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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  Great performance! - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By liljen28 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had this vehicle 2 years now, 30K,and have enjoyed it! Was very reliable on 3,000 mile road trip last year, no problems, but getting a little worried with a third recall on this car.

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  Good but miss my F-150 - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By onlyford - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive only been driving the Explorer Sport for a month but must admit that it seems well built. I do miss the roominess of my 98 F-150 XLT extended cab. The Explorer feels more like a cockpit-does make it easier to clean though! It is simply wonderful in snow conditions. Ive never driven an SUV and am disappointed in the gas mileage. Since the car is so new, Im hoping that will get better as it gets broken in.

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  Review - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By MEC - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, put a class III hitch an rent a trailer for big bulk jobs, handles towing with ease, nimble, fits in garage, 4wd a must. Overall interior appointments excellent when compared to Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Dodge Dakota.

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  Great in Snow! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By rshoe - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the Escape for almost two years. Very few problems. No major problems. Great ride in good weather. Really does great in the snow. A few rattles in the front suspension. Tires had to be replaced at 35,000 miles. Nice CD player/stereo. Automatic transmission seems to switch into overdrive too soon. Interior pretty comfortable. Good power. Gas mileage about right for a compact SUV.

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  Wezls truck - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Wezl - March 16 - 7:49 pm

  Easy handling, with a very short turning radius...better than most vehicles Ive driven. Sways with high winds, but does not require much more to control it.

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  triples galore - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By tripleblack - March 16 - 3:03 pm

  ive had the stang for more than 8months now. With the california weather, im fortunate to drive with the top down even during the winter season!! The only complaint is the gas milage, then again maybe its my right foot that makes a difference in that! My MAF has gone out and will need replacement soon! Other than that, the vehicle is grrrreat!

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  Nice looking truck but bad engines - 1998 Ford F-150
  By Jvernon73 - March 16 - 8:18 am

  I like the looks of my Ford F-150 but Im experiencing what Ford calls piston slap and Ford would not do anything about it. I was told that the 97 -2000s with Windsor engines have some badly engineered pistons which causes them to slap against the cylinder walls when first started up. It sounds like the engine has a defective rod.

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  A reliable econobox - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Milek - March 15 - 4:15 pm

  A surprisingly reliable car.

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  1994 Ford Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By VanDriver - March 15 - 11:12 am

  4WD needed repairs. Otherwise, normal routine maintenance.

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  Why not? - 2000 Ford Escort
  By crawdad - March 15 - 3:02 am

  I have had my used escort for almost one year. This car is a mini-tank, it can climb any incline with out losing speed. Talk about comfort, the seats are like lazy-boy furniture. It might not be a sports car, but it will get you there quick.