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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  I Like the Style - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Dave - March 24 - 4:01 pm

  Ive only had this car now for five weeks, and Im really getting to enjoy its comfortable ride. Although Im the only one in the household, I chose this vehicle because of its high rating, its likable style, in and out. Its a fun car to drive and cant wait to take it on a trip. MPG for me are 24 mixed city/highway, hoping for 30+ on the highway.

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  Great but has problems - 2005 Ford Escape
  By InspectoRob - March 24 - 8:55 am

  We Loved our 03 xlt so we bought an 05 Limited. We missed the selector switch for AWD, but the center console and LTD amenities made up for that. Wind noise is much better. Still has the annoying temperature problem - heater blows very hot or cool with no in-between. Fog/driving lights are better. At about 10k miles transmission would slip when gas was let up then back on while moving - Dealer said it was ok. Got worse over time. Plastic parts broke mysteriously - front wheel lip and a panel on the back hatch. The ABS module went - 100 miles after warranty. Fought with dealer and got it for reduced cost (Ford was No Help!) It just went again so we are trading today.

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  Top notch vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Keyser Suze - March 24 - 6:56 am

  Very well built vehicle. Strong engine provides 200HP, extremely responsive gas pedal (I am not sure why another reviewer gave 5 for performance?). Gas mileage is better than my expectation; 24.5 mpg with 3 people, loaded vehicle 70 mph average speed, 50% AC for 383 miles. Handling on snow is spectacular. Moves easily on 3 feet unplowed snow, didnt slip during past winters icy conditions. Nice looking white gauges, rugged look overall. Nice job Ford. :)

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  WODNERFUL VEHICLE - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By DKOVACHJR - March 24 - 5:09 am

  I bought my t-bird about a year ago and love it i have the 3.6 l v-6 and it has plenty of power and good gas mileage. I have had no major problems out of it. The only think that i found was that the oil filter is on the front side of the motor and part of the wiring harness and cross member can make it difficult to change but beside this I would recommend this car to any one.

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  Dont buy a 2002 - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By dondi - March 23 - 11:57 pm

  Purchased this Thunderbird for my wife as a "fun car" and gave it to her for Christmas. Within the first week we experienced COP (Coil on Plug) failures. Dealership repaired it under the used car warranty. The following May, with less than 1200 miles added, we once again had a coil on plug failure. (4 bad coils so far). The dealership once again repaired it. It is now 15 months later and we have two more coils failing. That averages out to 1 per thousand miles. Ford initially placed a 10 year/100k mile warranty on the 2003 only model. They have since added the 2004 and 2005 models. The 2002 model owners are left to pay for their own repairs. The COP units are the same for all years

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  No Problems with my soft top 5.0 Manual - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By HJ1906 - March 23 - 8:06 pm

  This car has been a pleasure to own. I had an Acura before pruchasing my Ford, and I was a bit apprehensive about the reliability I would experience. It has been quite a pleasant surprise. I have owned it since it was 7 miles old and I have not had a problem that I did not cause. This car will haul and after owning it for 10 years, I took it to Germany and got to experience driving that I never thought I would get to, for many years. It held its own with the BMWs, Mercedes, Porches and Ferreris. I even took it out on the Hockenheim Race Ring and it was the best 20 euro I have ever spent. The hardest miles driven began at 110,000 for the 3 years there and have had no problems to this day.

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  Another winner from Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By jkom2053 - March 23 - 5:33 pm

  Test-drove several brands but chose Fusion as best of breed, excellent buy for price. Good power altho gearing is too widely spaced. Accelerator and brakes are sensitive & take some getting used to, to avoid jerky starts/stops. Very quiet ride, some tire noise on certain surfaces.

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  Best Choice for the Price - 2005 Ford Focus
  By LarryZX4SES - March 23 - 5:11 pm

  I have owned many dozens of Fords. I traded-off a 2003 Ranger FX4 for the Focus. My wife and I test drove every make of vehicle before deciding, and the last two choices were a BMW 3 series or the Focus. The BMW was without question better in performance, handling and comfort, but not $20,000.00 better. I drive the car to work daily and average around 28-29 mpg in town. On the highway the mileage can jump to 34 mpg or better. The car is almost paying for itself on gasoline savings alone. The main selling points for me were the leg room, handling, pretty good pep especially for passing on the highway, and over all comfort. For a drive-to-work car, it has been very good.

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  Not bad for a cheap little truck - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Mike - March 23 - 4:20 pm

  Bought this truck on a lease for $225/month and havent had a lick of trouble with it. Its no luxury auto, pretty boxy and not a lot of acceleration, but it serves a purpose.

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  2009 Ford Edge Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cy - 2009 Ford Edge
  By Big Daddy - March 23 - 3:57 pm

  After months of car shopping and test driving the competition I handed my leased Escape back and drove home new Front Wheel Drive Edge Limited. Black with charcoal interior, vista roof, sync and chrome 18" wheels. Gotta say right now that the front wheel drive gets the mpg up there on the highway using cruise control. I read the book cover to cover and went out to set all my electronics and preferences. Filled it up, got on the parkway, pressed the reset button for the MPG function and took a 2 hour drive. Set the cruise control to 63mph and kicked back to some music. I got it up to 26 miles per gallon by the time I got back. Rpm,s were steady at 1600 for 63 mph so theres the reason.