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 Escape XLS - 2003 Ford Escape
  By bchamp - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good mini SUV with few problems. I had my radio/CD player replaced and my tires are not wearing as well as my previous "Ford Explorer". I get 20.2 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The tan interior cloth shows spots "very easily" compared to gray or a pattern design cloth. I think Ford should have included privacy glass to protect children and making a cheap roof rack a $75.00 option and floor mats an option still bothers me. The XLT comes with these things but you will not get the value back on re-sell.

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  SHO - The only Taurus Id own - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By RedGeminiPA - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 97 SHO with 105,996 miles. Since then Ive driven about 3,000 miles with no major problems. I did have the drivers side tierod end replaced because it was getting dry (no grease fittings) and very noisy. It will soon need ball joints for the same reason (drying out). My average mileage is between 20 - 22 mpg. Car looks great - black metalic w/ chrome wheels... real head-turner! Mach Audio, moonroof, tan leather, factory cell phone - tons of features for this class! 4-wheel air ride is great on highways, but rough on bumps. Yamaha 32V V8 has good power and nice exhaust note. Will need suspension work - noisy. I paid $5995.00. Nice for the $.

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  Great inexpensive car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By brianl703 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This 1997 Ford Escort has aged pretty well. It drives pretty much as it did when we got it 5 years ago. Gas mileage is good, it handles pretty well (the chassis is much more rigid than previous year Ford Escorts). With 81,000 miles, the engine barely uses 1/3 quart of Mobil 1 5W-30 in 4500 miles. The check engine light had been on for a couple of years (with a P1443 trouble code), I finally got around to fixing it by replacing the purge flow solenoid with a $5 wrecking yard part. It turned out the rubber hose had started deteriorating, and the solenoid got clogged with debris.

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  Clifford the Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By ACEMARKEY - August 26 - 2:00 am

  We have TWO! Named my Escape Clifford. Guess what color it is? I love this car, looove, there arent enough positive words. Much better mileage than what the sticker says. Peppy, roomy. Handles great in snow. A bit of wind noise at high speeds(80mph) makes it difficult to listen to the excellent cd player (single). Please follow the dealer maintenance record religiously. There have been a few problems, but the dealer fixed. Dont bother with the dealers ext. warranty Call Ford Mo Co yourself and ask them specifically for their own. Dealer will try to sell you an aftermarketinsisting it is Fords. After 2 dealers, 3 cars we learned the hard way.

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  My Fourth Expy - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Xarmas - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Expedition since 1997. All of the previous Exps I have had were subject to severe service and were completely reliable. The chassis and frame are much stiffer offering a bank vault solid body feel. The fit and finish of body panels and interior appointments is excellent. I highly recommend the larger 5.4 liter engine with the 3.73 limited slip axle ratio and the HD trailer tow package.

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  GT40 - 2005 Ford GT
  By bobthecarenthusiast - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Not as fast as my viper, but it is an eye catcher.

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  GOLD XLT STEPSIDE REG CAB - 1995 Ford F-150
  By 351 Venom - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought from orig. owner. Truck was babied. Took it to Ford dealer for oil change, and 3 mechanics begged me to sell it. Hope to convert it to older lightning truck later, but its still nice now. Unusual fact gold color, tan interior, mint condition. Ill have it a long time. Had rear differential bearings replaced due to roaring, otherwis no problems- 110,000 miles so go figure. Luv it. Eric

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  Too little power - 2000 Ford F-150
  By GD - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This truck was equipped with the 4.6 liter V-8. I tow a 22 foot boat which, with trailer, weighs about 4000 pounds. This truck tows poorly, with constant downshifts on the slightest grades. I was forced to sell the truck due to underpowering and a non-locking differential after it could not effectively pull the boat and trailer up boat ramps. It performed well when not towing.

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  I love it - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Rampage4 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I have 120,000 miles on it, the only problem ive had so far is the transfer case is starting to whine but thats only because ive been "pushing it to its limits". I have the five speed and its pretty fun to drive. Other then normal matanince costs, i havent had to spend a dime on fixing it. Also its a dram in the snow, i drovew through 17 inches in albany in 4 wheel auto with no sliding problems!

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  love my expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By dinna - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my second expedition. Had previously leased an XLT, but the Eddie Bauer is far superior. Less roll, better handling and you gotta love those heated seats during our cold winters. I have 48000 miles and have only had to replace the brakes. The car has great get up and go getting up to highway speeds. Gas mileage is not great, but Id rather be spending money at the pumps than in a small car. Well drive this car into the ground.