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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  my stang! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By henningf - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Car is a blast to drive, tons of power and great handling, with a few improvements. car turns heads! Never had a mechanical problem.

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  Fun Car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Pat Luegger - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Escape to replace an aging TransSport because I needed 4WD & also wanted a smaller vehicle. It has been a fun car to drive but I have had a number of mechanical problems including the car stalling for no apparent reason, the coolant sign coming on for no apparent reason plus today, I had to have the vapor MGM valve replaced. (I only have 41000 miles on my car.)

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  Great car to run, poor car to own - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By PKF - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I own this car almost two months. The running and handling is really great. During the normal highway traffic, it is pretty quiet, without major wind, road and engine noises. Most features work just fine, except for the air conditioner (restricted to my car), which is bad for normal use. Even worse, about 1000 miles, the A/C does not work anymore (maybe, the motor was blown out). In addition, the steering wheel is a little deviated from the neutral position.

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  Trouble with starting?? - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By janet - July 6 - 4:30 am

  I have a 2010 fusion and having problems with starting.I had to the dealer at 500 miles and they couldnt find what the problem was. It happened a few times more so the dealer has it as we speak. The problem i had was it would crank but not turn over till the third try. They finally did research on it and said it had to do with the Ground strap.Also when i received the car it was having trouble w/the transmission to find out it was 3 quarts low of fluid! Other then that it rides nice but had it to the dealer twice and i only have 1500 miles on it what is going to happen in my future!

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  Solid, Reliable, but Plain & unexciting - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By Practicality - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 4 years ago. I have had no problems with it other than replacing the battery and the inconvenience of having recall repairs done. Even those have been infrequent and insignificant. The car still has decent power and acceleration and is a good reliable car for a practical family man like me. She is paid off with, knock on wood, 100K miles to go !!

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  Good Family traveling vehicle - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By mitchell,jennifer - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall it has been a good dependable vehicle to own and drive. Its major draw back is its fuel economy, my truck gets about 13 to 14 miles to gallon city and 17 to 18 highway. Repair costs and general maintenance prices is above average.

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  love it! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jbosig - July 5 - 2:00 am

  I had a 95 4X4 blazer that had to go. I researched 16 different SUVs of this size and/or compatability. I really wanted bigger but needed to stay under 30K. I have 2boys and 2Labs so I needed a rugged vehicle that would wear well. The CRV, Xterra, Rodeo, Montero, and Blazer couldnt even compare. few flaws but Fordsll never be perfect, otherwise itd be a Dodge!

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  Do not buy this car!@!@! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By v8 explorer - July 3 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Ford 2 years ago and we had to replace the front bushings,the cluster(odometer) and the back seat window because it went bad. My car is back in the shop because the transmission is slipping. Of course there is nothing to do about the transmission they say and that I need to spend 160.00 to change the filter and fluid. It isnt due for that. So I guess I will wait until it totally breaks down. I would never buy this car. I am going back to my Tahoe when the 100,000 mile warranty runs out. I have to keep it until then.

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  FORD EXPLORER SPORTRAK - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By STEVE RUGGERI - July 3 - 10:00 am

  DOES WHAT I BOUGHT IT TO DO, CARRY MY WIFE AND 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND OUR THREE DIRT BIKES IN COMFORT AND WITHOUT USING AND STORING A TRAILER

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  ZTS Rocks - 2004 Ford Focus
  By timmccra - July 3 - 10:00 am

  More zing than the toyota corolla and honda civic more environmentally friendly than all the non hybrid vehicles, smooth ride interior design is nice and functional, standard radio includes a cd and mp3 player by blaupunkt that rocks and its "American" unbeleivable!! Till you drive it !