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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  2nd Time Around - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BeachDude - September 8 - 1:40 pm

  This is my second Escape, the first being a 2002 Ltd. I returned my Volvo XC90 at the end of its Lease. Decided to do some economizing. Get away from premium gas and buy something with better mpg. The improvements/features over my 2002 are substantial. Most things have been improved greatly, some things fall under "if it aint broke why did you try to fix it...but made it worse?" Parking brake release and twist locks on roof rake. Though, 5-6 speed trans would be nice. The 4 speed shifts very smooth compared to the 6 speed in my Volvo. But, with all that I am enjoying the truck!

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  my friend, my Probe - 1994 Ford Probe
  By tlynn - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1994 Probe in 1997. It had 32,000 miles on it but looked brand new. I have been very happy with gas milage and still get 25.8 MPG IN City! Other than basic maintenance I have not had to do much mechanically to my Probe. The only disappointment I have had is the fading of the paint and the breaking down of the plastic parts used in some parts of the car. A mechanic explained to me that the problem I sometimes have in cold weather when my door wont unlock by the key is due to the breakdown of the hard plastic used. The same "plastic is used in the seats for the lumbar positioning, etc. My driver seat is forever in the position I need it t

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  Fun Car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By worm - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Its not my 67 but its still a blast, the traction control is a pain when driving up a steep wet road, it tends to slip alot uphill. Other than that more power and a better suspension at a lower cost and this car would be perfect. Cant wait for the 05s

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  T-Birds have been good - 1994 Ford Thunderbird
  By rvernooy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had 83, 89, 94 and 95 T-Birds. I like this body style the best and have had only two problems that I consider significant. Both the 83 and 94 TBirds have had the driver door hinges fail. The transmission on this car failed (overdrive locked with 3rd gear) so replaced at 70K miles. Otherwise, good economy at 21MPG still. Good air, power windows, doors, trunk still. no leaks. No exhaust problems to date (love that stainless steel exhaust).

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  excellent retro - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By judgeshell - September 7 - 2:00 am

  i have had ferrari,vettes,xke,rx7 and mark as well as caddy and lexus and infinity.This is one great car overallnot sexiest,not fastest,not most luxurious.But overall it is excellent,price is reasonable and reliability as all Ford i have had beit a mark or ford explorer sport spoil you.

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  no test drive required - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By fastz28s - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used with 31k miles. Have had zero problems, aside from the carrier bearing on the two-piece driveshaft scaring me when it gave. An excellent vehicle, it is easy to see why there are so many of them on the road. And Im a GM guy (2 Z28s, 2 Firebirds and a Trailblazer in the stable now).

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  my expo 2001 - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By ronjnz - September 7 - 2:00 am

  disappointed that the 4x4 is rough on some of the smallest bumps in the road. other than that it rides like a dream,luxury(leather). i wont discuss the gas mileage,but you dont buy a suv for good mileage. overall this is a very nice truck.

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  Good people/cargo hauler - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By vegman - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with 153,000 miles. Have had good luck. Only major repair was a blown intake manifold gasket ($650). have had the typical nickel and dime expenses of American made vehicles. Fuel economy stinks but the 4wheel drive is great and it can haul a ton of stuff and tow over 2 tons without whining. Overall not a bad vehicle. The new minivans on the market have almost as much room and towing capacity with better fuel economy.

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  Escape Limited is Great? - 2004 Ford Escape
  By lottie - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Test drove liberty, cherokee limited and escape. Liberty small in elbow room for driver and front seats.

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  Just a good ol truck - 1990 Ford F-150
  By txtruck - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. If it layed down today it would not owe me a dime. I have owned it for 11 years. It had 16k miles when I bought it, now has 117k, only paid $12.5k loaded out. Best vehicle purchase I ever made. Wow, can it pull a boat. Used to pull my 3500 lb ski boat through the Ozarks and pass cars going uphill with the a/c blasting-temp gauge stayed perfect. No rust problems- spent most of its life up north. When this one gives up I would like to buy another just like it-only a different color-after 11 years I am really tired of the 2 tone brown. I call it the milky way on wheels.