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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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Linda - March 2 - 9:53 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle. It gets great gas mileage for an SUV (about the same as my 06 Hyundai Accent, which is a really small car). Its fun to see how much gas you can save. I love the sun roof and how much it brightens up the cabin. I only wish it had the navigation. The exterior is stylish and its a small SUV with a big look. Best car Ive ever purchased. Ill probably get another when this one dies. I hated Ford vehicles before this, now I think Ford is great!

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  Real owner comments - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By peaceman57 - March 2 - 8:53 pm

  Bought this feh from auction. Mine has 180k Miles on it now, and Ive seen some on auction with 220k miles. These auction are government Auctions where they drive highway miles and do the regular maintenance. I would say the vehicle is well designed. Though this vehicle has been quite reliable, I would recommend to buy a non hybrid Vehicle. If there is a need for a major repair, expect to pay more if you need to bring it to the Dealer.

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  Buyer Beware! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By jql - March 2 - 6:18 pm

  This is my third f150. I have always liked them. I purchased this truck new and around 16000 miles I noticed a tapping noise from the engine. The dealer said it was the fuel injectors. Ive never heard noisy fuel injectors before. So when winter arrived and I started the truck the noise was even louder than before, and when the accelerator is pressed the tapping became quicker. Dealer inspected, ran tests for a week and finally called in their Ford rep who advised me that it is a characteristic of the f150. The salesperson didnt advise me of this trait. I asked what characteristic could I expect in another year or two. Guess what! No answer!!

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  Original Owner not sure if I should sell - 1999 Ford F-150
  By Rob - March 2 - 6:18 pm

  I have owned this for 10 years in the Colorado Rockies and have a few opinions. The engine of the truck has been very reliable, however the electrical system is horrible!. The brakes work well, but wear out yearly! It was a real slug on inclines until I installed a K&N intake system and exhaust system which changed the whole personalilty and handling of the vehicle. Never a single oil leak. Never stuck in snow, but weight in rear is highly suggested on icy roads. Never drive on slick roads with poor tread on rears with no weight. Currently have 175,000 miles, and expect to get another 100,000 miles unless I upgrade just for something new. Next truck will be a Honda Ridgeline!

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  Yes, Virginia, Camry has a competitor! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By 01Stang - March 2 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this car to replace my venerable 2001 Mustang, which I loved dearly for 120,000 miles. The Fusion will not turn heads like the ol Pony, but it will give you a quiet, comfortable, and reasonably sporty ride, plenty of toys, and good passing power with the V6. It also comes with a heaping portion of practicality. The trunk is vast, rear seating is comfortable, and I have been able to squeeze 31 MPG out of the V6 in pure highway driving. This is a great car for long road trips. If youre looking at mid-size sedans, dont forget to try a Fusion. Youre in for a pleasant surprise.

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  Great van - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By 1lap2go - March 2 - 3:28 pm

  Have enjoyed this van as its the 3rd Ford Windstar/Freestar van we have owned. I do get over 20mpg with this van if you dont use ethanol gas. Enjoy the "van" room but do not think I need that much room anymore, besides everyone thinks you should drive cuz you have so much room. This van has been troublefree like my previous vans. Havent had to walk yet.

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  BEST VALUE CAR EVER - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Fuzzyhotdog - March 2 - 2:40 pm

  I bought this last year sometime. Paid 600 bucks for it. Small hole from rust in the transmission line under the radiator but easy fix. It was so cold that the rest of the familys vehicles did not start at all. This little ford fired up no problems. It has over 179,000 miles and still running on factory parts. Am looking for another.

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  Great car! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By ajc - March 2 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car in 03 needed something right away didnt think it would last me this long but I am amazed Ive never had any significant or major problems. Great gas mileage and very roomy and comfortable. To big for me but overall its been a great car. Great in the snow too!

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  My 1991 Ford - 1991 Ford F-150
  By David - March 2 - 2:18 pm

  I bought this truck off my grandfather, for my 16th birthday, for only $600. Drive it everywhere I can. Has 89,700 miles. I upgraded the stereo(from the cassette radio it had). Love the interior, its very comfortable. The exterior has some rust above both back wheel wells. Everything else is in great shape. The engine sounds like a beast. My grandfather comes by every month to make sure the truck is still in good condition.

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  Reconsider Before You Buy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By kssnflwr - March 2 - 12:15 pm

  I am thoroughly disappointed with this vehicle and the service I have/havent received! I have already had to replace door seals, tires at 17,000 miles, have a clunking noise they "cant replicate", and it already didnt want to start at 29,000. Im on the road for 2 hrs. 5 days a week in this vehicle and though the gas mileage is good, its an uncomfortable ride. Hardly any leg room for riders in the back seat. Dealership never wants to work very hard to figure out what the problems are. Told them I wouldnt buy another one, and they said thats ok. Service mgr. said Focus still has a suspension problem and thats why I have a tire issue, but didnt offer to do anything about it.