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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  06 Escape XLT Sport - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ron S. - December 28 - 5:10 am

  I actually am quite fond of my Escape in spite of some dissapointing quirks. I must say it is way better than my last car, a Jeep Cheerokee Sport. The escape is an all around great vehicle and does every thing it is supposed to. I do agree with the person that said the tilt wheel does not tilt enough, this feature is like "Whats the point?". Also mine has a very annoying suspension rattle that drives me crazy. I think it needs the sway bar connecting links replaced. My 05 Ford Focus had the same problem. Not hard or expensive to fix but a design flaw just the same. The padding in the front buckets is breaking down in the seat backs, my wife and I are just average size. Hey Ford????

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  Just had to rebuff - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Matt - December 28 - 2:12 am

  I had to say something when I saw the posts bashing the sedans performance. The Escort line has a long rally racing heritage and our other cars were BMW 3 and 5 series--there was practically no difference between them and our little Escort when it came to driving fun and handling. Were 12 years and 132,000 miles and the only repairs came from someone hitting us and two recalls that involved the air bags and seat belts. If Ford still made these, wed be buying another one as an added vehicle, but sadly they want to focus on the Festiva instead.

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  REALTOR - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bruce - December 27 - 10:47 pm

  After 50k Trans 1 replaced, after 90k trans 2 replaced,after 60k trans 1 replaced and after 100k trans 2 replaced. Also after 100k push button 4WD failed to work - altough only used 7 or 8 times. We call it the EXPLODER! rather than Explored. Now driving a $ Runner!

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  Nightmare on Ford street! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Chiefd54 - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Many problems, many recalls! Less than six months after I purchased, one of the plug wires went out. I had 3 recalls in the first year. Right front bearing and trunion went out at 3 1/2 years, air conditioning control door went out a month later. And the last straw was replacing all of the spark plug wires one month after the a/c problem developed. The ride is very stiff. Sounds and rides like a truck (Ok its an SUV). Get the extended warranty you will need it!

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  I sure miss my Stang! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By glennt - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased new GT back in March of 02. I was thrilled with the car in every way. Sadly, I only had it for about 3 months and 4,000 miles when some kid (without insurance) lost control on a wet road and t-boned me in the drivers side door at about 40 mph. The fire department had to use the jaws of life to pull the door off of my lap. However, all I came out of it with was 10 stitches in my elbow from the glass and a really sore hip for a couple of weeks. After I finally saw the outside of the car, I saw just how well it had saved my life. In conclusion, I had full insurance and will be getting the "exact" same color and model sometime this week.

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  FOCUS ZX3 2000 KONA ED - 2000 Ford Focus
  By douguil - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I regret to have an automatic transmission on that car, it is much more fun and fast with a stick. Go with 16Â’Â’ wheels, it helps a lot the handling and maybe with 205/40/16 tires instead of 50s for a better stability when driving aggressively. I cannot wait that my Firestone Firehawk stock tires wear out, they are terrible.

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  A capable people hauler - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Steve May - December 27 - 8:53 am

  No, this is not a Honda Odyssey or a Toyota Sienna - both of them IMO are overpriced and you might as well as go for the Korean vans then. The FORD is a capable, SAFE, comfortable and quiet people hauler. It has sufficient room and handles fine. It feels and drives built solid! The steering is good and the brakes are strong. The motor is quiet and is plenty of torque whether its loaded or not - 4.2L will do that. And yes, it does not get 20 mpg in town but the engine barely works to get the job done.....that means a long life providing its taken care of. We have a friends with an 4.0L AERO STAR with 190K on it...going strong! A good van and a good deal!

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  The best small truck PERIOD - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By jtf - December 27 - 6:58 am

  This is my second ranger. There are 2 others rangers my family has (93&98).These trucks are tough and very reliable. The 2.3 DOHC and 5 spd are great choice 24mpg city and 27 highway and plenty of power( 3rd gear wheel spin). The other trucks have no rust and one has over 200,000 miles. I would have kept my 2001 ranger but I like the added interior space of the supercab.You cant buy a better small truck for the money... period

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  Nice Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Dan M - December 26 - 10:26 pm

  I purchased the truck as a leftover 2005 about 2-1/2 months ago. Rebates/discounts were aggressive, making it a good value. I only have 1200 miles on it. The truck rides smooth, very quiet, great interior space, sufficient power. The truck is heavy, so the acceleration is only okay given it has 300 hp. However, I will use it to tow a 6,300 lb travel trailer, so additional mass in the truck helps keep the trailer from pushing the truck around. The rack and pinion steering is very good, it cruises the interstate with great on-center feel. Heated seats are nice in the north country. Moonroof is quiet when open or closed (unlike many other vehicles). If you like it, buy one!

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  never again - 2006 Ford Escape
  By ford hater now - December 26 - 8:44 pm

  had one... had a wreck the air bags did NOT work . tires have to be replaced too often. it flipped so easy. when we wrecked it took only 3 people to flip it back over and one was a woman one was a teenage boy. this is not a safe vehicle at all