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 American car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Garry H - July 18 - 10:00 am

  For the longest time i waited for an American manufacturer to develop a sedan that is good looking, economical, well designed. Finally ford has done it. I am very pleased with the car. Love to drive it, love the sync, interior, blind side alert.

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  Siox speed tranny is useless - 2010 Ford F-150
  By brawler - July 18 - 5:30 am

  This is my sixth F150 in addition I have owned two full size broncos. All had the 351 or 5.4 motor except one bronco had 1 400. I love fords, but this new one with a 6-speed transmission is aggravating. This thing shifts constantly in city driving. I wish i had my 2006 4-speed automatic in it.Driving up a slight hill in traffic the tranny seems like it slips, then it slams. It is far from smooth. You feel each and every shift no matter what speed. The interior is nice, this one has a floor shift, looks nice but you lose storage space...and you do not realize how much you used the floor in front of the console until its gone. I like it, I am praying for a service bulletin on the transmission.

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  Best Truck I ever owned - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By Amazing Vehicle - July 18 - 2:00 am

  For long distance travel, cant be beat. Have gotten as high as 17.8 mpg with V-10 (nothing over 65mph!) and over 700 miles per tankfull. Dealer has been better than excellent. No major problems.

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  best investment by far - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By nanaonthego - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I ALWAYS THOUGHT VANS WERE FOR EDERLY PEOPLE!UNTIL I BOUGHT THIS ONE I LOVE IT I CAN TAKE MY WHOLE FAMILY PLACES WITHOUT WORRING WHO WILL RIDE WHERE.WE HAVE BEEN TO TEXAS,MEXICO AND SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE BEACH WE LIVE IN THE PIEDMONT OF N.C.IT HAD 92000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE BOUGHT IT A FORMER OAKLAND RAIDERS PLAYER HAD IT BUT NOW THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS TAG SHINES ON FRONT AND BACK(I,M JUST A FAN)BUT I WOULD BUY ANOTHER JUST LIKE IT I LOVE THE COLOR INSIDE AND OUT YEAH IM A 38YR NANA BUT I LOOK GREAT IN MY EDDIEBAUER EDITION

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  my review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Charlotte Mcphail - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The response of the SVT is reason enough to buy it!!!!

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  Happy with our 2004 Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By SReno - July 17 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Escape for less than a month. We purchased it basically after checking Consumers Guide, Edmunds, etc. So far, we are very happy with everything about this vehicle. We are getting about 25 mpg. on long distance driving. Ford always knows how to please the consumer.

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  Near bullet proof F150 - 2001 Ford F-150
  By smileywm - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my F150 Supercrew for 3 years. Other than one "Service Bulletin" on the transmission, and a timing issue, it has been trouble- free. I would highly recommend this truck on the used market for reasonably priced, utilitarian transportation.

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  I like it! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By uncle fud - July 17 - 2:00 am

  3.0 liter engine is peppy and coupled with the 4.10 rear end can lead to some surprising performance. Gas mileage hovers around 20 mpg. I am well pleased with the Ranger in all respects.

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  Awesome - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By JimBGOP - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Brings back memories of my muscle cars. Great little toy.

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  The Best - 2006 Ford Escape
  By pknox - July 15 - 6:50 pm

  Having driven a larger SUV with an automatic transmission and larger engine, I much prefer the manual transmission Escape for its maneuverability, size, comfort, and fun. The gas/mileage is also a huge plus. Also having owned Fords, I only hope this automobile lives up to my previous experience with Ford quality.