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:

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By orrsonly - January 14 - 4:01 pm

  I commute on a regular basis with 4 teenagers in the car. There is plenty of room and everyone is comfortable. I also live in Rochester, NY. Snow has been no problem with this "truck", I recently slid on black ice and no damage was done to my vehicle. Mileage is not that bad either for the size, I maintain 22-24 MPG. I would reccomend this car to anyone with kids. I regularly have 6-7 people in the car and there are few fights between the kids and thats saying a lot with my crew!

• 

  Bought it new, falling apart - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Brenda - January 14 - 12:10 pm

  The 2006 Mustang v6 Coupe is my 7th Mustang, I bought it new off the lot, and its left me stranded all over town--thank God I have roadside assistance! After two years of ownership a dead battery left me stranded out at work at midnight, in March Ill have had the car 3 years and I just had to put a new transmission in it at 68,000 miles. The Ford dealer said that since I hadnt had the transmission serviced at 30,000 mile intervals like the manual says I need to, they cant help. Ive not had the oil changed exactly every 3,000 miles, does this mean the engine is going to blow? Very poor quality.

• 

  Built by Children - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Richard Coffin - January 14 - 11:01 am

  Its hard to discribe the disappointment experienced from this vehicle. Ill just point out the facts. 48000kms in 34 months from new. 1) 4th transmission on its way out. 2) ABS/power brakes failed twice. 3) tire pressure sensor failed 4 times 4) rear axle seal leaked 5) windshield washer sensor light failure 6) loose parts banging around in floor or dash since 6 months after purchase. 7) understeers like a cab over tow truck towing an overweight vehicle. 8) Conteinental Contitrac tires rounded out like a wheel barrow tire. aLway properly inflated. 9) 1st gear is like 2nd in any other car. (Poor gear ratios) 10) Avg fuel economy 14.62 miles per gallon or 16.01 liters/100km.

• 

  Expeditions rock - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By tomd of corona - January 14 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has been the best vehicle we ever owned. You can turn inside your garage the handling is so good. It rides great, and the style of the interior is something that isnt made of faded plastic that looks horrible in a couple of yrs.

• 

  Great Mini SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By SuvHappy - January 14 - 10:00 am

  It has been three months and 4,000 miles and i can`t find a thing that i don`t like about my Escape XLT Sport. It turns alot of heads when i drive by. The No Boundries roof rack and the sport wheels and tires give it the extra special touch of class along with the leather interior and the 6CD sterio. Averaged 23mpg on trips @65/70 mph. It handles great, rides great. Nothing more to say but>>>>> I LOVE IT.

• 

  Half way there - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By By - January 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the design, it is perfect for me. It great for lugging stuff but not to much stuff. Roll down rear window, seating, 4 doors, perfect design, great, bravo. That said, some quality would be nice. At 46K I have been 4 set of brake pads, 1 rotor cut job, rotor replacement and a transmission valve body replacement. The rattle I have been trying to address from day one is still present, no one has a clue. The most expensive to maintain car I have ever had. If only Ford had an engineering department to back up the design department it would be great.

• 

  185K and still running - 1996 Ford Taurus
  By aaron - January 14 - 9:35 am

  The only thing other than brakes and tires all around the things I have had to change are, powersteering pump went after 134k miles,the fuel tank,and the waterpump now with all the bugs worked out it runs awesome for a car built 14 years ago. Would definitely recomend and will be buying a newer one, probably a Mercury Sable though they are a little bit nicer.

• 

  Head and shoulders above small SUVs - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Higheriq - January 14 - 4:13 am

  Wanting something other than my old F150 for better gas mileage, and wanting 4WD, I had looked at a Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, and the Escape. Feature for feature, the Escape had the others beat. What sealed the deal was the price. The gas mileage with the Escape, equipped this way, is one of the very few vehicles which gets BETTER gas mileage than the EPA estimates. The ride is firm, controlled, and quiet (even at interstate speeds). The interior appointments give me more features than I will ever use. Strong air conditioner, great 4WD system, and more than ample power even with the 4 cylinder. The choice was obvious.

• 

  nothing but trouble - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By KELLY - January 14 - 2:13 am

  Bought it New and it has been a headache. Door locks lock when I turn the ignition on when it is cold out,key does not turn in door or rear door when it is cold . Doors all freeze and i have to pry them open with a chisel. Compass does not work,shows a different direction every day even though it is parked in the same spot. Fuel gauge shows full then suddenley drops to 1/2 tank,not accurate at all and clock will not stay set. Tires lose 10 lbs of air a week and now the alternator is bad at 15,000 miles. Runs real rough and shaky when I first start it. Tailgate door falls off if you dont hold it real tight and carefully open . Parking lightbulbs keep burning out and have to be

• 

  2003 Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By 2003 Explorer - January 14 - 12:14 am

  Purchased pre-owned with 47000 miles. AC problems within first six months. Had to replace entire AC system due to metal throughout. Drivers door handle broke off when it was cold. Back panel beneath the liftgate window cracked when it was cold. A coat hook in rear compartment snapped off first time I used it. It just seemed that something was breaking or needed repairs. I am planning on trading this vehicle within the next week or so. Enough of "Quality is Job 1." Lots of positive reviews from this model as it was one of the reasons I purchased the Explorer. Maybe I just had a lemon but I will never buy a Ford again.