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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  love my truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Donald J. Bailey - November 21 - 10:42 pm

  Somewhat disappointed in gas mileage. 4x4 would not work the first time using it. Fit and finish could be better (exterior). Air conditioning excellent for American vehicle, but poor compared to my mothers, cousins Hondas and brothers Toyota.

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  Unexpectedly decent car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Escort driver - November 21 - 8:18 pm

  We bought a used 98 model in late 2002. Since then we made a round trip to Canada (about 1500 miles) made a trip to Virginia twice and so far has put on mileage of 60k. The car runs great. No mechanical problems so far. Hope it would keep running, since I am a JDM fan, so astonished by its performance.

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  Right Car for the Right Person - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Aaron - November 21 - 12:15 pm

  I do highway driving and only get about 26mpg. I had a minivan, so I wanted the availability to haul stuff (bikes, snowboards, etc.), and in that aspect its a great fit. I call it my mini-minivan. However, I was looking for a bit better gas mileage (32ish), the windshield wipers have a bit of a glitch, the bolts that hold the air filter box together are somehow defunct. But other than that I am overall happy with the car. I wished it would have been easy to find one with a stick and there is no RMP gauge on the SE. I have a few Mustangs also, so I miss the power. The 130 hp engine does the job, but no burnouts. The car does handle very well and feels sportier than it should.

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  Freestylin! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By kshat - November 21 - 12:14 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for about a year, and the only problem I have noticed is the lack of power, especially on hills and inclines. The comfort of driving in this vehicle is great for our family of 4 and gives us plenty of room. It is easier to climb in and out of than a SUV or minivan. The 3rd row can be clumsy to get to, especially for adults if needed but no more so than other 6-9 passenger vehicles.

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  Good car from Ford - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dave - November 20 - 4:26 pm

  Nice car that handles well. Exterior appearance is good for a domestic and looks better than its Asian rivals. Powerful engine, good features inside. Weakest link is engine noise, and squeaks from the interior.

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  GREAT WHILE UNDER WARRANTY - 1999 Ford Escort
  By SHANANA - November 19 - 10:00 am

  My 1999 ZX2 was great while it was under warranty.. Just after that ran out I had to repair my air conditoner. Then about 8000 miles after that I had to fix the wheel bearing. Now 7000 miles later I hear a noise in the front end. Still need to get that looked at. I have loved the car up till now. Still looks great. The ride has always been nice(if you only have one passenger with you and no babiew to try to get into a car seat).

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  State of the Art SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Pogi - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This one definitely kicks. Mine had a punchy V8 which is very reliable when overtaking or merging lanes. Rides very smooth like a car. A striking appearance especially the front silver grille, combined with the boxy look of the front. At night, the dashboard looks like the control panel of a jetliner - control buttons here and there. The automatic climate control is truly versatile - it does all 4 you including defogging the windows. Steering is very responsive. Overall performance is excellent in all areas and conditions - thanks to its front AND rear independent suspensions.

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  Fun, Strong, Workhorse - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Justin - November 18 - 7:07 pm

  I love my truck! It is so much fun to drive and comfortable to boot. The engine is plenty powerful for all applications and the truck can haul some mega weight. The only complaint I have is the back window which leaks in around the seals. Apparently it was a design flaw by Ford and can be fixed easily at a glass place (providing you have the money to do so!). As far as the gas mileage, its what you would expect for a truck (*slurp**slurp*).

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  Cant Believe I Still Have It! - 1994 Ford Probe
  By KD - November 17 - 3:55 pm

  As the single owner of a 94 purchased 9/94, I cant believe I still have it. It is still plugging away, although I have had some major issues with it over the years. Oil leak, transmission, and the engine light that stayed on for 2 years and WASNT the O2 sensor! (they kept telling me it was and changed it twice). I will agree strongly that the seats that are rotting, the liner where my hands have been (by window) is rotting, and the red is horrible! Its been painted twice and is now fading again. The trunk is massive (hauled a dining room set in 3 trips). It does idle rough, but could probably use a tuneup. But I have loved this car for 12 years. Need a new one and dont know what to get now.

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Roger122387 - November 17 - 1:03 am

  I just hit 50,000 miles and this car is great! I also owned an 04 Mazda Tribute and they have both been great. The only thing that bothers me is the brakes wearing too quick and the traction not being too great in rainy weather. I have actually hydroplaned off the road in both of my vehicles. The engine sounds just as strong as it did new and everything is great on it. Some things do seem a little cheap on it (like the console and glove box). One big complaint I hear from everyone is the gas mileage is AWFUL...it does not match with the window sticker at all. It would be nice to get 25 mpg on the highway with the V6 but its nowhere near that.