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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  Another Escape with transmission problem - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Ruth - August 5 - 6:11 pm

  I leased my 2004 Escape brand new from a dealer where I worked. All service work required on the SUV was performed. I like the fact I could get to work in bad weather and feel totally comfortable driving my Escape in the snow. At 60 years old, I take care of my cars, I dont off road, and I drive carefully. Had I known the transmissions in the Escape only last 50,000 miles, I would not have purchased my lease vehicle.

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  Best Ford ever - 1992 Ford Escort
  By 1992 escort - August 5 - 10:53 am

  I had a 2004 F-150 and a 2004 Mustang Cobra, yet the Escort is my favorite. Its the best 4 cylinder. I have the 1.8 dohc with performance mods. It runs good. I wish Ford made more vehicles like that.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Chuck W - August 5 - 7:45 am

  This is my second SUV. IÂ’ve owned it for 8 months now and had no problems with it. ItÂ’s fun to drive and has a great view. The cargo area is huge. The V8 has plenty of power, which I use to tow a boat. It has a truck like ride. ItÂ’s handles very predictably, and excellent in the snow. I really like all of the safety features.

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  very pleased - 2007 Ford Focus
  By craig S. - August 4 - 11:56 pm

  I bought this ZX4 as a salvage fix up had 6000 miles on it. I now have 17000 and it is a very good car so far. No problems. Decent ride for a small car. Handles well. Good acceleration. Very pleased as of this time. I get 25 mpg with city and freeway driving.

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  The Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Ford Focus
  By William Sparrow - August 4 - 10:11 pm

  The Instrument cluster died first, that alone was around six hundred dollars. Three sensors were defective and it failed inspection. A vacuum switch was followed by a major transmission malfunction. The trunk can be problematic at times. The visors are poor and the ignition switch is faulty. I have put 21000 gentle miles on this sedan. I drive like an old man and have this car serviced regularly (when it is not being repaired). I am a teacher and find myself struggling financially as a result of this purchase. The repair costs have far outweighed the fuel savings. I believe that Ford is negligent beyond reason. Ford should be ashamed of this abysmal car!

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  2005 Ford Escape XLS Auto - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Richard Hawkins - August 4 - 9:33 pm

  The car has more pep than I expected, considering that it is a 4 cylinder automatic. Having previously owned an Explorer, I thought that this car would tend to lean in tight turns, because it appears to be high centered. My experience, so far, has been very positive regarding handling. I look forward to many miles of satisfying driving. Also, its good to know that if I want to haul something fairly large, this car will handle the task.

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  Daily Driver - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Eric - August 4 - 1:30 pm

  Ive owned 2 Rangers do far and loved both. Bought my 07 with 250 miles on it, and have put 38,000 miles on it with out a single issue. I would buy another Ranger at the drop of a hat. My Ranger gets 22 miles per gallon, only after some aftermarket parts, but I love it!

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  Back on Top Again - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Ford Family Man - August 4 - 8:36 am

  I bought this truck used. I had a 1991 Ranger that was pretty worn out and would finally start needing some repairs so I bought this one. Previously a fleet vehicle I was impressed with all that I got for 11,500 dollars. XL truck, but with 5 speed auto, and 4.10 axle ratio, extras were A/C (necessary in Ohio) and an under-rail bed liner. It had a little over 18000 miles on it. I work in a scrap yard and needed a solid truck. Thats just what I got with fuel economy averaging 23-28mpg combined city/highway. Drives like a bigger truck and so quick too especially for a four cyl. engine. Much stronger than my 1991s 2.3liter. No serious rattles, and white so scratches are not an issue.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By indiborn92 - August 4 - 2:20 am

  I bought a 2008 Expedition and I was very happy with it. I rarely drive though due to high gas prices, but when I do it is probably the best in my driveway.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Ford F-150
  By FL - August 3 - 10:16 pm

  This is my third Ford and I am somewhat disappointed. The truck itself is beautiful and stylish. The ride is smooth and the interior is the best IÂ’ve ever seen in a truck. The truck also does what it was designed to do. However the truck does not perform well on the freeway. The 4.6L V-8 engine is not powerful enough for a vehicle this size. When I press the accelerator there is almost no response. Its like the engine is telling me I going to take my sweet time getting on the freeway and if I feel like it I may pass this vehicle. IÂ’m not a speed demon, but I expect my vehicles to respond. Overall itÂ’s a nice truck.