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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  Love/hate this car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By This Car Is Shithot - November 17 - 8:06 pm

  I bought this car over a year ago in June with 40k mileage on it and it ran great until 6 months later. After 6 months, my clutch went out. I got that fixed then the transmission went out right after that. But I got that fixed already and now it runs better than ever. It had cold air intake and exhaust already in it when I bought it. This car is a beast. I love how the acceleration pins to the seat and the loud roar it makes especially when it goes in the tunnel. The one thing I hate about this car is its poor gas mileage. I have to fill up every other day from driving back and forth to work. I had a mustang V6 that I would only have to fill once a week but I just wanted more power.

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  Lost a customer - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Annette S. - November 17 - 7:44 pm

  After purchasing my truck I had costly repairs the very first year. Over the next 3yrs the truck had been great until last friday Nov 13th, when my truck had an electrical fire! Please be careful Escape owners, the truck was off and I was not inside when it caught fire. Never again will I own another Ford vehicle due to Ford not taking onwership of the problems with their vehicles.

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  2nd One, and Loving It - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By MYEXH8ME - November 17 - 5:49 pm

  This is my 2nd Eddie Bauer 4x4. I havent had a problem with this SUV, and I would recommend it to anyone. It has more torque than GMs, but less horsepower translated, tows more but wont win a light to light. Who wants to race something this big anyway? I have used it to tow 5 or 6 cars to the crusher...I couldnt tell they were even behind me. There is also plenty of ground clearance, incase you want to hop a curb or two. Tire Pressure Monitoring System really, really works too! Headlight illumination well above average...brights light up the horizon and foggers do their job. Powerfold 3rd row a plus, especially on rainy days when you need the extra room. DVD system great for kids!!

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  What was I thinking - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Krista - November 17 - 11:38 am

  I bought my 1st new car a 2010 Ford Escape and had it for two weeks and loved everything about it until it broke down. The service dept. could not find anything wrong with it. It dies going down the road and then will start back up in about 10 minutes, it did it about every other day until last week when it would only stay running for out 2 minutes and then die over and over again. It has been in the shop for 5 days and they still dont know whats wrong with it. I must of bought a lemon.

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  Lovin my ST so far - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By JerichoJeff - November 17 - 11:30 am

  Bought our ST as a utility vehicle for around the house; we needed a truck with 4 drs and a real back seat. Our ST is exactly what we were looking for. It handles well, rides wonderfully, and is super comfortable inside, even in the back seat (Im 61", and can sit very comfortably in the back). Its a great looking vehicle too. Ive received continuous comments on it since getting it. The roof rails are great, and allowed me to attach my bike rack to the top in minutes. The tie downs in the back are excellent, as well as the composite bed. So far, the only thing weve had to be concerned about is the fuel economy. But really, its no better or worse on gas than any other truck. We love it!

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  very pleased - 2010 Ford Escape
  By john - November 17 - 11:23 am

  Have 940 miles on 2010 XLT 6cyl and am very pleased. Quieter than my 2008 Accord. I drive to get milage...25.3 in small town suburbia driving, 28.6 on highway. My first American car in 12 years an am glad I bought American...the quality is greatly improved.

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  Dirve it hard - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mike S. - November 17 - 10:41 am

  I love my Focus. I keep it serviced and have had no isssues with tires or alignment. I drive it pretty hard and it responds great with great handling in curves ( really holds tight ). Have driven it long distances with no issues and great gas mileage. I drive 60 miles a day round trip to work and average 33 mpg even with the way I like to drive.

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  Shelby GT500 - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Todd - November 17 - 9:53 am

  Fun to drive. Sharp looking car. Wanted a little more throttle response, but very satisfied by overall performance.

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  Last Ford I will ever buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By luvencl - November 17 - 6:16 am

  I have driven Fords all my life but this 2002 is the worse experience I have ever had. First to go was the rear AC, kept getting a click noise. Had it replaced under warranty, but then it went bad again just after the warranty ran out. Then had stereo also go bad. CD player got stuck, then 2 months later, volume would just start to get loud with no control touching. Master brake cylinder replaced at 42,000, and then the oxygen sensor, door trim @ same time. Then one very cold morning, I go to my car and notice a huge crack in the hatch below glass. I called the police because I thought someone tried to break into my SUV. Found later that others have the same problem. I am done with Ford!

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  Taurus X Review - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Terry - November 17 - 4:53 am

  Fantastic car. My wife and I drive it and love it. Very comfortable ride and very quiet. If I stay off the pedal the mileage aint too bad.