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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  ......good for the money - 2006 Ford Escape
  By teendriver - June 25 - 1:38 am

  I have driven the Jeep Liberty and the Escape cant even compare to the Jeep. The Escape seems more...finished and sturdy. it is easy to drive and I dont feel like Im going to top over every time I turn. Get the upgraded sound package because it sounds great! The moonroof makes driving even more fun. Compared to other suvs I guess its good on gas but I put $85 already in this week so its not great. i dont suggest the 4 cylinder...it could use little more pep!

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  My Little Pony - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Bigwig - June 24 - 9:52 pm

  Bought this car Aug 02 before any pictures were available of the hood that was different from earlier models. Was pleasantly surprised with the newer hood style (similar to 99 Cobra). Had a horrible howling noise from the rear end in less than 5000 miles which was replaced. I got the Dark Shadow Grey exterior which is the absolute prettiest color on a sunny day, and the absolute plainest color on a cloudy day. I put on a cat-back dual exhaust from Kenny Brown performance which adds a couple HP, deeper exhaust note and dresses up the rear with the nice polished SS tips. I also slapped on the Mach1 chin spoiler which gives it a nice front end appearance.

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  Front Brake Problems - 2005 Ford F-150
  By David Anglin - June 23 - 11:40 pm

  I experienced problems when the dealership rotated my tires. They over torqued my wheels and caused warping in the rotors. From that point forward it has been a nightmare. They even suggested it was my driving! Well now in the 4th return, Ford has come up with an updated rotor. So now the truth comes out. But just before this they were going to make me pay for repairing their mistakes. I just question their honesty and integrity.

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  I love this SUV! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By jenn - June 22 - 8:37 pm

  We got this SUV used in January of this year. The size of the truck is perfect for our family of 4. We recently went on a family road trip and had the space we needed for comfort and luggage. I would buy one again!

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  Go Fast Cheap - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By FlaPony - June 21 - 10:12 pm

  I drove my LX off the showroom floor 5/20/93 and have loved it from day one. 13 years and 87,000 miles later, still going strong. Ive only had minor mechanical problems (new radiator, clutch, window motor). Acceleration is very good due to a ton of torque. Handling is a little better than average. Interior is good (NO cupholders?). Basically a fun car to drive cheaply. The only modifications Ive done is a Ram-Air Hood and a Ram-Air Kit with a K&N air filter. I got the thumbs up from someone on the street today and people still walk up to me and ask if Id be willing to sell it. NOT ON YOUR LIFE! Ill drive it till the wheels fall off.

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  F-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By PHILIP - June 20 - 4:12 pm

  Good drive, the vehicle performs like a truck should. A little more shudder over small bumps than I would like to see in a $35000+ vehicle. Pulls great, 5.4L has plenty of power when all 8 cylinders are pumping.

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  Great Driving Experience - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 380svt - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Fun and exciting vehicle to drive. Prefer Charcoal Grey over prevoius 01 Red. Good move by Ford to up payload capacity. Have had problems with Ford Tonneau cover on 03 model. In my opinion, will always be better looking than the Dodge or Chevrolet, based on what I have seen.

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  Still Ticking - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Lisa N - June 20 - 6:05 am

  My Taurus has 198k and it is still running strong. I only have minor problems with it. The engine is still strong, though I do need to replace the transmission gasket soon. I think with the amount of miles on the engine it should not be running this smoothly. The only things Ive bought since I got it were the average things that you always have to fix on any car.

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  Just owned a week. - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Luis - June 18 - 11:00 pm

  Such a fun car to drive. Not the fastest one out there but love the exhaust throaty sound when you romp on the gas.

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  reliable ride but not fun to drive - 1999 Ford Escort
  By dem4life - June 18 - 10:12 pm

  Overall it has been a good, sturdy car. It rides very smoothly and has great visibility. Excellent turning radius and not bulky to drive. A few things to consider before you buy is that it is not made for a small person. The seats dont adjust higher and sit very low. Even with the steering wheel tilted as far down as possible I still feel like the air bag will explode in my face. It is very sluggish to accelerate. In the dark it is almost impossible to find where to put it in drive without putting the ceiling light on. Also, you cant get a CD player for less than $250 due to the integration of the radio and the other controls.