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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  engine idle vibration - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Lynn - March 7 - 1:19 pm

  I bought a salvage 1998 Ford Escort SE Sedan with 63,000 miles and LOVED it. I had it for almost seven years and parted with it because of a rusted frame. It had 138,000 miles and was running strong. I loved it so much that I recently bought a 1999 Ford Escort with 65,000 miles. Im sorry to say the engine idle vibration and a constant exhaust-like noise has forced me to ask for a replacement vehicle. My 1998 Escort never had this problem though it did have broken coil springs. I found the TSB 031515 but the local Ford dealership said the problem may or may not be resolved with mount replacements and such so my GM dealership didnt take the chance on the costs of repairs.

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  Solid vehicle - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By cannon03 - March 7 - 11:29 am

  My Fusion is as solid as the day I purchased it. With just over 45,000 trouble free, squeak and rattle free miles. It drives nicely and has a solid road feel. Ford did a great job on this vehicle. I plan on keeping this vehicle for a while. I am very happy with its performance/quality/fit/finish. I strongly recommend to anyone.

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  good truck - 1997 Ford F-250
  By pwinky2 - March 6 - 7:52 pm

  This has been the best pickup truck that I have ever owned. It has done the work of ten trucks.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By stl23red - March 6 - 4:33 pm

  Super car, a great head turner. The only performance problem is that with the automatic it is very, VERY slow off the line, it will not spin the tires. All said, I LOVE my Mustang.

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  Need 4wd on fire runs - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Vol FF - March 6 - 2:22 pm

  Bought it bewcause I needed 4wd to get to some of the fires I respond to. I love the way the truck handles at speed. The accelleration allows me to get out of situations before they become a problem. The only complaint is the transmission. It doesnt seem to shift smoothly all the time, especially in the winter. Other than that I will certainly buy another.

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  transmission - 2007 Ford Edge
  By yvette desprez - March 6 - 9:41 am

  december 18th 2008 I purchased a 2007 ford edge. i have enormous problem with the transmission

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  Very impressed and would of thunk it. - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Badaboom - March 6 - 4:33 am

  Well, I have only owned the car a very short time and still is in break in phase. But I have to say, very impressed with the performance and comfort and interior styling. I am not huge on the looks, but I will get used to it. I love the handling of it and the 5 speed is very responsive. Awesome tires grip the road and the factory system is very nice as well. Overall a very good car that is fun to drive and quite quick. I love blowing past 2 door coupes in a sedan, lol!

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  A SPECIAL CAR - 2007 Ford Focus
  By MAT FROM MESA, AZ - March 5 - 9:14 pm

  Ford did a good thing with the ST. It handles like a dream and is fun to drive. My wife and I love it! Too bad Ford stopped the ST. It has been good on fuel with a high of 37 Hwy and averaging 28-30 in town. This car eats the mountain roads in Arizona and is a real road car! We are in our 60s and would like to see Ford do something with the new Focus, turbo, etc. Just because you are a senior doesnt mean the younger generation are the only ones to have fun driving! Bring it on, Ford!! Well be looking (and hoping).

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  Please buy it back - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By exploder - March 5 - 7:18 pm

  Short list of problems on the day of delivery lenses were full of water radio did not work in the past two years air con quit seat quit working right rear half shaft broke.Rear door filed with water,complete new muffler system,rear lense filled with water,rear sensing system failed door closed sensor as failed wiper motor drowns out radio.Passenger seat air sensor failed .Battery dead after two years Transmission continues to bang but they tell me this is normal.I have ask my dealer service dept to work some magic and turn it into a toyota i could go on and on but I would not want to put anyone of buying one LOL

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  buy one if you have the chance - 2007 Ford Escape
  By 07escape - March 5 - 7:17 pm

  I bought this 07 escape used with 40,000 miles on it. I now have 46000 and i am loving it. I came from a ford fusion which got considerably better fuel economy, however the added cargo space and go anywhere ability are well worth it. I get about 18+mpg and i plan on getting a K&N airfilter which i have been told by many vastly improves the fuel economy, but increases some road noise. I love this vehicle and know that its been better then a Jeep i got around over my friends Jeep Wrangler with out a problem.