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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  Can I trust a Ford car? - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jay Shults - May 7 - 2:43 pm

  Spend 30k on the Limited and you get *VINYL* seats. The perforated part is leather; the entire 3rd row is vinyl. "Low grade" materials is an accurate description. I hope Ford did not use cheap materials in the drive train. Overall, the driving experience is good--nice handling and braking. The cabin noise could be reduced, but is not too bad. This is a very functional vehicle and handles better than a minivan. We like the car for these reasons, but you have to compromise. The interior quality on other vehicles in this price range, Odyssey for example, is significantly better. I didnt even know that automakers still used vinyl. Also some frustrations with color choices and options.

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  Fun Pony to ride on - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Chrislxf - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car. I was amazed by its power and handling. Burn everycar that "try" to cut me off. Beautiful exterior design. The interior isnt all that ugly, it just need some inovation and mod. Had my computer and 12 inch lcd build in my mustang. The coolest car in the parking lot. Not recommanded if you have more than 1 passenger (a dog is ok @ the rear seat) ......

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  A good car... for the price. - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By J Bourdeaux - May 7 - 2:00 am

  It has been a fine car, great on gas mileage, even now at 121K, I still average 36 MPG. But with that great MPG, power is sacrificed, which is to be expected. Consumer Reports correctly stated that the Aspire is painfully underpowered. Although I can zip in and out of traffic, I cant accelerate up steep hills. It has been relatively maintenance free. In 8 years, Ive replaced the tires two or three times, struts twice (I guess I hauled too much with all the room in the back), brakes once, exhaust, headlights, rotor, cap, and timing belt. The road noise is somewhat pronounced. Overall, its been reliable, a fine investment, and has served me very well.

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  Replaced my Windstar - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By AJinDAYTON - May 7 - 2:00 am

  6000 miles, looks great, accelerates & handles well, brakes are fantastic, nice turning radius, Advance Trac is super in snow and ice, 15.5 mpg combined, good interior layout, great highway cruiser. Tows well-11 mpg w/4000# boat. Reliability-Rear axle seal leak/fixed; front tire wear/realigned, Axle whine 52-62 mph/not fixed-Ford service bulletin to replace driveshaft-no fix, Dealers been great-Fords another story - say they are working on it, 4 months no fix in sight.

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  A fun car with reliability - 1997 Ford Escort
  By BTA - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Our second car. Fuel efficient and low cost to maintain. Our first Ford and a pleasant surprise. Dont put many miles on it. Reminds me of our dog always starts up immediately and is ready to go when we are. Used much to drive and leave at airport, and we know that it will start in all weather to get us home.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 1993 Ford F-250
  By rayvjr43 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Its a very nice truck. Its dependable, plenty of power, looks nice in and out. Mine has a 460 cubic inch engine, I am only getting 6 miles per gallon, I would Like to know if anyone knows what mpg this truck , with a 460 ci engine, and 4 speed auto trans got when new? Very happy with the truck other than gas mileage.

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  Go For It!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By JohnnyWalker - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Handles very well..responsive...great looking

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  Hope you have $$ - 1993 Ford Probe
  By lynne2 - May 5 - 2:00 am

  For being 11 years old, the body has stayed in great shape. However, I have replaced just about everything on this car and half of it twice over within 122,00 miles. The engine is aluminum block engine which overheats easily and is extremly expensive to replace. This car has cost me a fortune. But has never left me stranded!

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  Ahhh - 2008 Ford Escape
  By it is - May 3 - 3:00 pm

  Switched from awd to 2wd -- and Im doing alright (not needed in tx). Needed room for dogs, with better mileage than I got with my wagon. This is it! Worst case, my first mileage estimate is 27 mpg with 70 hwy/30cty. Better than expected! I had to find something under 20k, and used wasnt practical--I rack up the miles. It has my bare necessities, but I miss the seamless cargo space of my wagon (the Escape has gaps, with dangerous pins in them)--until my custom mats are made, Ill have to keep travel crates in the car. Other than that, why are they still doing drum brakes?

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  ZX2 is a great coupe - 2000 Ford Escort
  By rainbow - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car 4 years ago back in 2000. I have enjoyed having this car around. It is a fun car to drive back and forth to work. I have had no problems with the car. It has been a very reliable car. I would buy another one if given the chance. Out of all the compact coupes I would say the ZX2 is a great coupe. I spend most of my time around cars, so yes I know what Im talking about.