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:

• 

  Last Ford for me - 2008 Ford Escape
  By imperialquartz - October 30 - 11:29 pm

  Not my first Ford lemon, but will be the last. Lots of ongoing problems, transmission cooler replacement, creaky steering has the dealers perplexed. Rattle in front end at low speeds, rear window rattles,one front seat heat works only when it feels like it. Seals between front & rear doors falling off top & bottom. Front seat cushions are too short. This is just a new body on the old drive should not have this many troubles. Not all negative, not a bad commuter, fuel economy is OK, 25 MPG (imperial gallon) AWD system works very well in the snow. Adequate cargo space. My wife just purchased an 09 Hyundai Santa Fe, it totally puts the Escape to shame as far as fit & finish.

• 

  Ford Escape Hybrid is a Piece of Junk - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Escape Hybrid - October 28 - 1:16 am

  After all the hype, the 2006 Ford Hybrid is a cheaply built piece of junk. For one, the gas mileage is just not what youd expect from a hybrid. After only 25MPH the engine kicks in. Think about it...even in city driving (which averages 35MPH), your going to engage the engine a LOT. Secondly, when using the air conditioner, the engine is engaged. So, if you live in the south -- you are really out of luck. Lastly, the darn vehicle is a very noisy. Compared to the Explorer, there is virtually no insulation to outside noise. Lastly, it is a rip off. Those I know who own a Ford Escape (non-hybrid) are getting about the same mileage as I with the hybrid -- 27MPH for about $5K more!

• 

  Never again!!! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Andrew123 - October 26 - 6:00 am

  I just say "RECALL". Ford and Quality do not match. Never again a Ford vehiclte.

• 

  What a waste! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Jennifer - October 21 - 7:31 pm

  Ok so I bought my explorer NEW Paid way to much and now 5 years later I am still paying for it both payments and over whelming repairs! I have gone thru 3 rear ends, 2 water pumps, 4 sets of tires because of there state of the art anti-slip crap eats tires right of the thing. Rear windsheild wiper caught on fire yes smoke and flames because it over heated called Ford they dont care! Needs another rear end, and now a cam! I have nothing nice to say about Ford anymore! My whole family owned Ford vehicals and the last one is out the door, whats even funnier is my father the Ford man just bought an 86 Dodge pickup runs better then any of the Fords he has ever owned! Explorer 108,000 miles on it

• 

  Shouldve Gone With Lexus - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By John Tess - October 18 - 11:25 pm

  This car has had many problems from the start. The ride is stiff, the fuel economy is lousy and the handling is pretty terrible versus the competing vehicles and price points. The motor is also very coarse sounding at open throttle, which is not what I was expecting from such an expensive car. The gauges are also very plain and boring for such a pricey vehicles Buyer Beware.

• 

  Replace Engine 66,8000 miles - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Spencer - October 16 - 3:54 pm

  Bought Expedition in 12/04. Had a number of problems with rough engine noise, power seats stopped working etc. At 66,800 mile a valve broke off and dropped in to the cylinder. We only put about 12,000 miles a year on engine. Called Ford to see if they would work out something with me but was denied. I have to pay $7400.00 to replace my engine.

• 

  think before you buy - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Roger Snyder - October 16 - 3:51 pm

  this car was bought new sight unseen,What a mistake.Interior has little to no design.If you like plastic you will love the interior because other than the uncomfortable seats it is all plastic.Cup holders are non functional in the standard shift model.The back seats serve no purpose.exterior look is ok but needs some accents.Handling is not very good at higher speeds.Engine has some power but nowhere near as responsive as the older models.(2000 and older)The best way to describe the ride is to drive a dump truck with concrete wheels.Needless to say the 2008 mustang gt is not a good choice.Try the new chevy camaro,better looks and more speed.

• 

  I bought a lemon! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By crystalb - October 14 - 9:05 pm

  I bought the car new. At 33,000 miles I have replaced the tires, had several minor problems fixed, and as of today, I have my third transmission. After the repairs and frequent tows, I have contacted Ford. But, instead of helping, they congratulated me on buying the extended warranty. I have always owned Ford products, but after today and Fords response to my lemon, I will not own another Ford once I can get rid of this one.

• 

  lx design - 2000 Ford Focus
  By crystajewel - October 10 - 2:00 am

  i have put over 10,000 dollars in this car and it still doesnt run correctly ive had every recall on the car too so buyer beware

• 

  Not all its cracked up to be! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By dana - October 8 - 11:47 am

  After trying to find the good in it, I have come up with nothing. I am a previous Toyota owner, and I feel very short-changed by the Escape. The inside is very cheap. The apolstery irritates my legs, shows every single water spot, and the foam is hard as a rock. Overall, the interior looks like a 6 year old designed it. When I am on the highway, the engine noise makes it sound like a semi-truck from the inside. Also, I know I have a 4 cylinder, but I cant do more than 20mph uphill, unless I gun it. Then at that point, the engine sounds like it is going to fall out. They should not even make a 4cyl. I do like its auxilary jack for my iPod