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 Karla in PA - July 24 - 5:37 pm

  I bought this car as a high school junior because I needed my own transportation to work. I had limited funds and the Escort seemed just perfect at $750. I have had the car for almost 1.5 years now and I have not been disappointed at all. This car is small and cute. I get wonderful gas mileage (~29/35) and theres little maintenance. My friends are all jealous of my car! It has almost 100,000 (or 200,000 I cant tell because of the 6 digit odometer) and still runs better than my fathers 05 Pontiac. The only problem is that the A/C doesnt run very cold, but hey, at least it runs. I would recommend this car to anyone. It runs like new and will never leave you stranded. Surely a great buy!

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  Love it with reservations - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Cubby - July 24 - 4:05 pm

  Theres a mystery clunk in the front end that occurs on almost all Edges the dealer tests - no fix for it yet. Vehicle rattles much more than I expected - on cracked and seamy pavement, over RR tracks - mostly the doors moving around. Worlds most illegible instruments. Ford should have used the Fusions instrument faces. Love the power train its more manipulable than youd think. Love the seats. Love the quiet 1400 rpm at 62 mph! Over 13 years Ive found my small-town Ford dealer to be excellent so good I drive there (about 30 miles) for oil changes! Mine is front-wheel drive. With the right snow tires (Yokohamas)its more than adequate, saves close to $2000 and improves mileage.

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  Escape XLT 6 cylinder - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Robert Campbell - July 24 - 9:56 am

  This my first SUV. Checked out all the other SUVs over a two month period, but kept coming back to the Escape. Had it only one week and then took a road trip from Florida to Michigan and put 4000 miles on it on flat highways and mountains and got approximately 26.5 mpg on the flats and 25.5 in the mountains. I think 4,000 miles is a good test drive. I am 6 ft.; have leather seats that were comfortable with great back support that I had no trouble driving for 12 hours (with rest stops every two hours) in one day. I love it and would recommend the Escape XLT V6 auto to anyone.

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  So far so good - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By dj1096 - July 24 - 7:55 am

  I bought my Taurus used in 03 with 24K on it. Since I have put another 54k and have had very few problems. The most recent was a water hose that busted. Other then that I havent had to put much money into it for major repairs (knock on wood). I have all the comforts I wanted (leather, moonroof, spoiler and tinted windows) without having to pay a premium. I average about 21 mpg. The only problm is I lost my a/c a couple years ago and didnt want to pay the $300+ to have it fixed. Otherwise Im hoping I can drive this for another 5yrs.

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  VERY SATISFIED OWNER - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By George Marchini - July 24 - 6:30 am

  I have driven this car 8,500 miles and average gas mileage is 24.2 since day 1. I took a trip to Ohio that was approx 1100 miles. The car was a very comfortable ride. Smooth and quiet.

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  Fuel economy disappointing - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Don - July 23 - 4:43 pm

  Like the car overall except the city fuel mileage stinks. Not using the A/C 21 is tops and in heat of summer using the A/C anywhere from 16-18 mpg. Have gotten 32 on highway, but seldom take trips so mostly the mileage is bad. Also has annoying "feature" when accelerating the A/C compressor shuts down momentarily (Ford claims this is normal for performance reasons which is nothing but a crock.). This is annoying when its 110 or more outside in this stinking Arizona desert heat. Like 99% of the newer cars today, the design is rather ugly. Small wonder I drool over the classic car shows and their displays. I think Ford needs to make 4 cyl. cars that give decent mileage.

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  Still love it - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Cobrasix - July 23 - 2:26 pm

  I am one of those that will truly mourn the day I have to get rid of my Explorer (though my wife will not). I love the styling. I still love driving it. Perfect size in my opinion. When we drive into Boston, we prefer to take it due to relatively small size, curb hoping ability, age, and slow speed manueverability. I used to do a lot of off road and beach driving with it. Sure, its had its issues. Only 1 transmission rebuild in 320k miles. Original AC compressor is shot, fan motor is intermittent, 2 power windows dead. All in all, better then I would expect a car with 18 years and 320k miles would do. I have newer and nicer cars, but this is still my favorite to drive everyday.

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  Tire Hungry - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Arlie Rauch - July 23 - 10:45 am

  We bought the car because of crisp handling and because of high consumer ratings. But, it eats tires. At just about every oil change it needs either a wheel alignment or the tires balanced--they are virtually always vibrating, and the rear end is noisy at any speed. We have had to replace the trunk latch--it quit locking. The car handled miserably on winter roads, of which we have some here in Montana. I eventually solved that by buying another set of wheels on which we mounted studded snow tires (we never had that problem with a VW Rabbit we owned for years). This car has been a disappointment, and we are strongly looking at getting something different. Its gas mileage is also poor.

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  Love my little Focus! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tsarina007 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this car on a whim, and fell in love. It handles like a dream, has great pick-up, and a nice quiet ride. It has a great sound system, and bunch of little, thoughtful features (like a glow-in-the-dark trunk release inside the trunk). Plus, its really really cute!

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  Ford Focus Rocks - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ALwaysfr20 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my Ford Focus. I was sceptical at first about buying it but I am so glad that I did. It is so much fun to drive and is so easy to control. I think the seats are absolutly comftable. My next car. Ford Focus ZX5. Never liked ford before, but I love this line and will buy it again. Its so good on gas, and it rides like a dream. I would recommend this car to anyone!