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:

• 

  Very fun to drive! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Toby - May 7 - 12:43 am

  Bought the fully loaded ST with the sunroof, street body kit with oversized spoiler. Loving all of the options. Handles turns real well. Overall, its a fun car to drive.

• 

  Happy with my Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By tmk - May 6 - 11:10 pm

  A previous owner of a 02 XLT midnight which i loved, it was not hard for me to trade in for a fully loaded hybrid. I love the nav system and computer and the ride is so smooth and quite with the cvt tranny. Just all the improvements over my 02 model and the gas mileage was enough for me. It has plenty of power so the v6 is not missed and it doesnt stand out like the Toyota Prius. Dont expect too much in the gas mileage; that all depends on your driving. Im currently getting 30 with hardly any stop and go traffic in which this vehicles shines. Got a great deal on mine.

• 

  Must drive to understand - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By vkimber - May 6 - 10:54 pm

  I drove the 4 runner and Pilot and they are nice but Im very glad that I relooked at Ford they really steped up and I like the ride and feel of the Ford best, its fun to drive!

• 

  Worst SUV - 2007 Ford Escape
  By phil - May 6 - 7:26 pm

  I bought my \Escape a year ago. Was happy about it until problems started. First of, there is a noise when I turn my stering which they told me that it was totally normal. Yeah right, like it was built that way. Now the radio, auto volume doesnt work. Change it 4 times and still the same problem so I gave up. Now, a month ago, the OD light started to flash and the transmission start slippering. Went to Ford dealer, they check and change every sensor and still was the same. They didnt know what to do, so they kept the car on their lot for a week before finally decided to open the transmission which it was broken inside. No technician to repair it. Had to order a new one

• 

  Good Small SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Siobhan - May 6 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased an 2008 Escape because I need something with a little more and still got good gas mileage and I found it. My mom has an 06 and I liked that it wasnt so big and seemed fairly easy to drive. I am a woman I dont need some massvie thing and it is my first SUV. It took $25 to fill it up last week and when gas prices were higher I only paid $40 to fill it up. I have had no problems. Very happy with my purchase.

• 

  Rear Springs - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Stanton6xx - May 6 - 3:15 pm

  Four years of driving and my wife loves the car. Easy for her to handle. Gas milage going down over the years. Main item is rear coil springs. Both needed replacement. $615.00 resolution. Both sprins broke in the lower spring cup. One spring broke the second time. Micro-crack and mechanical break.

• 

  A Mopar Guy likes a Ford - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Eric - May 6 - 2:27 pm

  I was looking forward to an 08 Dodge Challenger, but the dealerships were going to gouge me. I decided to look at a car to drive for a couple of years and decided on the Mustang GT in Vapor w/Foose wheels and Roush exhaust. It is quick,handles great, has comfoprtable seats and the styling is great both inside and out. The 3:55 gears pull the car hard but offer a great compromise for general driving. If the car continues to be this strong and is reliable, I may keep it and forget the Challenger.

• 

  Fun to drive, missing some key things - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By cedartree84 - May 6 - 1:31 pm

  The 2006 Fusion is a solid car and fun to drive. Furthermore, it is really good on gas (I average 25-26 MPG mostly city driving, 32-33 MPG on the highway). I have yet to have a problem with it. Unlike other Fords I have had, it is built pretty well. The only thing I dont like about the way it drives is sometimes it feels like there is a second delay in when i hit the gas and it starts moving.

• 

  My Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Douglas Gregor - May 6 - 12:45 pm

  This Explorer w/Sport package is now nearly five years old. We had no need for the 3rd row sea but the step boards were a nesssesity for my wife. The alloy wheels give better appearance as well as being able to clean easier. The grey plastic bumpers and wheel mouldings show no damage as painted ones would have due to minor scrapes. In 36,000 miles I have only had to pay for GOF and wheel rotations and the full 30,000 Ford rec. service.

• 

  It is a truck, not a car - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By bob - May 6 - 12:36 pm

  If you want a reasonably decent small truck for hauling stuff around, the Ranger is a good choice. If you want a passenger car, buy one of those instead of a truck. BTW, the 3 liter engine is plenty powerful enough.