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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  I love this car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Cutie red one - July 26 - 2:00 am

  My sister bought this car for 4 years ago and right now she gave to me. I really love this car especially her engine!!! although she is kinda old and her exterior is out of date. The color is peeling. Overall, Im satisfied with this style :)

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  Ford Escape . . . . A-OK - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Buford - July 24 - 8:16 pm

  sports model looks good, accelerates surprisingly well, rides and handles nicely. The interior appointments are adequate, and the sound system is acceptable. Head room is excellent and it is quieter than I expected.

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  OK but I dont love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By LIK2BIK - July 24 - 6:10 am

  I had a 97 Explorer that I loved but wanted to move down in size. Only the Escape had the truck like feel of my Explorer. But Ive been disappointed by poor design and functionality that I unfortunately didnt notice and/or had to sacrifice with going with the Escape. Where does Ford get the interior design engineers? I also have a CRV which has great storage concepts and interior space usage - Ford is horrible in this department. I like the drive of the Escape, and the exterior look - but thats about it. I likely will not be keeping this for 7 years as I did my Explorer.

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  sleeper - 2000 Ford Contour
  By zzoom1 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The SE Sport is a true sleeper car. Its my second Contour and so far has been as reliable as my first one. Great accelleration and the exhaust sounds good as well. Its comfortable and handles extremely well. The best thing-its invisible to police.

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  great vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CHRIS LE - July 24 - 2:00 am

  great ride, a lot better than my Jeep Grand Cherokee,gas mileage is okay, (17mpg highway). I love the 6 disc in dash CD changer, also the 3rd row seat which is very comfy and easier accessed than the Chevy Tahoe. I had 12k mi on the truck with no problems whatsoever, althought Fords reliability is always a big issue, especially with the transmission. My brother bought an Excursion Limited, and he had to take it in to replace a new transmission. Thats a bad reputation for Ford.

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  Focus ZX5 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mahrow - July 24 - 2:00 am

  1yr and 12k miles-- I drove competitive makes and decided Focus over Matrix, Civic & others. Adequate for families and tall people, just enough space to make this car practical. It came with LOVELY Firestone (why is Ford is still doing business with them) tires. I had the dealer upgrade to a high performance Yokohama and it DRASTICALLY improved the handling. I hit a curb (playing dodge cat) and TOTALED the aluminum rims (both ends @ 30mph) and my side airbag went off. If I had had a passenger they would have been plastered to the door when the bag went off...WOULD HAVE HURT!!! I wonder about the safety of the bags

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By Baldone - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 4 years now and love it. Great ride, roomy, smooth, great fuel consumption for a large car on the highway. The only problem is the front brakes. I had to replace them at 20000 miles due to warping. I changed them to Power stop cross cut drilled rotors with 911 brake pads and have been happy ever since. I actually stop better now than before. I also added goodyear eagle ga h rated tires and found the ride bumpier but the handling improve greatly. If you want the smooth ride of a touring car, dont add performance tires. All in all though, I love the car and am going to keep it for many years to come.

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  Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 1996 Ford Ranger
  By Harry Tasker - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 96 ford ranger 4x4 for over 2 years now. I bought it with 42,000 miles and have put 23,000 miles on it. I havent had any engine troubles what so ever. The quality of the interior leaves a little to be desired. I have found a few tears in the upholstery. I would suggest getting the 4.0-liter V6. The power is with any extra cost. As far as use and abuse I have hauled hundreds of lbs in the bed (about 16 sheets of drywall) and didnÂ’t have any trouble. I have also had the truck off the ground while driving off road. The gas mileageÂ….. stinks. I get 300 miles off of an 18 gallon tank.

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  My Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By John Walton - July 24 - 2:00 am

  An exceptional value, it has rough edges that give it character and it drives like a charm. Throw it around and it remains tame and easy to control. In traffice it is nimble, on the open road it is smooth as silk. I use to rent these, and then realized what a great car this is now. The best feature is its predictability.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By WGA - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I drive a 2002 Ford Taurus. My wife and I enjoy this car. The engine is very responsive from both a start and passing ability. We have two kids, and our family finds this a very comfortable car for all occasions. I am impressed with how quiet the car rides. (much better that other Ford vehicles I have driven) I am told that the 2003 has not been changed much from the 2002