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 if you live where there is snow - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By marie - February 3 - 12:33 pm

  Love my car but if you live anywhere it snows more than an inch get a winter car I get stuck every where I go when there is snow on the ground and I live in Buffalo NY so 7 months out of the year. I but this car brand new I love the way it looks and drives the clutch could be a little more friendly but other then that I think its a great car for anyone who likes a sporty fun to drive car

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  Old and Still Running Great - 2001 Ford Escape
  By PoppyG - February 3 - 12:17 pm

  I bought my 2001, first year model, new in 2001. It has been the best car Ive ever owned. It has done every hauling and snow driving work ever asked of it w/o a problem. With 140,000 miles I still feel good enough about it to send my son to school in snow country with it. Keep up with regular oil changes and service and it will last a very long time. I am buying a 2010 Escape to replace it.

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  Stay Away From This Car - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By James - February 3 - 11:13 am

  After only 70,000 miles, the transmission of our 2004 Ford Freestar broke down. I was in the middle of traffic during rush hour with the car suddenly driving backwards after a brief red light. However, it didnt stop there. My car was towed to the dealership where they neglected it for a week. In total, they said that it would cost $3,600 just for fixing the transmission AND that didnt cover rental costs. All in all, I would definitely not recommend this vehicle to anyone. Buyer Beware.

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  A nice all around vehicle. 6cyl 2WD - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Babylou - February 3 - 9:07 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost 3 years now. Note this is the 2WD XLT with 6 cyl. My lease is up in May. Overall the vehicle is a nice equipped ride. Gas mileage as been decent. I have traveled to canada 2X and averaged 26 to 27 mpg at 75mph plus the truck loaded down with fishing gear. Back and forth to work I avg 24 in the summer and 21 om the winter. This is combined HWY and city driving (35 mile commute). Ride noise is a little high but the std tires are not the greatest. I did have to replace a brake sensor ($200 plus) at 30K. Overall I am happy with the vehicle.

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  BEST PERFORMING SUV I EVER OWNED - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By TONY ZAMPARELLI - February 2 - 8:49 pm

  This truck has always been fun to drive. On the highway it is very nimble. Changing lanes is very predictable. Their is plenty of power when needed inpart to 3:73LS AXLE that allows for faster acceleration. The auto fwd feature can be annoying with the slight hesitation in grabbing the pavement when the rear wheels slip. But it does do the job. I prefer to keep in full time 4 wheel drive in heavy snow. Its a nice easy truck to drive. Ive had very few mayor problems with. I replaced the flywheel at 85000. Theirs been no engine problems. It does have the second set of tires and second set of brakes.

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  poor front end - 2000 Ford Escort
  By nikdominoe - February 2 - 7:33 pm

  i have had this car for about a year, i have ad to replace the bushings, alternator, and battery. I also need a front end alignment and new ti-rods. It shakes wayyy to much in idle. steering wheel clicks when i turn it for sum reason... tires run out of air every two weeks i would never rec amend this car to anyone

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  software problems - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By classy chic - February 2 - 7:29 pm

  So I just bought my 2008 ford explorer last friday, january 30, 2010. When I come to a complete stop it the car jerks. Sometimes when I am at 70mph or higher it jerks also. I talk to ford about it and they said that the software in the transmission needs to be re-programmed. I have a 3 yr warranty, but it is still very inconvenient to have to already take the suv back to get something fixed and I just bought it. After reading the reviews and hearing about all the radiator problems, I guess I better prepare myself for this pretty soon. Ford should be more wise on the certain parts they put on vehicles, because when you have so many other people with similar problems, thats a big problem!!

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  Love my Escape - 2010 Ford Escape
  By mariantques - February 2 - 3:21 pm

  We traded in a loaded Chrysler Town & Country and I love the smaller car, easier to park (I havent tried the auto park yet). Very comfortable warm seats, and quiet smooth ride. Our Chrysler had a lot of road noise. The sync system is superb and nav system has much more and better than I had in my Chrysler. The Escape handles extremely well and the brakes are not touchy. The car feels substantial and I feel very safe. My husband was a Porsche dealer and have driven Porsches, Mercedes and even a RR. The Escape is as much fun to drive as those were. We have driven 500 miles, mostly in town and are getting 24 MPG.

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  Ford is King - 2010 Ford Escape
  By HappyInTx - February 2 - 10:37 am

  I am a truck type guy and have owned Ford PU most of my life. I finally decided to downsize because of my age. I liked the Ford Fusion, but when I drove the Escape, I knew it was the one for me. Feels more like a truck, good view to the outside. It has proven to me that the 2.5L engine is all one really needs. I like the layout of the controls. While it has a lot of nice electronics Sync elements, I just cant find much use for it.

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  bullet proof - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Michael S. - February 2 - 9:55 am

  This is a company fleet vehicle that has that restored my faith in Ford (my 98 Contour had soooo many problems). It does everything well and has only required scheduled maintenence for 87K miles. Great ride for a truck, tight turning radius, great room and function in a compact package that JUST WORKS without having to think about it. I will be buying this one rather than turning it back in. I just cant let go of a good one.