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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  better than the Tahoes - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By jamesSZ - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1995 and a 1997 Tahoe 4WD and had to dump them before the 36000 mile warranty ran out. Liked both of them but they were poorly built and had a lot of in warranty work done, The EXPIDITION seems to be holding its own - Ive yet to take it to the dealer for any warranty work. Next visit will report the following: windshield washer indicator give false out of fluid reading heater strip in back window losing effect radio was skipping channels by itself, tires are making a thud sound when driving above 55MPH. Small issues when compared to the 2 Tahoes that I owned. Milage is about 14 MPG.

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  Seans 2000 GT - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By SMT - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Like the car, but it has the fake looking air scoops and, like another reviewers, the frame on the drivers door has waves around the windows. I probably wouldnt buy another Mustang. Ironically, had a Camaro previously and I had more compliments and looks with that car. The car has a lot of power, but you really pay for it at the gas pump. When gas hit $2.10 a gallon, I almost had to take a second job to keep the guzzler happy. Also having problems with the low coolant light; keeps coming on when the coolant reservoir is full. Wasnt too crazy about the dealer...trying to tell me what colors and options I wanted. Whats with that too?

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  2018 FORD ESCAPE is a Good Value - 2018 Ford Escape
  By Greg in West Chester Ohio - July 12 - 9:56 am

  This vehicle is indeed a good value. I purchased a Ford Escape S. Base model that still has plenty of features to make driving this vehicle easy. The interior is a bit busy and maybe a bit dated. Backup camera screen is smaller than others but is functional. Handling is good - the vehicle feels solid. SYNC for android phone is very good. Balance of front versus rear seat room is good for a vehicle this size. Cargo space is adequate - again considering the relatively low price of the vehicle. With discounts and negotiation I purchased a $25,800 vehicle for $19,900. I am quite satisfied with the features and quality at that price. Now allow me to drive it 150,000 miles as I intend to do over the next 6 years and hopefully I will have minimal maintenance and repair issues. Then I will be even happier with my decision to purchase the Ford Escape S.

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  I loves my Contour - 1995 Ford Contour
  By GFunk - July 12 - 2:00 am

  These are great cars, they just need to be maintained and cared for.

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  TRUTH ABOUT FORDS - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By JANRUS - July 12 - 2:00 am

  IVE HAD THIS TRUCK FOR 18 MOS. EACH MONTH SUMTHING ELSE GOES WRONG. MOST RECENTLY THE TIE RODS, LASTTIME THE AIR COMPRESSOR FOR THE AIR RIDE. BEFORE THAT THE WINDSHEILD LEAKED AND FRIED SOME ELECTRONICS ( TO THE TUNE OF 1800.00). CANT WAIT TO SEE WHATS NEXT. GUESS ITS A GOOD THINGWE PUT LESS THAN 200 MI. A WEEK ON IT.

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  great car great price - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By michaelalec84 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  The ford mustang is an excellent car at an even better price in my opinion. Ive had mine for a little over a year now and it has given me no major problems whatsoever. The power is good coming from the 3.8 liter v6 and the comfort of the front seats is excellent. i would recommned a mustng of my type to anyone who wants something powerful, cheap, good looking and fun to drive.

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  Review - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Dave O. - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Our Ford Taurus is ausome. We love it very much. It looks cool and handles great.

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  Fast and quick - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By Stepheng - July 11 - 2:00 am

  A fast 5-speed car with great handling with good high preformance car. Bad for tranmission problems because I put in 2 of them and the trans when it breaks it leaks on the clutch making it a replacment too. Hard on the front drive axels being replaced about 3 times too. Motor is still great and not burning oil or knocking on startup.

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  loved until recently - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By pdl2 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  bought used in 97 with 36k on it. currently 144k. until recently I loved it. the speedometer went out around 50k...works up to around 65mph. no problems till 2002 fuel pump went out. however just replaced radiator, individual window switches went out several months ago...and when it shifts into second gear...sometimes I hear a scraping sound. I had hoped with its performance initially it would last longer....as Im startign to look for another car now. Hoping to get it traded in before transmission goes out. I would still buy another if I could find low mileagle. love the 3.0 engine though I have a rear seal that is leaking

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  This car has been a gem - 1992 Ford Probe
  By Reignman35 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 92 Probe with 92,000 miles on it from my grandfather in the spring of 2002, and so far the car has been a dream. I currently have 138,000 on it, and it still starts right up (the fact that it has a Mazda powerplant probably makes a difference) no matter the weather or conditions. The clear coat is peeling from sitting in the sun for so long, but who cares when the engine is all that makes a difference. Aside from a little exhaust work that needed done after I first bought it and I had to replace the clutch slave cylinder last fall, I have no complaints about the car.