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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  2000 TAURUS SES - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By NONCRYSLEROWNER - October 8 - 2:00 am

  In my opinion,Ford has vastly improved this vehicle from previous designs for style and reliability however, the 3.0L engine is very underpowered for the size of this large vehicle. I was a bit disappointed with the gas mileage too. Few people baby a car like we do and we seem to get about 24mpg. While this really isnt that bad, the competition is achieving around 28-32mpg with a more powerful 3.8L. In fact we bought this car when my wife happened to wreck our Crown Victoria, and we could get 19-25 with the 4.6L V8. The dashboard color combination is TERRIBLE! Its fine during the day, but wait till nightfall. YUCK! It also seems that these vehicles have very poor resale value.

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  Great basic transportation! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By JPH - October 8 - 2:00 am

  We have really enjoyed this car. We have 75,000 miles on it and have no problems. It is great basic transportation. Excellent gas mileage 34 city, 39 highway

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  Super Crew FX4 XLT - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Calcbunny - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the truck, the FX4 rides good. Wish I would have gotten the 6 disc in dash CD player. Experienced a shutter problem in the rear. Dealer replaced the drive shaft and yoak assemble at 5000 miles. Still have the problems. Ford will look at it on 4/4/02.

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  Wheres the power - 2002 Ford F-150
  By FordDriver - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Made a mistake. This truck has no power but still only gets 12 to 13 MPG.

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  The Brakes STINK - 2002 Ford Focus
  By cyn_flo - October 8 - 2:00 am

  the only downfall of this vehicle are the noisy brakes. I had the car for only 6 months before the brakes started squeaking like I had a 15 year old car that needed the drums rotated and new brake pads put on. very embarassing to drive this vehicle that way. i had the brake pads replaced after going to the dealer Many times and the car brakes still squeak at times but not as bad

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  ford windstar 99 - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By lyle truax - October 8 - 2:00 am

  the car is very comfy. so far the only drawbacks were three call backs but they fixed them in a timely matter tires only lasted 19000 miles. so far we enjoy the car pretty much. it has about 31000 miles. we will see what the future brings.

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  2000 Ford Focus - Sony Limited Edition - 2000 Ford Focus
  By sfieldi - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Excellent suspension and a smooth ride. I have had no problems with this car. Excellent gas mileage. I average 35-36 mpg highway and 29 mpg city.

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  Lemon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jaspat2 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 23k on it and now have 34k. In the 6 months Ive owned it it has been in the shop 3 times for the following problems:1)Water leak in firewall under dash caused carpet to mold. 2)Transmission leak. 3)Broken rear window defrost.4)Stereo display/preset button lights went out.5)Fuel gauge died..twice! This car has great curb appeal but lousy reliability. Buyer Beware!

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  Happy so Far - 2001 Ford Focus
  By rubyelixir - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Ford. I am very happy with this wagon. I searched for a year before my 98 Explorer lease was up ( 98 Explorer was awful, 96 was WAY better) & nothing comes near these features for the price. Got it on the internet for @ $80 above invoice & 0 (yep thats right! ZERO ) % financing for 5 whole YEARS!! bought an extended warranty for @ $800 for a total of 6 years 100,000 miles bumper to bumper with roadside assist& free rental car from Ford!!!

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  Ford Escape XLT - 2002 Ford Escape
  By tman7773 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be happier with my Escape purchase. The Escape came along at the right time. Its an affordable alternative for someone who likes the idea of a full sized SUV, but cant yet easily afford one. The Escape is powerful, masculine, distinctive looking and priced just right. It handles like a car, but feels like a truck when your sitting in it.