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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  Brakes are EXPENSIVE to replace - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Luce - April 3 - 2:27 pm

  This car was great because I didnt want to get into a minivan! It had plenty of room for the kids and their things. The brakes have been replaced 4 times and the routers 3 times! Almost every inspection I have failed because I needed new breaks! They have been recalled, but there is no permanent fix! Very frustrating! Also the power steering fluid has been "leaking" I have already gotten it fixed twice, but it seems to keep having a problem. It sounds like a remote control car turning corners!If they could fix that i would be very happy with my car.

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  A Worthwhile Purchase - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Frank - April 3 - 8:50 am

  Ive had this car over six years now and it is one of the better vehicle purchases Ive ever made. It has been very reliable and has not had any major mechanical issues. I replaced the air filter with a premium air filter and performed a tune up using premium spark plugs last year and the fuel economy has been consistently averaging 31 MPG. Before that, I was averaging around 28 MPG.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By mlg - April 3 - 7:14 am

  After auto accident with 2002 Chrysler 300M, obtained the 2009 Taurus as a rental. Fell in love immediately!! Test drove all other American-made sedans in this class along with a few 7- passenger crossovers. Nothing compared in interior room, fuel economy, features, and price! Three adults fit very comfortable with 41" leg room in back seat, quiet and smooth ride, classy appearence, loaded with features, get 28.9mpg on interstate @70mph using cruise.

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  Love my Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Heather - April 3 - 1:36 am

  I traded a 98 GT for a new 06. Best decision I made. I absolutely love this car. Ive had many vehicles, but this tops them all! If you want one GET ONE!

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  My best Truck 4.6 v8 stx supercrew 4x4 - 2008 Ford F-150
  By chris short - April 2 - 11:22 pm

  I got this truck last august from my father for never getting in trouble with the law. I drive gravel everyday because my driveway is 1 mile straight gravel. The suspension handles very well on the gravel as well as on the road. My rear glass shakes a little when i hit a sharp bump though. I am glad i got the 4.6 because i picked up fuel economy compared to my dads 5.4. It has plenty of power to pull my supercrew 4x4. I have had no problems in my first 9000 miles. I hope it keeps up the only thing im doing is lifting the front end to level and adding dual exaust and maybe a cold air intake.

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  Been a Great Car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By onyx_ranger - April 2 - 9:25 pm

  Bought this car new for my wife. She commuted 54 miles round trip, both highway and winding country roads. After 11 years and 120000 miles no problems. Replaced timing belt and plugs at 80000 as preventative maintenance along with water pump. One front wheel bearing replaced at 90000. Brakes around every 40000 miles, tires at 60000 & 110000. Still runs strong, AC still cold, decent mileage and still tight. Burns no oil. Chgd oil & air filter every 5000. Probably keep it until it dies. Did the work myself so it has cost very little to operate over the last 11 years. Basically changed the oil and drove it. What more could you ask for in a car? Great Car!

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  2008 Escape My Experience - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Tim Weisert - April 2 - 3:36 pm

  The ride is smoother than I expected. The continously variable transmission is great. Transitions from electric to gas and gas to electric are almost not perceived. If it fits in your budget the luxury package is great especially the display features.

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  Best Ford Ive owned yet. - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Jackie - April 2 - 1:19 am

  I bought my Ford new in 1995.It was priced right got great gas mileage still does. Ive never had any problems with it only regular maintenance. Hubby wants to buy me new car I said no.Love my car..

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  Safest Car in America - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By TERRYP - April 1 - 3:23 pm

  Ive driven this car for 1 year and currently have no issues. This is one solidly built automobile. Ive studied the crash test data and I wasnt disappointed - 4 out of 5 tests it achieved the 5 star rating. (The 4 star rating was for rollover prevention - an issue that was corrected for 2008.) More than anything else - it is very comfortable to drive or ride in. Passengers in the back seat are surprised by the amount of leg room. When this lease is up Im buying a Taurus.

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  First SUV I ever liked - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Bryan Redeker - April 1 - 2:07 pm

  My wife replaced her Sunfire GT with a new 2007 Escape Limited and this was her first new car she had ever purchased. We looked at a Mazda 3 and a G6, but she decided on the Escape. I dont care for SUVs, but it did not take long for me to really start to like our Escape Limited. The fit and finish along with the quality of the interior pieces was very nice. The Escape is also very quiet, and is even fun to drive on twisty roads. Most SUVs have terrible steering feel, poor on-road dynamics, and noisy tires. The Escape has none of those problems. My wife loves her Escape, and I have learned to love it as well. It is the first SUV I have ever liked!