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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  Never again - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bri - January 8 - 3:19 pm

  This was my first and last Ford purchase. I went with a newer and more expensive car hoping for better quality for my money, no such luck. I had the car no more than six months when the transmission went, costing me over two grand. Then just last month, not 6 months since the last time the transmission went again! Among many other problems this car has given me this has been the most expensive.

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  Road Trip Warrior - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By fourmonkeys - January 8 - 1:38 pm

  Weve owned our EB for about 2 1/2 years now and it has never dissappointed. It was comfortable with 4 kids in car seats and stuffed to the brim with a weeks supply of stuff on a 4000 mile roundtrip. Its a good to and from vehicle, especially with a bunch of kids, pop in a DVD and go. And you can tow a 5000 trailer with ease, barely noticeable with the power of the 5.4.  An interesting side note, the front clip of a Cadillac Catera will fit in the back, with the seats folded down of course. Ill sell it when the wheels fall off, great do-whatever-you-need-to-do truck.

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  very let down - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By vads - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had my gt for one year and have 20,000 miles. Problems: crossmember and transmission mount loose. Clicking noise when turning right turns from front left wheel. Engine knock noted and last but not least, engine starts and cuts off shortly. To be diagnosed at the dealer for the third time.

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  Avoid at All Cost!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By slbenz - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in 4/99 and in the three years I have owned it, the van have been in the dealership four times for power doors that would not close all the way shut. The drivers door handle internals broke and at 29.5K miles, the transmission failed and had to be rebuilt. Gas mileage is poor, it was advertised to be 19 city 23 highway but in reality is closer to 15 city 20 highway and that is not with a full load. Handling and drivability is on par with the best. Also, there is too much wind and road noise that enters the cabin. Wont buy a Ford again.

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  Taurus SES - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By Feedguy - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Had the car two months. No issues yet. A little hard on gas. Otherwise Im happy with it. Still some original style.

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  Cant wait for the Sledge hammer - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By zulubuff - January 8 - 9:34 am

  This car was nice whe we first bought it. First signs of problems came when the check engine light came on and has remained on for 7 years. After 1 year, the paint started chipping. 6 years later, it is nicknamed brown top because of rust. Transmission is bad, replacing brake fluid is hard, cup holder fell off, radio no longer works. Indicator for lights and washer fluid come on for no reason. When it is warm, the guages dart around, so you never know how fast you are going or how much gas you have. Drivers side wiper is junk. Seatbelt didnt latch and had to be replaced. Heater/AC control replaced. Idle is rough, and when I turn or park, every looks because it is so loud.

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  2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By marksp - January 8 - 7:33 am

  Best compliment of fuel efficiency, utility and lowered environmental impact of any vehicle made in the USA. Proud to drive; happy to own! Feels well made and the "Limited" is well equipped. Great design!

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  Real Luxury Great Price - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Keith Klose - January 8 - 6:38 am

  After four years of searching for an eventual replacement for our 2002 RAV4 (it simply will not die), we wanted more power, some luxury and modern safety features, all at a good price. We had test driven the Tiguan, Q3, Q5, RDX, CX-5, Forrester XT, Outback, X1, and X3. The only one that we really liked was the BMW X3, but we didnt feel like paying $45k+ for the privilege. We tried a 2.0l 4wd Titanium Escape with the 301A package, moonroof, and navigation and (with incentives) were out the door for under $30k. The Escape is quiet, fast, very comfortable and luxurious, is fun to drive, and has all the capabilities we wanted in a relatively compact package. Gas mileage has been approx 25 mpg in mixed driving. Time will tell if it will be as reliable as we hope, but so far we cant fault it or the value.

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  Ford Rules! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By warewolf32 - January 8 - 6:36 am

  I just had this truck for little over a month now, and its been nothing but great. The first new vehicle Ive ever owned and not griped about something about it after having it for a short amount of time. The fit and finish and overall looks and performance for such a big engine has been the best experience Ive ever had with Ford truck.

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  2009 Ford Fusion is a Good Value! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Ron from Honolulu - January 8 - 2:11 am

  I bought the 2009 Ford Fusion after testing the 2009 Camry, 2009 Altima, 2009 Sonata and 2009 Accord. The Fusion was more comfortable for me, rode smoother and handled the road better. I got the 4 cyl SE, automatic, with leather trim interior, sun roof and SYNC, spoiler and rear sensor. The Fusion performs above average and looks pretty good. Ive enjoyed owing the car so far and have actually gotten several compliments on its appearance. Overall, very good job, Ford!