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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  window woes - 2008 Ford Escape
  By tom burns - April 6 - 12:50 pm

  the intermittent rear wiper is inadequate on wet highway driving, the delay is too long between wipes causing rear window to get too dirty, causing poor rear visibility. the windsheild on my current vehicle has been hit and chipped by flying rocks no fewer than 10 times in 18 months, that is 10 times more than my previous 40 years of driving, coincidence or aerodynamics? the interior is too noisy on the highway and makes listening to the very good sound system a frustrating experience.

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  chopped - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Duck - April 6 - 10:22 am

  I bought my escort from a shoty used car guy after I wrecked my Neon. Ive been into modding cars since I was 16 so the thought of getting an Escourt didnt thrill me in the least. Big time surprise to me swapped the original motor for a 2000 DOHC Ztec ZX2 w/ 74k miles then began the work on this car, my feul economy is sorta my fault....:P but other than that no real complaints with the new ZX2 motor and upgrades its quick, still great for long trips.....not only that but Im killin mustangs off the line and putting 140 easy on the speedo and 11.6 on the board

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  What a joke!! - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By JG - April 6 - 9:50 am

  Bought the car used w/ 26,000 miles on it. I am very disappointed in the ride (everything shakes and rattles when hitting even small bumps). The road noise is unbearable-esp. wind noise, despite dealer attempts at fixing it. Poor attention to body part alignment. Pasenger floorboard gets wet when it rains-cant seem to locate site of moisture entry. Compared with my 2000 Impala, which has 121,000+ miles on it, the Taurus is a piece of junk. I am not anti Ford, having had several good ones in the past, with one of our favorites being an86 Sable. Too bad Ford just let the Taurus go downhill. The Impala is a much better buy-great ride, quiet and great milage.

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  good but not great - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By pandabear - April 6 - 9:06 am

  I must say for a V6 it is quiet quick. I had added the Airaid cold air intake to it. And managed to run it at 15.05 at 92 mph through a quater mile at the track. So its plenty of power for what you pay. Now to the cons. Panels are falling off all over the place. Front and back bumpers just seem like a pre- K toddler could pull them off. It is way to tight fitting on the inside. Which i guess its suppose to be. I love the way the inside looks though, with all the nice chrome pieces. It can be turned around like a fourwheeler too with very tight steering. But if you get this car youll just be wishing you had the V8 the whole time so dont waste your money on this.

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  very happy with this truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By pandabear - April 6 - 8:53 am

  This is my first purchased pick up after previously owning an 05 mustang, and i will never be able to drive another car again. I have the 5.4. And driving it proper i manage about 16 and a 1/2 mpg. This is the smoothest truck Ive ever set foot in. But it can also be an aggressive monster off road. I love its looks, inside and out. I love the shifter in the middle it looks good and is in a perfect arm reaching area. It is pretty powerful. I havent had the pleasure of testing out its great tow capacity yet. Overall I love it.

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  Ready for the Chop Shop - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Mia B. - April 6 - 8:44 am

  This car was great at first, but we spend more money on repairs than the cars actual value. Head gasket constant problem, finally died after hitting a pothole, knocking out its transmission. Gears get stuck, jolts when you start it up. Not a smooth ride.

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  Transmission issue while towing - 2008 Ford Escape
  By NICHOLAS - April 5 - 8:48 pm

  Last week, I was carrying 1100 lbs of household goods from Vandenberg AFB, Lompoc, CA to Malstrom AFB, Great Falls, MT, when I experienced major transmission problems. The Transmission Cooler sprung a leak, causing 5 qts of tran. fluid to leak out. The gears wouldnt shift correctly from first to second gear and the car was stalling at every stop light. After a $900 bill, I thought the issue was the weight, but the car could tow over 3500 lbs, according to the manual. If I were you, I wouldnt buy this car or you will eventually have the same problems. The car is under powered and Fords manufacturing quality is still poor.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Cocotinne - April 5 - 7:59 pm

  Over all, this is the best car I ever owned once the back seats are folded, the trunk is so big, people dont believe what I put in it. I need space in the back and this car is perfect. I plan to keep it for a long time.

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  Crown Vic LX Sport The Only One - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By tcox - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Crown Vic, the first being a 2001 base model. The 2001 was a fine car but in 2003 Ford redesigned the front suspension and frame as well as the door panels. The result is the best car I have ever owned. The ride and drive are truly incredible. The frame has no annoying vibration even over chopy pavement. The LX SPORT has very large and comfortable seats with larger tires and a console. I bought mine for $24,990 and feel that it is one of the best new car values out there. The 2004 LX drives very nice also, you can order the handling package on it for just $640. Finely the base model is in my opinion the best new car value out there. With

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  3rd Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Andy Franco - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Expedition. Had a 98 & 01. None ever require repair other than recalls (lug nut 98 & seatbelt 01). As much as we loved the first two, the 04 is more than 2x better. My wife loves driving it as much (or more) than her BMW 328 convertible. On recent trip from Dallas to Vegas, got 16mpg going (against the wind) and almost 18 on return. The only thing we miss is the cupholders in the dash which must have been sacrificed for the in-dash CD changer. Ford seems to have thought of everything. We especially like sliding center rear seat for granchildrens car seat. My wife doesnt like not being able to see outside temp.