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 Has a Better Idea - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Tony Tavares - April 28 - 3:17 am

  This car is very reliable, a good performer, and well made. As good as any Honda, Toyota, or Nissan. I liked my first one so well, a 1998 model, I went out and bought another one. I didnt even look at anything else. My daughter bought a 2005 Nissan Altima and it doesnt ride any better than the Taurus, and cost a lot more money. The buttons on the radio stick badly in cold weather on the Nissan.

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  the winner - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Aaron cis - April 27 - 10:18 pm

  I bought this cute SUV for my family needs and dont regret it at all. One of the best compact SUVs in the market with plenty of interior space. The reliability is outstanding despite the high mileage i got. Not a single complaint to make. Wife and kids love it. So why buy RAV4 or CR-V when you got the Escape?

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  my car - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kandi - April 27 - 6:10 pm

  this was my dream car. my husband suprised me with it and I love it .......I do hate the gas mileage..

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  Fun drive, but - 2007 Ford Focus
  By John - April 27 - 5:46 am

  This car is enjoyable to drive, I have a long commute and needed good mpg. I would love to give this car all 10 rates but for one problem, there is a very irritating squeak from the back end that the dealer cannot seem to fix yet so quality and fun suffer. Mpgs are not up to advertised claims but still not bad.

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  9 years for the original owner - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By Don - April 26 - 11:37 pm

  I still commute daily (70 miles) in my LX that I bought new in 96. It will turn 162,000 miles by May 05. The Duratec V6 still runs strong, the leather interior survived 2 kids and daily abuse and looks almost new. The car handles New England winter driving just fine and has never broken down on me. This one was built in Chicago. The brake pads & rotors wear quick but years of stop/go driving may have played a role. Overall - the cars been great.

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  4.2L Engine - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Scot - April 26 - 11:30 am

  I really like the truck, overall design outside, and interior room. I have had the truck since it was new, mine was equipped with the 4.2L engine. At 88,000 miles the transmission went, at 89,200 the engine went. I was very much disappointed with that. I had the transmission rebuilt and purchased a new engine from Ford, I think it runs better now than when I first purchased it (WAY MORE POWER)! I would buy the truck again but would stick with at V-8 engine. If youre buying used be careful about the early 4.2L my understanding is it had a lot of problems, the newer ones are supposed to have all the problems fixed.

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  Freestar sets you free - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Chip - April 25 - 11:48 pm

  The Freestar is perfect for a VMI conversion for handicapped drivers! The ride is smooth, especially on the highway. The is not much wind noise, either. My conversion adds A LOT of weight and modifies the aerodynamics to the van which hinders fuel economy slightly.

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  Better than you might think - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Shawn - April 25 - 4:06 pm

  We own one as company vehicle so it sees a lot of highway miles. And that is where it shines on the open road with 4 people and a ton of stuff out back. The rear-seat is actually more comfortable than the front passenger. The car is more comfortable than a truck based SUV yet has a third row seats, car like handling and very good fuel economy. The 3.0 and CVT wont win many races (how often is this relevant) but it is a very effective set up and would cruise at 100 mph all day if you could get away with it! The cars finishes and materials are ok and in line for a car of this size and capability for the money. Recommended!

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  Power Train - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Mike - April 25 - 12:04 pm

  So I have only had this car for 6 months. Bought it as part of a voluntary repo from my credit union. It had 30,400 miles on it, and had 35,234 when the car became locked in second somehow and the gears fused together. To repair from the original dealer is $1,600 to replace is $3,200 plus labor. Seems rather costly since it is a manual. I have owned a Ford Taurus, Acura Legend, Honda Accord, and then this ZX2. My Honda cars were reliable and fun to drive. These Fords have been costly.

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  I like it, but I wont get another one. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By sschultzy88 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after a deployment to Germany, where I got the chance to drive a Focus on the Autobahn. German model had a Turbo-diesel and four wheel disks, which arent available here but made the highspeed rocket ride more controlable and economic-topped out at 220 km/Hr, approx 140 MPH. Great car! Mine makes noises when going over dips and bumps in the road. There is also a "clicking" noise that comes from the gear box while idling in neutral. Ford build quality leaves much to be desired, and even though I like the Focus I wont get another one.Its still a fun car, fair to good all around. Good stereo, but alas not the best of the Xplode line either.