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 too bad, not the best.... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By DMedic911 - February 27 - 9:21 am

  I have owned my Escape LTD for almost two years now and have not had any problems with it. Very comfortable and nice to drive. Not disappointed in my purchase, but would not purchase another one and ready for a change 2 years later. Biggest complaint is gas mileage at an average of 11-12 mpg in the city. I think a full sized truck with a large V8, pulling a motorhome could do better. Resale value not held over two years with only 11k miles.

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  Great Van! - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By csubwebczar - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This has been a solid vehicle that fills its intended purposes perfectly. We needed lots of interior room, above average seating capacity, and much more towing capacity; this E150 does it all. I tend to forget Im towing our tent trailer as this van makes it an effortless task. To top it off, though this was the first time we bought a vehicle on the internet, it was a fabulous experience.

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  Its Falling Apart - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Duncsdad - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Just came from the dealership and it needs new ball joints and seals at 55K highway miles. Estimated cost = $600. Dealer said it was a normal "wear" item. Already had paint (black); 4WD control; oil pan; oil sending unit; and seat bolts replaced under warranty. Have not had trouble with brakes -- yet. Has been in the shop in the last 2 1/2 years more than my 7 previous GM trucks/SUVs were in the last 16 years. Will be my last Ford. I am not putting a dime in thise crate after reading what I may be in for in the near term. Doing research on a new vehicle right now.

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  My Stang - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Arlana Pinson - February 25 - 7:12 pm

  Many say that the Ford Mustang is not safe to drive in the rain or in the snow. I have driven it in both weather types. I believe that it does just fine. The thing to worry about is the driver. You know youre driving a sports car, therefore, be careful and everything else is fine.

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  Gets me and my stuff from point A to B - 1997 Ford Escort
  By kfhoz - February 25 - 5:10 pm

  I bought this little station wagon about 4 years ago. I was looking at Subarus because that is what I had owned before, and my husband has one but this one was much cheaper. It has worked just fine the whole time! The engine revs lots lower than the Subaru at highway speeds, so it gets lots better mileage. This car has worked for me as well as the Toyota Camry I drove for 5 years. It has not needed any fancy mechanical work, gets great mileage, and I dont worry about it. I carry kayaks on top, and camping gear inside, and have moved a portable dishwasher with no problem.

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  Fords cost-cutting shows - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Verbal - February 25 - 12:25 am

  I bought this car slightly used, based on favorable reviews in the car magazines. It is a sporty sedan that packs a lot of value for the money. The engine, suspension and brakes are well-suited for the enthusiast driver. However, this is the most fragile car I have ever owned. With less than 75k on the odometer, I have had to replace the water pump (a flawed design with a plastic impeller wheel), the catalyst, and the starter motor. The check engine light turning on is a quarterly event. The stock CD player would skip if you looked at it cross-eyed. Owning this car makes me believe that when Ford lines up suppliers, it always takes the low bidder. Ford: you have lost this customer.

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  Owned for 11 years - 1993 Ford Probe
  By Verbal - February 25 - 12:00 am

  I bought the car with 12,000 miles on the odometer, and have been driving it for the last 11 years. The handling is tremendous every freeway on ramp is a blast. The V6 winds out nicely, and the car still looks contemporary today. The seats are very comfortable. At 147,000 miles, it still has the original clutch, and the engine feels tight. Problem areas: the distributor quit at 50k miles the rear brake calipers have been replaced a couple of times due to locking the paint is fading despite regular wax jobs the hatch has rattled since day 1 the valve cover gaskets leak and the wind whistles around the passenger door seal.

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  Pretty Good Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By jdr - February 24 - 2:46 pm

  Ive owned my Focus over 4 years. Since owning it I have had to get the front brakes replaced and new tires. Ive also had the fuel pump go out (recall so it was covered, but had to pay to get fuel filter changed). Also had the check engine light come on which ended up being a sensor that had been recalled. Ive had the contraption that turns off the turn signal after going around the corner break twice on this car. First time it was under warranty. Second time it wasnt so now I have to turn it off by hand after turning. My car still runs great after 4 years and shows little signs of wear.

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  LUV my Escort Wagon - 1997 Ford Escort
  By LUV my Escort - February 23 - 9:48 pm

  I live in Colorado & all these people move in from warmer climates & just have to buy their SUVs to get around in the snow. We only had 1 three foot blizzard in which it was impossible for anyone to get out. I also had to replace the rear springs & was shocked to learn they were broke. Apparently a common problem. Otherwise, this car has been extremely reliable & anyone who thinks that Ford doesnt build a good product should think again!

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  Shake it up - 2007 Ford Edge
  By kristi green - February 23 - 5:23 am

  The Edge is a nice enough vehicle, however try to drive it with the back windows down. You will experience a "shake" like no other. The vibration in the vehicle is so bad the interior door panels shake visibly. Ford acknowledges the problem with a service advisory that states there is no servce at this time. The dealership wants nothing to do with your issue after they receive your money and the solution is dont try to drive it with only the back windows down. Ford states they will not set a precident on this issue with a trade in certificate therefore, your will be stuck.