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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  Time to get rid of - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ejbjb - January 18 - 11:25 pm

  Love my Escape. 2 problems...brake routers warp and need turning or replacement frequently. 121000km and the engine has died. Will replace with a newer Escape. Reliable, great cargo hauling, good basic transportation.

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  Id buy another - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Michael - January 18 - 10:51 pm

  I bought the Ecsape 16 Months ago with 70k Miles.I only put about 6k Miles a year on a car so a 2 year old with 70k was no big deal.So far just 1 repair needed, A disc in the front axle which was only $250 to fix. Averaged 26 MPG on a 15 hour round trip thru Mountains.We average between 8-9 FEET of Snow a year here and this thing is great.Comfortable and enough room to carry things.

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  Second Posting with Updates 1 Year Later - 2009 Ford Focus
  By nannyjune - January 18 - 6:41 pm

  I originally wrote complaining about many, many problems. Bottom line was that the car was a piece of junk. Following my posting, Ford offered me an extended warranty for free and finally figured out the problems and "fixed" them. Well, not much has improved. The car is still a piece of junk - but now pieces of the car are falling off.

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  a can-do car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By altinnova - January 18 - 6:18 pm

  Bought a dealer demo with 4000 miles on the odometer almost one year ago, and have no regrets. We were looking for a mid-size sedan that could accomodate five adults and their luggage comfortably and that would handle well on snowy and icy roads. The 2008 Fusion fits the bill. Ride is smooth and quiet. Handling is effortless. Very responsive brakes. Took the car out a month ago after a monster snowstorm (18"), and the car absolutely refused to slide around (NB: my Fusion came with Continental all-weather tires). Many other drivers got stuck on the back roads, but the Fusion kept on going. High back limits rear view a bit. Only getting 22 mpg, but we live in a city.

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  My 09 - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By Nate - January 18 - 6:18 pm

  Very reliable car, Gas mileage isnt perect, but its a very stylish car and im really glad to have it.

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  Most reliable car Ive ever owned - 1994 Ford Escort
  By petz - January 18 - 1:00 pm

  By the time I had to give her up,she had almost 300,000 miles on her. Like a member of the family. Never failed to start, got me everywhere I wanted to go in all kinds of weather, like a mountain goat. My son finally wore out the clutch and the wife didnt understand why Id want to pay out more than the car was worth to fix it. I still miss that car.

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  Worst Mustang ever, Dont buy Ford !!! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ilcoolj - January 18 - 10:51 am

  09/23/06 I financed a 06 Mustang GT, my 1st new car. Previously my family and I have had about 10 Fords. after 6 mos. the car stalled out, I didnt think anything of it. In07 the problem became more noticeable I also had the battery replace twice. The alternator and L/F headlight (water). In08 the problem became more frequent stalling between 30-40mph. The dealer couldnt find thr problem after frequent visits. In Feb.09 I was going to trade it in for a used 08 Shelby GT500. The deal fell apart when the belt kept tearing. Took it to another dealer and was told crank was bad, waited 2 mos. to have engine rebuilt. called cust.service theyre very nasty. Lemon law,govt agencies,legal no help

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  2010 compared to 2007 - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Kamloops - January 18 - 4:41 am

  Lease period over on my 2007, purchased a 2010, exact same model. The 07 was 100% reliable, zero problems in 60,000 miles, was very happy with it. The 10 interior looks better than the already good looking (for a truck) interior of the 07. Best looking interior of all the half-tons in the truck market. However, the 07s controls and gauges were better ergonomically. The 10 has a more solid and quieter ride especially over dirt roads and off-road. The 6 speed is flawless. Very smooth and quiet shifting. I hope the expected mpg improvement is there too. Over my same regular commute route, the engine in the 10 seems to be running at less average rpm than the 07 so the mpg s/d be better.

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  The Big Blue Beast - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By ZZebbeddiahh - January 17 - 11:22 pm

  I have owned this truck for as long as I can remember, and it has only needed regular repair. The 5.4L could pull Chuck Norris in half if it had to. I tow snowmobiles every weekend for four months of every year in harsh MN winters, and I have done all of it in my 97. Nothing compares in power and comfort, and I would look to buy another one if this one dies

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  cross member - 2006 Ford Escape
  By george remedis - January 17 - 7:18 pm

  had to remove and replace the rear cross member aassembly due to a bad weld it was sheared at the weld should have been covered defect only 45ooo miles on itcost was 994.18 would not purchase another Ford as they due not back you up when it should have not have happened.