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 too bad for a 13 year old car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Gary - January 6 - 6:25 pm

  I bought my 2003 Ford Escape XLT with leather seats and a sunroof in February of 2015 with 130,000 miles on it. The moment I got it I gave it a tune up and a oil change a month later I had to replace the front driver side strut and its been good ever since. I read reviews online that the transmission sometimes has problems on these cars so I decided to install a transmission oil cooler which is supposed to extend the life of the transmission it shifts smoothly by the way and the engine is good too. The battery light has been on ever since I got it but there is nothing wrong with the battery or the alternator I had it looked at by more than one mechanic and they all said the same thing one of them said it could be a bad connection to the alternator he had customers with the same exact car and the same exact problem and he said he replaced the alternator only for the light to come back on so he changed the alternator connection and that solved the problem just recently I drove 8 hours to Buffalo, NY and 8 hours back with that battery light on and nothing happened. Dont expect a 13 year old car to be perfect its going to wear down a bit and end up needing a repair no matter the make or model Ford, BMW, Volvo, Nissan, Honda, Chevy, etc. I am satisfied with my Ford Escape

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  Mustang GT - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By talon16 - January 6 - 12:57 pm

  I purchased this car new in 1994 and loved it from the start. It has been reliable and a good performer. As far as maintenance is concerned, the tranny has been replaced twice, mostly due to my own negligence.

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  Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Alex Esconde - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. It is surprisingly smooth for a SUV. I have had it for two months, and dont really have any major complaints except for the interior materails (the leather and plastic seem prety cheap). I would definately recommend buying this SUV.

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  Great deal - great looks - 1991 Ford Mustang
  By tomc - January 5 - 10:58 am

  I bought this car years ago, from first owner who really cared for it. It had 135k miles, but looked great and ran really well. Owned as a second car, only put 20 k miles in 5 years, but never had any problems (surprised at the quality since everyone complains about American cars, me included!). If you can find a clean one they are a great ride, very fun and economical compared to the GTs that are usually beat, and eat gas. Great looks too!

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  Love it - usual problems - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Chuck - January 5 - 8:37 am

  My EB has 130,000 on it now. Have had typical problems that would be found on any vehicle regardless of the make. Brakes, shocks, squeaks and rattles, etc. All of these things I consider normal for an older vehicle. Ball joints are a problem and very expensive because theyre part of the entire upper control arm assembly. Replacement is fairly easy for a backyard mechanic, but $200 labor for each side from a dealer wouldnt be out of the question. Gas mileage is better than my best friends V6 EB. I average 22 hwy and 17 city. Keep the vehicle well cared for and it will treat you well. Overall, Im very satisfied and would gladly buy another.

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  The Contour Experience - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Gnat - January 4 - 8:39 pm

  Faithful starting, efficient, rear trunk trickle leak from above in process of repair, regular maintenance with 3,000 mile oil changes, traveled half of East Coast, mostly a commute car, comfortable, about to do 90,000 mile maintenance, spent too much time diagnosing and dealing with problem locally. Ford dealership found problem and quickly and resolved, zeroing in on specific problem area with computer diagnosis.

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  F-150 larriet - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Ray m. alvarez - January 4 - 6:32 pm

  The truck is great and comfortable on the highway, and the ride is so smooth, its like riding in a luxury car. The only gripe I have is the gas mileage, but I guess its because I have the large v-8 motor. I have 36000 miles on it and the mileage is about 17 highway. Although thats not good gas mileage but a lot better than the Dodge of the same size.

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  Ford Escape 2002 - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Emster - January 3 - 2:52 pm

  This is a good car for the most part, I think there are some design flaws that make this vehicle a "high maintenance" vehicle once the warranty is up. I had trouble with the wiring and windshield cracks. Overall, it got me where I needed to be with little trouble. It has a smooth ride and fits 5 comfortably.

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  2001 Ranger Edge 2DR SB - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Todd - January 3 - 2:51 pm

  I have the 3.0L V6. I get decent gas mileage, averaging between 19 and 20 MPG. It truly is a pretty truck when it is driven through town, and gets a lot of attention. Ride height and ground clearance is great, but ride is extremely rough. Great 5-speed manual transmission, and the only problems I have had after 84,000 miles was an emissions problem (EGR flow problems). Other than that, this has been a great truck to drive, and very enjoyable.

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  Womens SUV - 2007 Ford Escape
  By BRENDAN - January 3 - 1:29 pm

  This vehicle is the second one which I have owned. The 1st one being a 2003 Escape XLT. This in itself speaks about my overall satisfaction with the vehicle. I call it a womens SUV mainly because of its smaller size. It handles as good as or better than a car and its usefulness far surpasses any car. I have traveled across Canada with this vehicle fully loaded with belongings and with an 18 cu.ft. luggage carrier on the roof rack and did it quite comfortably. The handling is exceptional in all weather and conditions.