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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  Fun to drive - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jasbike - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Great little gocart of a truck. This combination of the 4.0 motor, the 5sp manual, reg cab and two wheel drive make it light and quick. Therefore the quickest combo you can get. It is a shame they stopped making this set up, but I am glad that I own one. Chrome Yellow

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  Like our Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Claude Lafler - December 30 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our van new & have only experienced two minor problems: power door lock malfunction and wiper motor failure. It has been a dependable transporter and family hauler. We have heard of transmission problems on this model so we have the trans serviced every 20k miles & have experienced no problems. A great vehicle with more than adequate power!

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  Its been a good vehicle - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By rsknaub - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This van has been very reliable and has only been in the shop twice for repairs in almost 100,000 miles. The first time was for a failed sensor which cost about $100. The second visit required a new intake manifold. That was a little more costly. However, it still runs great and Im ready to get my second 100,000 miles on it. The biggest surprise is that everything still works after 3&1/2 years.

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  Luvn my truck - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By SondraMorrison - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle for the sole purpose of being able to haul around my 4 children. It is wonderfull for that purpose everyone has plenty of room and it cuts out most of the bickering. My husband and I live in the country and we have also tried to get it stuck and so far it has not happened. It has real pulling power.

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  Tale For The Tall People - 2002 Ford Escape
  By BumperCar - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Can you say Headroom?!?! Being on the tall side the headroom is a key feature and the Escape has it..I had to go without the moon roof..I love the Escape XLT V6 being a first time SUV owner. I cant wait for the hybrid..It would be great to get 40 miles per gallon instead of 18-20..

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  2002 Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jkr - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I really like my ford Escape in an all around package its hard to beat. Very fun to drive! Easy to see out of,easy to move about- park

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  Almost Perfect, Mileage Is the Winner! - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Northern Lights - December 29 - 8:46 pm

  Good: 4th year of ownership. No repairs or rattles after 40,000 miles of mixed paved, gravel roads. Outstanding fuel mileage, electric mode at reasonable speeds for a couple of minutes, uses regular gas. Great road view, backup sensors, nimble steering feel, back seat comfort, storage, low wind noise, feels more powerful than its wee motors add up to. Good 4WD snow handler. Dislikes: VERY bad rear wheel fender flare destroyed by gravel from front tires, paint almost gone there. Goofy CD player under seat. Tiresome on long drives from buzzy engine and "light" feel on higher speed turns. Awkward heated seat switches, hard to find and use. NAV system is ugly and inaccurate. No air temp display

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  satisfied customer - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By smatre - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my diesel excursion for 71,000 trouble free miles. Used it from around town to towing, etc. I have towed 11,500 lbs from Sebrign, Fl to NC with the cruise on. My wife even drove!! It has been reliable, inexpensive vehicle to own. A little laborious to use to run to the grocery store, but if you are o the highway, it is a great truck. Pluses. Doesnt hydroplane in the WORST rainstorms, Great power 20+ MPG highway Good brakes for a vehicle of this size Handles ANY tagalong trailer you can throw at it. Good seating position drawbacks: Dont rush to get anywhere or you could get into trouble Probably could handle a little better.

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  1999 Ford Taurus SE sedan - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By eepisski - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car brand new in 1/2000. Have not had no problems with the engine or transmission like I had with my GM vehicles. Only problems I had were the wheel bearing cracked at 50000 miles nd had to be replaced. Had to replace the engine emission sensors twice. Recently, the brake light came on and stayed on even though the brakes worked fine. Had to get the brake pads and rotors replaced and now no more brake service light. This car gets good mileage and cant complain about the engine always starts in our cold MI winters.

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  My 4th Ranger - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By Nor - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Had 4 Rangers all extended cab and 4 wheel drive. They just run and run. Only repairs are tires, brakes, and sometimes batteries. Ran all of them over 100,000 miles. The first was a 2.9 engine. All others had the 4.0. My only negative is I wish the gas mileage was a little better. (14.5 city and 19 highway)