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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  !992 ford Ranger XLT - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By Rod 087 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ranger and it has been a very good truck,the only thing i had to repair were normal wear and tear items like brakes ,tires ,shocks, the only real repiar was the intake manifold was leaking antifreeze and i had to relace the gasket in 130,000 miles.

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  Great Car When its Not at the Mechanic - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Alejandro - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Car at the dealer for repairs six times in the first two years I owned it: EGR valves (?), catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, electrical system issues, and other stuff I have forgotten. Last 5 years: electrical system shorted out twice check engine light on all the time right rear suspension link broke, speedometer/odometer stopped working. All that being said I LOVE this car. The engine is powerful and fuel- efficient, the car is loaded with options and a joy to drive. Handling (before suspension problem) was incredible - like a European performance sedan.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DMN - May 26 - 9:36 am

  Moved up from 2001 Sport Track, appreciate added and updated comfort. Rear seat awkward to enter/exit, a little hard for regular folks. Engine and driveline excellent, brakes and steering exceptional. Clean style, a little upmarket and more capable Honda Accord. Use vehicle for business travel in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah and appreciate safety of 4 wheel drive.

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  Fun to drive on short trips - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Elderchuck - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This Escort has been typical of the three Escorts we have owned previously. Well built, short on options, reliable, and hard on the back when sitting over an hour. Nagging problem with engine mounts (accelerator slaps foot and clunks on starts and stops and bad tie rods).

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  18year old FEMALE - 2001 Ford Escort
  By BrittL - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to start out with! Its cute its fun and who doesnt like to pay $15 to fill up the gas tank. I wouldnt have wanted to learn to drive a stick on any other car. It is very easy to handle, and the ride is smooth.Big hit with the parents because consumer reports rate it well!!!

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  Initial Impressions - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bulwark102 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a fully loaded 2005 Escape Limited 4x4. The early 2005 was purchased $350 over invoice. My first impression is this is a solid and good looking vehicle. The engine is powerful and responsiveness is acceptable, but I found other vehicles I test drove (such as the Honda CR-V) were a bit more agile. The engine is loud at higher RPMs and the automatic transmission feels sluggish as it searches and engages the next gear. I feel very comfortable with the interior styling, indicators and controls. I will follow-up after my first 10K miles.

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  XLS - Nice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By orrink - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Much nicer than expected. I got it for under $17k. Ride is much better than expected. Nothing like my 1999 Sport. Very good radio/CD and very very roomy. Unreal VALUE is the name of this game.

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  T bird 2004 - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jeff Berman - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Hard to get into if you have even the slightest back problem. User friendly instrumentation.

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  Ignition problems - 2002 Ford Escape
  By esmb - May 25 - 5:23 am

  The key sticks in the igition. We have to wiggle it out. Took it back to the dealer 3 times. Even changed the igition. Did not help. We were told by someone there that the escape and some other brands are using a forign tumbler and that is causing the problems. So the problem cant be fixed unless they change back to American. If anyone has any ideas please email me. esmb@aol.com

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  Just a few bugs.... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By PandalvsEscape - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Very cute little SUV for a small family. I would purchase another one and I am looking forward to seeing the new hybrid. The Escape is big enough that you feel safe, but not so big that you feel like you have to climb in.