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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  Premature wear of brakes & rotor damage - 2003 Ford Focus
  By fjcooks - December 18 - 4:06 am

  Drives fine. Premature wear of brakes and damage to rotors is a known problem. Expect to replace rotors every 15,000 miles at $500 out of your pocket.

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  Alot of SUV for the Money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By AJFalbo - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a mighty-mite SUV. There is a lot of vehicle for the money. Handles well (even at higher speed - no roll), great pick up, a lot of feature and extras. I was surpriced at the engines agressiveness and pick up. The interior design gives you that truck "height feel" yet you dont feel that you have to climb a mountain to get in it. The tailgate is great, window goes up and if needed the whole gate lifts up, a feature that I wish I had had on my 98 Chevy Blazer.

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  My Great Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By AKid@50 - December 16 - 10:00 am

  An SUV that responds like a car. Had one for 10 mths with 10K miles. Only in the dealer once for a/c issue and a clunking sound. No problems eversince. Escape drives great, excellent 0 to 50mph, decent MPG. Its nimble and manuverable. Interior is roomy but "plasticky" but works for me with the kids. Exterior design is handsome and clean. Plastic body armor avoids dings. CRVs and RAVs are just too small and severely underpowered. My Escape is sometimes mistaken for an Explorer and thats fine with me.

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  NO BELLS AND WHISTLES - 2005 Ford Focus
  By IRONCLAD68 - December 15 - 2:36 pm

  PLAIN BUT VERY FUNCTIONAL.FUN TO DRIVE,TIGHT TURNING RADIUS,QUIET AND ROOMY INTERIOR.REASONABLY COMFORTABLE INTERIOR.IT HANDLES WELL ON CURVES AND HAS A PRETTY SMOOTH RIDE.SOUND SYSTEM IS NICE AND IT HAS A SPACIOUS TRUNK FOR ITS SIZE

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  No - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Mulkey - December 14 - 10:35 pm

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  ford van - 2002 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By wriddle - December 11 - 2:00 am

  nice van, mediocre fuel economy, very comfortable, minor build quality issues which have been corrected under warranty. would definitely buy another one when this one wears out. 5.4 engine is the way to go.

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  Expedition is all good - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mosher - December 11 - 2:00 am

  From the cooled (and heated) front leather seats to the reverse sensing system to the power fold third row seats, This thing is awesome. The four wheel drive and independent four wheel suspension make traversing rugged terrain a breeze and you can do with all the creature comforts your heart desires.

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  Ford Focus Fun - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Eibhlin - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my ZX5! However, Im not getting the mileage I thought I would be getting. I also have a problem with the windshield wiper design. There always seems to be a stream of wated running down the windshield to the right of my line of vision. It gets annoying.

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  Ford 500 - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Matt B - December 11 - 1:10 am

  I purchased a 07 Ford 500 back in June 2007. Things have been going ok until Christmas of last year when on vecation car died while driving using cruise control. After this died 3-4 times for the same reason but then only by adjusting speed by cruise controls. After that abnormal wear on back rotors and break pads. Now after 80.000 miles the transmissions seems to starts slipping when go beyond first gear. Car is still at the shop so we will see when they finish with the diagnostics.

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  One Month Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Smudge - December 9 - 10:06 pm

  Ive had my Escape for just over one month (~3,000 miles). I have been very pleased with its handliing (AWD and we have had 4-5 snow falls since Ive purchased). I went with the 4 cylinder because I do not tow stuff and will use this vehicle for a daily 50 mile (round-trip) commute. Fuel economy started at about 18 miles/gallon and after the break in period (couple of tank fulls) I am averaging 20 - 21 miles/gallon. I have an 95 ranger with the 4-cylinder and 250,000 miles, so I expect similar longevity with the updated 4-cylinder. The updated 4-cylinder has a lot of passing power, though with substantial noise when floored. Came with the Blast package electric lock package.