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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  Peppy - 1998 Ford Escort
  By focusser - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I was most impressed with the cars solid feel and responsiveness. The car is 5 years old yet responds with real vigor. Had to replace the front left cable and align the wheels.. otherwise its been trouble free.

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  big guy car - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By kakis10 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Got diesel fuel economy 17 mpg. at present only complaint vehicle had no rear sway bar. I added one from hellwig big diffence. ford warranty needs to be addressed 3yr/360000 bumper to bumper. 5yr/100000 on drive train which means diesel motor only.

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  Great Value - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By simbaor - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed owning my Ford Expedition for 6 years. It has served the needs of my family and has given us no trouble at all. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Great SUV, poor fuel economy - 2003 Ford Escape
  By dlfpsu69 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about it except for the poor gas mileage -- I get about 15 in highway driving. I got better mileage in my Explorer which I traded on this.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By tral2dax - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escape. Its the first car Ive ever gotten, and I have been pleasantly suprised by its performance. It drives much like a car, and I always feel safe inside my Escape. I highly reccomend it to anyone looking for a sporty, small SUV.

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  Great Vehicle - Front Seats Not so much - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Tattoole - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Great all around vehicle. Gas mileage is the pits. Would expect full power front seats. Manual adjustment for seat back is a joke for a vehicle with this many features. Even given this problem, very happy so far.

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  Great truck! - 1997 Ford F-150
  By cfr7009 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I leased this pickup in 1999 when it was 2 years old with 22000 miles. One week after I brought it home it started to run poorly, spew fumes and smoke, after 3 visits to the dealer (each time telling me that it was the O2 sensor) they finally changed the ECU. It immediately started running perfectly and I have had no trouble since. Ther is little to no maintenance required. Just change the oil and put in gas. I liked it so much that I bought it outright at the end of the lease. I plan on keeping it until one of us kicks the bucket. Chances are I will go first!

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  keeps on rolling - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By La. Coonass - September 5 - 2:00 am

  213,000 miles with no major and very few minor problems, except a/c not working at present. Starts easily, runs great pulling my boat and hauling all my crap. Ive had such good luck with it that I just bought another Ranger. I hate to sell this one. Its running so good that 300,000 seems like it would be no problem. (4 cyl. by the way).

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  Red Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By zak404 - September 4 - 7:18 am

  Just picked up my Race Red Focus three weeks ago.Love the colour,satellite radio and stereo. I bought the sedan over the hatch as it seemed to have less wind-noise and looked sportier to me. Car has been very good to this point,good pickup,great gas millage and still a head turner unlike Focus of previous years. This is my third Focus from wagon to mid-life crisis! Still has some wind-noise and rattles as is befitting the Ford tradition.

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  fun to drive - 1997 Ford F-150
  By s cook - September 4 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive . i have lots of fun in my truck.we go camping, fishing,hunting,and somtimes alittle bit of offroading.