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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  FORD is a four letter word... - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By qtemoc - November 14 - 10:00 am

  First we had a heater/AC/vent "odor" problem that the dealer could not find. This plagued us for 2 years when we finally paid to have the heater core replaced. This helped alot but FORD and its dealers would not pay for the repair. Then on a long trip the automatic transmission started to rumble, slip and act up.(3 1/2 years old and with 35,000 easy miles!!!)

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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jmsamr - November 14 - 10:00 am

  20,000 miles into Escape experience and overall I would recommend the Escape. If you are looking for luxury dont buy the Escape. The seats are very uncomfortable and the ride is a bit loud. The Escape feels very big and holds a lot more than one would think. The V6 is a definite must. With moderate driving mainly highway some city (chicago) we have averaged 21 mpg.

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  Best Small SUV Value Period - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tater - November 14 - 10:00 am

  After driving several small SUVs and trying to find the best overall value, we decided on the Ford Escape. Our last Ford SUV, which was a Bronco II, was 14 years old, and still running great. However, we needed 4 doors instead of 2 for our family and the Escape filled the bill. We checked out all of the usual sources, and everyone gave it glowing reviews, except for Consumer Reports which favors Japaneese automakers in general. The Escape has as much interior room as the Ford Explorer Sport 2 door and has more space than the Toyota Rav4 and others. We hope to keep our Escape at least 10 years, maybe more.

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  Im loving it!!! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Rhe - November 13 - 7:58 pm

  By far a better value than the Honda/Toyota counterparts! SYNC, heated LEATHER seats, sleek interior/exterior, flat folding front right seat, drives & handles well, I could go on and on. For MORE money Honda & Toyota both offer FEWER features. I loved my Focus and I ADORE my Fusion. At the end of the day I always end up buying Ford and am not disappointed.

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  TUFF OLD SCHOOL F250 RIG - 1990 Ford F-250
  By dleddingpaulinapeak - November 13 - 3:18 pm

  I bought this truck to pull my large pontoon boat in the summer, snowmobiles in the winter and the like. at 136,000 it gets it done without so much as a grunt. lots of power and suspension to handle everything Ive thrown at it. at the cost of a new F250, I think youd be a fool to buy new when you can drive a classic, awesome truck like this one. I bought this truck from the original owner who took cae of it and babied like I do. it hasnt had a teenager mud bog the hell out of it - this probably has a lot to do with it being such a good driver to date. with the 460 V8, it is with out a doubt, a gas junkie, I average 11mpg, ouch.

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  Nice Job Ford! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By harley1129 - November 13 - 9:03 am

  Traded in a 2006 Hyundai Tuscon. This Edge is sweet in the pearl white color. Drives beautiful. The ride and handling is superior to even my 2007 MKZ Lincoln with all wheel drive. Read the brakes arent that good but I find they are fine. Good feel and braking so far. Only have 60 miles on the truck.

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  Hybrid Synergy - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Marcus - November 13 - 3:13 am

  Besides being cold now and the hybrid getting less than the advertised mileage due to that fact, everything else that was hyped about the hybrid is right on the money. I still think I would have bought one if I had known about cold weather affecting the mileage, but we all like truth in advertising dont we?

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  Water Leaks - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Old Dog - November 13 - 3:05 am

  If you are reading this and havent checked, pull back your carpet in the front and see if its wet, mine was soaked! After a recent heavy storm, I had to use a shop vac to pull the water out of the channels holding the wiring harness under the kick plates at the entrance to both driver and passenger doors. Ive read where these king cabs have a big problem with water leaks that may go un- noticed until you start smelling mildew. The third brake light has a history of leaking on most years of these trucks. The water runs down channels from the light toward the front floorboard soaking everything underneath. Also, there have been other reports of the air conditioning condensor vent leaking

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  THE BEST ! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Anne Ball - November 13 - 12:46 am

  I love this automobile !!! It makes me happy ! I love to look at it, I love to drive it ! My husband has never liked any of my cars, but now he fights me to drive it. It really is the most comfortable ---smooth. It feels like a real car, like they used to feel. I am short and I really appreciate the automatic lift. I do not have to jump anymore. The other real plus for me is that it looks so distinctive that I can find it right away in any parking lot. I also loved the choice of colors--different from all the others in the lot.

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  Bullet proof - 1997 Ford Escort
  By John - November 12 - 4:26 pm

  I hope I dont jinx myself, but my Escort seems indestructible. I bought it with 72,000 miles and it just turned over 237000! It runs like a champ and gets 33-34mpg consistently. It still has the original clutch, struts, and even exhaust system! I would not hesitate to drive it cross-country. I typically change the oil at around 4K- 5K miles (most of my miles are pretty easy, few city miles) and it is never more than 1/2 quart low on oil. I love my Escort and will be very sad when I finally have to replace it. Im shooting for 300,000 miles!