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:

• 

  Great rig!! - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Mavrick - August 13 - 2:00 am

  What a great vehicle. I spent all of last spring and summer with the top off. The 5.8 has been excellent. I have pulled lots of weight with my bronco and it still has never hickupped. Very well thought out rig.

• 

  My wife drove it instead of her Maxima - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Well Pleased - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We have thoroughly enjoyed our Escape. It is versatile, peppy, fun to drive, and comfortable to ride. My wife liked it so well that she traded her 2000 Maxima for a 2003 Tribute, which of course is a cousin built in the same St. Louis plant and uses the same chassis and drive train as the Escape. I like the looks of the Tribute better, but the seats are more comfortable in my Escape.

• 

  200000 and Going Strong...... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By bmmeup - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought Car from dealership with 16000 on it and put 184000 miles on the highway with it. Hasnt given any problems. Keep the oil changed every 3000 miles and put tires every 40000 or so and go skiing and everywhere else.

• 

  Too Many Issues - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By jlcomstock - August 11 - 3:49 am

  Ive had too many issues: 1. Steering locking up while driving, had entire column replaced under warranty 2. Rear window leak 3. Missing wiring for heated mirror 4. Busted A/C blend actuator within a year 5. Brakes and rotors needed at 30k, even though the car uses regenerative braking that doesnt even use the pads and rotors above 5mph. 6. Jerky transition to mechanical brakes in rainy weather. Too loose a transition to mechanical brakes in hot/dry weather. 7. Grinding / Rubbing noise when turning sharp left that no one has been able to fix. Just too many issues.

• 

  Stylin & wooo profilin! - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By NatureBoyRic - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This Mustang is one of the best I have driven. I went from a 4cyl car so, this Pony seems to have great get up n go with its 6 cyl.

• 

  get the duratec!! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By z3pilot - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car used in the spring of 2003. It had 48k on it, 55k now. I drove the Duratec(24v) powered Taurus and said this is what I want. This car is very comfortable, handles pretty good for a large family sedan, And, I have embarassed a couple souped up hondas and toyotas with the acceleration. It is not the fit and finish of a honda/toyota but I only paid 8900 for it. The only thing I would change about the my Taurus Brakes. Brakes are what every review complains about. They have not given me any trouble but the car does not stop very quickly. So if your shopping for a family sedan. Check out a Duratec (24V) Taurus.

• 

  Best Buy!! - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By Joe Grinds - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Dollar of dollar, the Ford Taurus pack a real punch in the mid-size market. When I bought this car, I though the drive was fine but was very impresseed by the price. However, after driving it for two months, I have fallen in love with the car. It drives and handles beautifully! I cant believe that it is an American car - No disrespect intended Detriot. My previous car was a Mitsubishi Lancer, but this car drives far better, and at a price that is very competitive! Ford, you now have a convert.

• 

  its mine - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By greg b - August 10 - 2:00 am

  windstar is built better that the dodgecaravan.windstars int. dont look as cheap as the caravan...

• 

  Got Fun? - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By saphire_honey - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is my 3rd Mustang. I havent found another car as fun to drive as this one in this price range. Its got the sport, the muscle, the look (and the looks I get while driving it are worth every penny-good and bad), and with all of these great qualities it also has class. A little difficult to achieve so many different characteristics in just one vehicle..well Ford has managed to produce one. This car is loads of fun to drive and the most reliable...

• 

  Never Had A Problem - 1997 Ford F-150
  By ravenbutterfly - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I have been having my truck since the first came out with the new style. I havent had a problem with. I just changed the original battery that was in it about 3 months ago. I just replaced the tires on the truck, because it was overdue.