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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  06 Escape at 7700 miles - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Horatio - June 21 - 2:53 am

  This is the only vehicle I know of that exceeds the EPA window posting. If one modifies driving habits, the 4X4 Escape will return 34 MPG hwy and 31 MPG city. Fit and finish better that my neighbors Honda Accord. Ride unexpectedly good for size of vehicle. Very quiet except when 2.3 is revving, and only then is engine noticeable. Transition from electric to gas is almost seamless. Cruise control on long trips returns better MPG than not using cruise control. Nits are lack of steering wheel adjustments & unlighted cruise controls.

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  Mixed feelings - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Shirl - June 20 - 11:04 pm

  I do not like cars, but needed a vehicle and got a good deal on the Ford Focus. I have been amazed with its reliability, comfort and ease of driving. It is a very comfortable car to drive, and I drive in winding mountainous terrain. It drives well in the winter in snow. Very comfortable and reliable, but I just personally like SUVsl

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  2004 Ford Focus ZX3 2 Door hatchback 2.0 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ford for me - June 20 - 10:54 pm

  Had a couple minor problems with, but with mileage now at 135,000 and running well mostly, I cant really complain. Only problem is if I run for a while, stop for 10 minutes and start, has tendency to die on me. But as long as I stop and keep the engine running, no problem. Hope to drive it for many more miles. Runs like a new car (other than the one problem mentioned, really feels like a new car - really smooth.

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  LEMON!! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Tara W. - June 20 - 10:15 pm

  2014 ford focus, had the clutches replaced in 2015 and still shudders. Got a lawyer and filed a lemon law .....got a settlement from ford and now they have extended the trans warranty to 10,000 miles. Just took it in for a TCM update as per the letter from ford (transmission control module) service adviser told me it will never be perfect but it will help. Even with the new clutches last summer it was shuddering again, what a piece of junk.

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  Our little 02 Escort - 2002 Ford Escort
  By claude - June 20 - 6:09 pm

  Bought the Escort with 62000 miles, drives great, does idle a little rough, but understand that is it nature. Oil is and diy chore, as is changing spark plugs. Car did start to misfire at 92,000 being a diyer I investigated the problem and was a simple, spark plug and wires. The front disk brakes are the easiest I have ever changed, but cannot get the real brake drums off, will have to investigate further. Over all very good little car, gas mileage super, really luging in steep grade country, it gets at least 25 mpg, the average is 33 to 35. The best I have gotten several times on the flat freeways is 48 mpg. Overall really satisfied with the 02.

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  Just Right - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By Iceobar - June 20 - 4:57 pm

  Ford finally had it together for me. Just the right size and accruments. Comfort and style for 4. Utility to carry 6 in a pinch. And when we added a K & N air filter, synthetic oil and tires at 37 psi, 37 mpg on the highway loaded with 4 and full bags. Too bad they let it slip away.

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  Aspire resurrected - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By jermnc77 - June 20 - 4:01 pm

  I bought my Aspire from my cousin (after begging for years for him to sell it to me). It had 163K on the motor at the time. Nine (k) later, the motor finally gave out. I have since had a new motor installed and worked over most of the parts. I dont know what I would do w/out it now! I got 38mpg city and 41mpg highway (easy driving/no AC on)!! I wouldnt hesitate to find another Aspire and get it back on the road too!

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  Bad Gas, Good Power! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Lucky - June 20 - 3:26 pm

  I bought this van in 2004 and have had it since. I have had no major engine problems, the gas mileage is horrible 16 city and 20 highway, my sisters GMC Envoy does better than that. I would recomend this van. I like it better then any other van. Im looking at trading it in now because the trade in value stinks. I paid $15,000 for mine and now it is worth $4,500. I bought it with 20,000 miles and it now has 101,000. I would recomend this van to any one, just be prepared to spend money in gas, at $4.00 a gallon it cost me $104 to fill the tank.

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  Ford Freestar Review - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Lisa - June 20 - 2:17 pm

  My minivan is great exept for 2 things. Acording to my digital dashboard, my fuel economy is currently 14.9. Not so good at $4.00 a gallon gas. My brakes are squeaky. I have had them checked several times, and the brake pads are fine. I was told its a "Ford thing".

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  As Good as it Gets - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Ovaleeter - June 20 - 11:55 am

  We needed a replacement for our 125,000 mile Honda Pilot. Naturally, the new 09 Pilot was our first stop. It wasnt an improvement over our current one. Looking and researching over two months brought us the Expedition. Wow, what a serious step up! We got a true 8 passenger SUV for the price of a pretender. We love it!