems so far. Poor acceleration, but excellent fuel economy. Sound system OK, and wind noise is low. Handling in rain is good an cornering is good. Steering is tight. Other comfort controls are good. Silly that no mechanical trunk lock is included ... what is the battery goes dead? Engine layout is good. Nice features in the information center. Not sure why gearshift is limited to D and L and nothing more. (6 speed). Truck is huge, but lighting extremely poor. One tiny light on left side almost useless.

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  Versatility - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By carringb - April 22 - 3:00 pm

  This van hauls anything, and does it flawlessly. Even weighing in at 19,000 pounds with trailer, it still offers good performance. Center aisle seating option makes the long trips extremely comfortable. Unloaded acceleration and handling is above average even compared to V6 family sedans.

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  Love my mans truck - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By D Havens - April 22 - 1:44 pm

  Weve had 2 Mazda Proteges and a Toyota Sienna in the time since we bought this truck, and the truck has easily outlasted them all. Granted, the red paint has faded to a funny dark pink, but it has never been in the shop for any major repairs. And, no, we dont work on it at home. My Sienna, which cost more than 3 times the amount, has cost me at least the price of the truck in repairs. Thank you, Ford, for a simple, no- frills, dependable product.

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  Transmission nightmares - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By msc1 - April 22 - 9:32 am

  Love the looks of my truck. Love the way it performs out on the highway. Not happy with the way the leather looks dirty and I have to keep cleaning. Hate the way it takes off when the engine is cold. Hate the way it shifts gears. Hate the way it drives slow in the parking lot. Hate the way it takes off after downshifting. If the transmission worked correctly, and the leather upholstery would stay looking new, I would have no complaints.

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  My baby - 1994 Ford Probe
  By savetherhin0 - April 22 - 1:43 am

  Ive have a good experience with my Probe. Ive owned it 6-7 years with not major problems. The biggest problem was the water pump and timing belt at 130K. Other then that, I replaced the entire exhaust and havent had further problems. I am currently having a problem with the oil pan, but stuff happens. Ive only been let down by it once in the snow-altenator and power steering belts broke. Only about 100 bucks and half my day. It actually does surprisingly well in the snow and it is a joy to drive in the summer.

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  It beats the bus - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By big-b - April 22 - 1:24 am

  I went from a 1998 to a 2003. I like everything about it except that the engine is very noisy at low speeds. The dashboard display is a it distracting too.

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  EXCELLENT VEHICLE - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By RAD1234 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  DRIVES WELL, FAIR GAS MILAGE, GOOD PICKUP

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  Dependable little first car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By gibsonguitar - April 20 - 10:47 pm

  This is my first car, I have ever owned. I bought it all in cash. So far since ownership I have had two major problems. Both problems were, fortunately, easy to fix. Rack and Pinion system was bad, and was replaced. And lastly, while driving, a strut broke on the left front with no prior indication or warning, taking the front left shock with it. The engine could use a little more kick and transmission is a little clunky and noisy. All in all this has been a great car. Durable engine fires every time the key is turned. Heat and AC excellent.

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  traded my honda fit for this :) - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By rob - April 20 - 9:36 am

  I had my honda fit 2008 for mpg savings after my toyota highlander. However, the gas savings on the fit werent there. I started to investigate the ford escape hybird and I was impressed. FORD is back ! I had soooo many more features with the hybird. I bought a 20009 escape hybird (pre-owned) with about 6k miles on it. Its been really good to drive the car and the gas savings are great.