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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  Very Good Family Sedan - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Chris - May 4 - 4:00 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 3 years. I purchased it with 112k, it now has 160k. Prior to me owning it was a rental car and work vehicle, and was involved in at least 2 accidents. 150k rear struts were replaced, 158k the original alternator replaced, 160k master brake cylinder. The DPFE sensor was replaced about 3 times, this causes the nagging check engine light 90% of the time. The 24v Duratec V6 is plenty powerful, and is still powerful compared to many newer vehicles. 0-60 is listed in the mid 8s, however I have seen it as low as 7. Highway acceleration is excellent, and even when compared to a 2000 and up BMW 328, Audio A6, Accord V6, it still hangs in the crowd.

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  Build better - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Cathy - May 4 - 1:23 pm

  I like my Escape but the only thing I dont like is the cheap interior. The fan knobs break easy and I think they should use a higher quality material.

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  Ford Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ford Escape - May 4 - 1:00 pm

  We really like our Escape. It is fun to drive. We would like it better if it were just a little bit bigger. At least big enough so five people could ride in it and be comfortable. We could get five people in it but the one in the middle of the back seat wouldnt be really comfortable. Also we would like it better if the doors locked automatically when the vehicle is started. This is a feature that we think should be added. Overall we are pleased with our Escape. Of course we havent had it long enough or driven it enough miles to encounter any major problems. I hope it is reliable enough that we never have any major problems with it. Time will tell.

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  Not A Bad Ford - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Dirt24 - May 4 - 12:54 am

  I bought this car last summer thinking the v6 would be enough power but its not! If you have the money go get the 4.6 v8. It isnt all bad, the body style is tight so I would recommend this car because its Not Bad For A Ford!

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  We have had no problems - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By L - May 4 - 12:23 am

  I like the design and look of this truck. I only wish that we leased this vehicle instead of buying it, because I now want to upgrade to the 2006 Explorer. Before buying our Explorer we had a TrailBlazer, and I have to say that this truck handles much better on the highway.

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  Most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Cliff - May 3 - 5:59 pm

  Overall, a terrific vehicle that has taken me faithfully for 13 years and 150,000 miles from Canadas Yukon to New Mexico - and a lot of rough places in between. Ive hauled scuba gear, sea kayaks, mountain bikes, fishing boats and moved three houses with this vehicle. Ive even slept in the back of it on many occasions. It has never failed to start and never let me down on the road! Now thats MY definition of a great vehicle. Still with the original engine and transmission it has needed very few parts. Only in the last year has it needed a new A/C compressor and now a new radiator. Other than that, just routine replacement parts (batteries, tires etc). Still driven daily.

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  A BLAST TO DRIVE!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By henderjc - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my zx3 for about 2 months now and i love it. After a stressful day nothing beats getting in the car and going for a cruise with the tunes cranked. The fun to drive factor is off the scale. It could use more power but around corners it is sooo much fun.

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  Love/Hate this car - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JEK - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Although I like the concept of this vehicle and it is great to drive it is one of the most trouble prone I have owned. Received it with tires out of balance, 3 recalls, replace thermostat at 10,000 miles, oil pressure switch at 27,000miles, new tires at 29,000, idle air control at 31,000, brakes checked at 27,000 and 30,000 miles - by 34,000 was metal to metal on front - front rotors replaced (this is the fastest brake wear out on any car I have ever owned). Ford needs to get their act together on quality, especially brakes.

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  I like mine - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By uaw2317 - May 1 - 8:33 pm

  Bought with 110,000 miles on it. It now has 125,000. I know thats not much for a review but I have had zero problems with mine. Not even an odd noise. And the paint still looks new.

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  Another good Taurus - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Shannon - May 1 - 1:06 pm

  I owned a Taurus a long time ago that I really liked (SHO). I have had many cars in between. I decided to go back to a Taurus for my 45 minutes each way/daily commute. I was looking for a comfortable ride, decent gas mileage, good stereo, nice looking, and of course - a sunroof. The Taurus definitely fits. I enjoy driving it each day. Fuel economy could be a bit better, but considering the engine size and car design, its not bad.