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 value/fun car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By T - May 16 - 7:56 am

  This is the best Ford that I have ever owned as far as quality and satisfaction are concerned. We chose it over the 500 and Escape mainly for its tight feel and zip. I wish Ford offered a stick shift in the V6, I would have jumped all over that. The only negative I see is the analog clock in the middle of the dash. Oh well, great car!

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  Ford exploder? - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By landroverG4 - May 16 - 3:00 am

  Great truck amazing for winter! Very hard to get stuck hard corp truck off roading. Tight seating not good with kids perfect if your single. Dont trust the dealerships. I had no brakes or dash lights or muffler. O2 sensors are pricey and the truck is a gas pig for sure! But little fix on it had it a year and had to repair dealer goofs. Good by if weather turns fast.

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  The little red car that could! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By pickleman - May 15 - 5:21 pm

  Bought this car new, and paid only $10,000! This car has paid for itself so many times over, I ought to build a shrine to it! This is the 4 door sedan, the LX sport. It came with special sport seats with rear headrests and different fabric than the base model, plus a better radio, a wing on the trunk, nicer alloy wheels, spoiler, etc. 170,000 miles with only wear and tear items replaced (belts, engine mount, catalytic converter) the front head light lenses fogged over and replaced, several sets of tires and brakes and oil changes pretty much it!

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  Gamble Paid Off - 2006 Ford Escape
  By angrisicilian - May 15 - 5:20 pm

  Was nervous about buying Ford after owning Honda Accord. While the Accord is great, the Escape is very good and we love toting the family around in it. V6 is powerful enough, steering responsive, ride smooth (for a small SUV) and build is pretty good. The overall feel of the car is economy, but the drive is very good. Hate the AC setup w cheap dials and few settings (cant direct AC to floor or ceiling only), doors are very light and it clunks into gear when put into reverse from my drive way. Would highly suggest this car for those on a budget w a family. Not too sexy but a great, eccomonical car to get the kids to practice, groceries home and occasional trip to Yosemite.

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  No better Compact Truck...period - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By C Smith - May 15 - 4:28 pm

  3rd Ranger Ive owned (88,99,04). Truck is more reliable than any other truck I have owned. I work for a city gov. agency, I drive all makes and models. There is no better compact truck out there. Pull a 5x8 trailer w/ 2 sport quads. I would tell anyone to but this truck.

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  2008 Ford Taurus SEL - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Mary E - May 15 - 2:36 pm

  My husband wanted large and luxury. I wanted mid sized and fun. I lost out as this car has not one sporty bone. This is a road numbing boat car, remniscent of the Olds 98 my parents drove in the 70s. You can steer it at low speeds with one finger. There is none of that Ford/German stiffness/road feel like in my 01 Taurus, which I still love. But this car doesnt get much less fuel economy than say the Malibu. It has enough bells and whistles to keep me happy, with the Interior Convenience Pkg which has good stuff included. And thankfully, Sync works great and is fun cause Im not having much other fun driving this car. Its just too big for my tastes.

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  Fourth Ranger Ive owned - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By George Ryan - May 15 - 2:21 pm

  I have owned several Rangers and this is by far my favorite. It is an XLT w/foglamps. The four cylinder performed just fine on a trip to Corpus Christi. Averaged 25 mpg for the trip. Around town I always see 19-20 mpg.

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  Mustang GT 08 full package - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By tazwell66 - May 15 - 1:31 pm

  First time I saw this as a prototype years ago knew I had to have it. The retro design, interior display panel, and engine sound is what got me performance is what keeps me. My 1st American car! Ill keep my 4runner, this is purely a toy, and boy do I love it. Black with California package and two tone interior (dove and balck leather) is a must! Black sports stripe on black car sounded real stupid. But it works=chic and sporty. Wish I had that hood scoop. This type of looks, performance, and surprisingly decent gas mileage for under 30k$! You cant beat that, can you?

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  New Ford owner - 2008 Ford Edge
  By jgrau - May 15 - 11:37 am

  First time Ford buyer. Loved the looks, the comfort, the performance. Sat in other SUVs including Lincoln and Lexus, no difference. I actually liked the Edge better. After 1,000 miles, I like it even more. Who knew I would become a Ford believer. What a solid vehicle!

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  Great little truck - 1990 Ford Ranger
  By Josh - May 15 - 11:26 am

  I have onwned my Ranger for over a year now after purchasing from the original owner who kept detailed records and never had a major problem. I did put a motor in after an oil pump failure at 180K, I believe due to the limited mileage and it was being driven and waiting 5K miles between oil changes. I also replaced the original clutch at this time. Still gets at least 22 mpg with mosty city driving, but I could improve on that easily. Lacks power (2.3) but will haul small loads and is a joy to drive.