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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  Had to trade it in - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By dina k - January 6 - 11:10 am

  I wanted an Escape Hybrid since they came out and finally got one. I stupidly didnt realize the importance of getting the 4WD version. Its hard tires handle well below average in any kind of slick/snowy conditions. The truck told me the tires were under pressure when it was cold out and that the passenger door was ajar when it reached below freezing temps. Finally had to get rid of it when the dealership told me they couldnt fix the loud squeeking coming from the front drivers side brake.

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  98 contour GL 4cylinder - 1998 Ford Contour
  By ron1234567 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  bought it at 72,000 runs STRONG! turning and suspension are great, gas mileage is ok, plenty of trunk space for subwoofers, drivers seats feel fine

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Ford Escort
  By loyalhall - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought it as a used ex-lease car at 3 yrs and 35K. Compared to other small economy cars it is excellent. Peppy, good handling, excellent in snow, gas miliage ave 30mpg, and a very tight turning radius. On the downside, it takes the most expensive parts. Sparkplugs were double a normal economy car and likewise with tires. I did have to replace the alternator ($125 part) and drive belt ($30) but otherwise have had no problems. The oil filter is just about impossible to get to so you will be taking it to the lube shop. Good amount of road noise and gets uncomfortable on long road trips, but 2-3 hour trips are ok. But what do you expect for $6.5K, a BMW?

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  Great truck! - 1996 Ford F-150
  By wcga12 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this truck since new and it is my first ford truck. I owned a GMC before this one. I use it like a truck is supposed to be used and have no complaints. It pulls with the 5.0L and auto just fine. It is the best looking truck made PERIOD. Chevy & Dodge dont come close to the styling.

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  One awesome car - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By Bad Bird - January 5 - 2:00 am

  The only problems that I have had with this car are regular maintenance issues, ie: O2 sensors, plugs etc.

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  MY FORD TARURUS - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By GRFWW - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The car has performed admirably and has given us very little trouble. We have had the car for nine years and have had very few repairs done on it. I highly recommend the Taurus.

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  Better than expected - 2001 Ford Escort
  By elgringo247 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was bough in a hurry because I was looking for the cheapest car fast. well I really like this car. 63,000 miles, no mech problems. What suprised me is the peppiness of this car. It will get up an goand handles extemely well in 90+ mph. Just watch for the cops when driving this car. The only neg is it really bogs down with a lot of weight in the car

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  My new 2003 Explorer - comments... - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By toecutter - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I like the design and the included running boards on the sport option package. The 17" wheels look much better, along with the two-tone paint. I bought this mostly for the 3rd row - there was more legroom than I thought, but the floor raises where the spare is located under the truck, so your feet are always on a bump.

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  Overall A Great Value - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By twinsmomof3 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  We bought our van used in 2000(52K miles). It now has 98K miles. We have had one major repair (@ approx. 85K miles)-a sensor on the motor had to be replaced because of hesitating--a few hundred dollars. No problems since then. My only complaints are wind noise from the driver side window and the engine sounds a little like a truck--somewhat noisy. I have three small children in booster seats, and we have PLENTY of room. The 3.8L engine has very adequate power. I have no problem picking up speed to merge into freeway traffic. Even after 98K miles it still performs as well as it did when I bought it--no pinging even with 87 octane gasoline.

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  2008 Certfied Used Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mustang Shar - January 2 - 2:40 pm

  I bought mine 2 months ago as a daily driver so my Mustang can stay in the garage. The second day I had it, the Chicago winter turned extreme for the next 6 weeks. Ice storms, snow falls averaging 3-5" 3 days a week, -40 degree wind chill and this little SUV was a pleasure to drive. This car is outdoors and it started with no problem when we dropped way below zero and the 2WD handled the snow. I was worried buying a used car with 20K on it and no history, but the car is made well and I had no problems. I love my little Escape. I would not have made it to work on many of those days in my Mustang.