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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  Ive had worse - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Bob B. - March 27 - 12:33 pm

  I bought it new in 02. I have always been impressed with the handling of this car, it really is top notch. Its been pretty reliable too. The trunk release was the first thing to go at about 30,000 mi. Second, the alternator went just over 50,000 miles. The hood release also broke off in my hand. Acceleration is not the greatest but it is adequate with the 5 speed. I have average 22-24 mpg mostly city driving with ac on. Not bad for real world numbers. The clutch has lasted for 86,000 miles. I have not had any major problems yet and Im not that good at regular maintenance. I can fit lots of stuff in this car and I like the fact that it stays dry (no pick up truck for me).

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  Moving on up - 2005 Ford Escape
  By orapol - March 27 - 12:16 pm

  This little beauty is fun to drive. We find ourselves looking for more places to go just for the ride. It holds a ton of cargo, but even sitting in the very back is surprisingly comfortable, making seating six a breeze. It handles very well in the snow as well as on dry pavement, even with only front-wheel drive. The optional six disc stereo system is awesome! It has seven speakers cleverly tucked in all corners of the vehicle. The sound is magnificent. The Escape has become the new official Saturday night out car for our 86 year old parents. They have no problem getting in and out of the Escape. The running boards add to accessibility and great looks.

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  Install a fiberglass shell/ topper - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Kelly - March 27 - 11:08 am

  Bought this vehicle. Saw the handwriting on the wall that gasoline was going through the roof. Mileage is 24/29 exactly as spec. Clutch pedal stiff and squeaks, no resolution, aftermarket dealer installed A/C problems resolved. window cranks squeak big time, no resolution, Rear leaf spring out of alignment, resolved. The 4 banger lacks a little here in NM, with hills and all but its fine. Installed an Astro bed topper and the handling was much improved, and it looks great and matched the white almost perfectly. After the various bugs, a good set of Continental SUV tires, the thing is doing exactly as expected. You get what you pay for!

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  Never liked it, but it keeps going - 1997 Ford Escort
  By never liked it - March 27 - 8:44 am

  Cup holders are too shallow, things always spill. I have had a number of O2 sensors and other such things replaced. Had to take it back to the dealer a week after purchase...entire top end replaced under warrant at about 34,000. It now has 150,00 on it. It leaks/burns oil, the radiator leaks, the AC compressor self destructed, the trannyis starting to slip, Ive had two exhausts put on it, Ive done a couple brake jobs. Like all these cars the rear springs are broken and the front end wears. Also, I have always found this car to be incredibly underbraked. I could, from day one, slam the brake pedal with both feet and not lock up the brakes.

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  Great Car - 1997 Ford Aspire
  By Justinvdw1975 - March 27 - 8:40 am

  Purchased car a little over 2 years age, had to do some work over that time, but has been a very good car to me. I fully plan to keep this car until it wont run any more. Love this car!!! still get anywhere from 35-40 mpg with 125k miles on it. driven daily back and forth to work every 4 days is about 160 miles, cost about 8bucks which is about 4 gallons now.

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  Why is Ford killing it? - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Dilin - March 27 - 4:13 am

  We replaced or 2005 Dodge Durango with the "T Rex" in April of 2008. we have loved it ever since. It has done nothing but impress us and our neihbors since we got it, and we continue to get comments on its classy styling, which several people have mistaken it for an Audi station wagon. The 3.5L V6 is more than adequate for the Taurus X and it accelerates strongly and has plenty of reserve power. The interior is made of high quality plastics and the transmission shifts very smoothly. Overall it is a very impressive vehicle for the price and am very happy we chose this over the Volvo V70.

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  A Long White Elephant! - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Rich MacKinnon - March 27 - 12:40 am

  I purchased this truck in Dec 2006- my old 93 Suburban totally blew out its transmission and I needed a vehicle as my wife is in a wheelchair & she got in and out if the Suburban easily, as well as loading her chair. This truck was a spur-of-the-moment thing as I didnt think Id get credit. I did and my wife hates this truck! She cannot get into it! - The passenger seat is almost 2 inches higher than the driver seat- seat top is a full 36 inches from teh ground! - The Odometer keeps coming on & off due to a crack in the soldering (a problem noted on F150.net) - Fuel economy stinks! My Suburban with that big 350 got an average of 16 to 18! This small-block V8 gets 12 mpg. - The ABS died

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  not bad, had worse - 1993 Ford Taurus
  By emc818 - March 27 - 12:34 am

  Bought my 1993 taurus gl in august 07 for $950. Immediately replaced all 3 motor mounts. The car leaks oil from somewhere on the passenger side and burns off the catalytic converter, hence the nickname Smokey. Also the temperature gauge has a mind of its own, but has never overheated. Other than that, not a bad car. just basic a to b transportation. would NOT take it on a long trip, just doesnt seem THAT reliable.

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  I love my hooked up escape - 2007 Ford Escape
  By jz55_2001 - March 26 - 10:14 pm

  When i was going to buy this car i did about a years research and money saving, put a good down payment down for it. I knew exactly what i wanted color and everything i got the limited model and hooked it up. I put 18" chrome wheels on it with the toung skin grey exterior and the black leather interior changed the silver dash accents to silver burlwood, blue led lights in side and out. The no temp gauge thing bothered me also so i installed a rear view mirror with it in it.Fold out indash recever 3 tvs with Two 12 inch JBL speakers in a custom box changed all the speakers to kenwood components and remote start. It really turns heads when im driving it and i get alot of compliments.

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  ford focus review - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Jack - March 26 - 7:48 pm

  first let me begin by stating i beat and tear at this car constantly and its a great all around car, ive had it for about a year and been in one accident and it runs like brand new still. although the trunk may be annoying at times because it is not bolted down but thats probubly its only fault, personally i have two dual JBL subwoofers in my trunk and they sounds great in the focus... all around outstanding quality.