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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  I will buy another one in few years - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By nickzmm - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought vehicle with 23k miles, now has 143k. Other than front hub failure at 64k ($400) and premature front brake/rotor wear out (my fault for not taking to Ford dealer)($700 total) car has been very reliable. Changed fluids, etc. at recommended intervals at Jiffy Lube. Has not used a drop of oil. Tuned up at 80k. Runs great and expect to keep for another couple of years. V6 engine has enough power for my use and not too bad on milage (15.92 m/g over the last 1100 miles).

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  Chilton - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By chilton - February 26 - 2:26 am

  Drives fine except for accelerating onto highway. I drove Explorers for years, so Im getting used to a lighter-weight vehicle, but love the improved mileage. Still think the higher price in comparison to an Explorer makes the improved gas costs overrated. I have a problem with paying more (we also bought another Explorer) and receiving a lesser quality vehicle. My Hybrid payment is $100.00 more per month than our new Explorer. So its give and take.

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  barney car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Ray-Jay - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This has been a GREAT car. I bought this car with 28,000. Currently still driving it with 189,000. Wow ! I can put on the miles! No compalints from me. Just now did brakes for the first time. Only regular maintence...tune up, timing belt,plugs &wires. No trouble with a/c. Im a Happy ford owner!! Gas mileage a plus with all my driving. Currently car shopping for a newer car! Wish me luck!!

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  good job - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By matt dillon - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Poor mileage , But biggest most powerful around. turnning radius narrow . only complaints. dont know about realability

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  2001 F150 - 2001 Ford F-150
  By phayungs - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. It has a good highway ride for a large truck. Pulls my 30ft camper without any problems. Interior noise is very minimal. After 70K miles still no rattles in the dash!

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  99 Ranger 3.0 Liter - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Deez - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Not too bad of a truck...I have only had to replace a sensor for the emissions since I bought the truck with 40,000 miles in Aug. 2002. The truck is not that good with gas mileage. Seems like it should also have a little more "get up" when you step on the gas.

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  Compact Sled - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By DeGme2Baby - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellant ridability / feels good handling caracteristics /Out classes the competition by payload & towing capacity / good suport system with respect to updated technical manuals /ease to procure prior designd pieces & parts.

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  08 Escape Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By John Miraldi - February 24 - 4:56 pm

  I recently purchased this vehicle after reading a number of positive reviews on various internet sites, but quite honestly, this vehicle is very average. Overall build quality is below Honda and Toyota. Performance is very average in terms of acceleration,noise etc. Vehicle feels very loose on the highway. Gas mileage has been good...as advertised. Beware if you drive in a warm weather region because the air conditioning compressor shuts off at stops and when the car is running on the electric motor only. If you are in a traffic jam on a 90 degree day, you are in for a painful ride. Also, beware the the $3,000 tax credit may not apply if you make six figures and utilize the AMT

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  Reliable, but has problems - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Fronches - February 24 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Escort Pony is a reliable car. It has never let me down when I needed it. Problems include malfunctioning automatic seatbelts, failing gas and unreliable temperature gauges. Also, check engine, and check coolant lights come on normally. Despite these problems the car operates fine, and is a good fun car. The 5-speed transmission is great, but the clutch is weak.

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  its a tank and hauls - 1992 Ford Aerostar
  By tig_nj - February 24 - 2:00 am

  you cant beat this vehicle it does it all 4x4 that will blast through anything, cargo capcity you name it, it can take it home for you. thanks ford.