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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  Love the flexibility - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Happy pappy - February 6 - 3:14 pm

  We bought in Dec 2007. It had only 17000 miles and we have put about 13000 miles on it since then. Have had no problems, other than tire wear. We really like the flexibility and usefulness of the vehicle. Most people dont know what it is, especially if we say Freestyle. But anyone who has ridden with us compliments it. MPG little less than what it states, 18/22. We could do without AWD if it gets us better mpg. Inside materials feel cheap, but havent broken. Love the "command seating" and heated seats. Great for families because of flexibility to haul people and gear. DVD player wonderful for toddler, but blocks rear view. Will keep for long time, but like the looks of the Flex.

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  Awesome SUV!!! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Chayse Griffin - February 6 - 12:45 pm

  The 2004 XLT is a great vehicle... It is a powerful machine, it is a roomy machine, it is a fun machine. The Ford Escape is a great example of an SUV. It can tow, store, fly, and lug people around! The fuel economy for this SUV is extremely amazing for an SUV!!!

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  Ford Again - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Ford Again - February 6 - 9:30 am

  After 185K miles on my Taurus I decided to go Ford again, Even though I had GM card and accululated $2K I bought the Escape after my first test drive. Love the look of it, love the interior. I do not like SUVs with shift on the dashboard - looks silly, love it on the Escape.

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  Fun While It Lasted - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By M4NU3L - February 6 - 9:00 am

  I bought this car as a daily driver with 110,000 miles on it. It was fun at first. Had no problems the first three weeks, then the problems began. I did a complete tune up to the vehicle and I was still only getting 11 MPG. After all the maintenance was up to date, the check engine light came on a day later. After a compression check I found out the valves were sticking and the heads needed to be replaced, an expensive fix. Then a day later the front wheels started shaking really bad and the rear differential was giving off a high pitched whine. After taking it to a mechanic I found out the 4 front balljoints and 2 A-arms had to be replaced. BUY WITH CAUTION.

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  Great car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By bob cox - February 6 - 2:46 am

  I purchased this car new after owning a couple of Tauruses, a Sable and a Grand Marquis. I chose the Sport package and it is awesome. The power, handling and seating is so much better than the Grand Marquis. This car has done 90,000 miles, both long trips and local driving and has only had one non- maintenance repair, the rear air suspension compressor at 60,000 miles. Fuel mileage is consistently in the 26 mpg range even with the lower differential gearing of the Sport pkg. Im in process of buying a 7000 mile 2006 LX Sport to replace it. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  A graduation present - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Ryne Mitchell - February 6 - 1:09 am

  As far as comfortably priced and comfortably equip sports/muscle cars go this is the best I have ever driven. With leather and an appearance package tacked on to this little V6 you dont need much more. With 210 horsepower (Id argue there was more) this V6 will kick any little 4 banger out there to the curb while not quite being dangerously powerful. If your looking for power and style with a reliable name and company look no further.

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  Great after the first year - 2000 Ford Focus
  By HS in FL - February 5 - 8:02 pm

  Purchased this car new in 2000. In the first year, we suffered through a few recalls and had the fuel pump replaced a couple of times. However, it seems everything has been fixed, because there have been no problems with the car since the warranty expired. It has only been in the shop for oil changes and other regular maintenance. Its not new anymore, but I cant justify getting a newer car when the old one is still reliable and gets very good gas mileage for an 8-year old.

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  19¢ / Mile Life Cycle Cost - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By ERHandyMan - February 5 - 7:03 pm

  Fantastic car, currently running strong with 278,000 miles. I gave it to my kids to use at 274,000 and wish I was still driving it. This thing has been rock solid and if I could find another one to do the same I would buy it in a heart beat. Simply the best car I have owned out of 11 cars I have had. I typically get about 180,000 out of them before I either tire of them or the costs start to mount - not with this one!

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  Think Again - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Bill - February 5 - 6:12 pm

  After I bought it, I loved it. However, there were rear end problems twice, then the drive shaft, now the rear end again. I have babied this thing and it cant seem to handle simply driving down the road. It is a 4x4, but I dont trust the drivetrain enough to do anything with it. The engine also makes alot of noise, but Ford said this is normal due to 5W-20 oil. I would look elsewhere if I were you.

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  Good performer - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Escaper - February 5 - 11:51 am

  The only times I had problems was when I first purchased it. The window would rattle and make a odd click noise when starting. The dealer fixed it and no problems since then. The ride is smooth and if you dont watch it, you will be speeding, its a smooth accelerator. I have the V6 model. Plus a sunroof.