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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  Big Surprise - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By BTG - April 10 - 5:50 pm

  I need a large car to provide room and comfort to clients. Many of my co- workers buy luxury nameplates I chose the 500 for its comfort. Almost all of my passengers are amazed at the quality, comfort and ride of the 500. Poor weather handling is fantastic. This car is not as ego inflating as those German megapriced sedans but it has surprised those owners with the good seat support and unequaled rear seat room, comfort and ride quality. On the highway it is quite, smooth and responsive. In over 28,000 miles my only service has been oil changes and tire rotation. I have not had one single defect or problem. The AWD works without any fuss and adds a true feeling of security. Bravo Ford!

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  2002 Ford Escape XLS - 2002 Ford Escape
  By C L B - April 10 - 1:01 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used (end of lease). Excellent condition. Ran into problems with manual transmission, idler bearing self-destructed. 3 weeks to replace, but local dealership was extremely accomodating. This sort of failure should simply not happen with a manual transmission.

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  Black and Beautiful - 1999 Ford Escort
  By turboDREAMS - April 10 - 9:56 am

  My Escort has almost 180k on it now and has never let me down. Ever. She sees high rpms on a daily basis because of how fun this ride is! 5spd is definitely the way to go and the response is outstanding. I thought escorts were grandma cars until i noticed civics trying to keep up! The handling is so smooth that i sometimes forget that I am in an Escort. All my friends look to the ground with rising gas prices as I enjoy the day no matter what with my easily captured 35mpg. Fuel economy is simply amazing in this car! If you want an affordable car that just wont leave you in the dust or stranded, and out runs half the hybrids in the mpg test, i can confidently say "go with the Escort!"

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  Smooth Sailing - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By S.J. Carey - April 10 - 3:06 am

  This is mainly driven by my wife. Our children love the DVD player. Gets way better gas mileage than our Lincoln LS. I like dealerships that actually care about their customers. When you shell out $30,000 dollars for a car I want to be pampered before, during, and after the sale. Considered buying a Camry, Accord, or Maxima BUT with the same features this 500 was thousands of dollars less expensive.This is a nice car that I love to drive.

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  Great Truck. - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Steve - April 9 - 9:42 pm

  I dont have this truck anymore but I had it for almost 2 years and put 24000 miles on it. I had to get rid of it early because I was about to go over the mileage for the lease. This truck was great, the only reason I didnt buy it was the bed was too small. Ive never had any problems with it. The gas mileage wasnt bad for the way it was driven. I averaged 14-16 going to work and on long trips around 19. The power was good but i wanted a little more so the Edge chip worked great for that, like a whole new motor. The chip also improved gas mileage too. It was great on the beach, towing and the interior was really roomy and comfortable. Im looking to get another one soon with a 6.5 foot bed.

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  What a car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By daniel - April 9 - 5:10 pm

  This car is great. Handling, power, style, comfort, and the room. This car has more leg room than our sport trac. We have been getting 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Thats better than the posted numbers on the window sticker. Just to bring it to your attention look at what Chevy did with the new Malibu and tell me what car does it resemble.

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  Extremely happy with this terrific SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jason ESi-T - April 9 - 2:53 pm

  So far, I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle. The car always gets stares from people, and keeps me looking back at it when I walk away. Its the first SUV Ive bought, and so far, its everything Ive expected. Weve just had a bad week of ice/snow, and the SUV has again proved its worth. The poor gas mileage was expected, but the sheer delight of owning this fabulous automobile was definitely a pleasant surprise.

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  2004 Ford Taurus SE - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By David - April 9 - 12:02 pm

  I put a considerable amount of miles on this car each year mostly highway. Car has averaged 20mpg. For the most part the Taurus has been reliable, but soon after I passed 60,000 miles (warranty expire) I started to have nagging issues. I performed the regular maintenance, but mechanical elements still broke down (i.e. transmission, alternator, etc.)

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  Eddie Bauer not Jack Bauer - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By darth_stater - April 9 - 11:34 am

  Have had the vehicle for three years and it is really great. Nice fit and finish, solid construction and good performance. Gas mileage leaves to be desired and sometimes the braking seems a little scary. Moved to the big city now and must unload it for something a little more size appropriate.

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  True American Muscle - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Bullit - April 9 - 10:17 am

  Purchased from original owner who took very good care of it. Live in S. Florida and dash isnt even cracked! Due to gas cost I use it mainly for weekend toy. This is my 4th stang and by far my favorite! Could use some interior design changes, but performs very well, and plenty of power just the way it is. Only change has been the flowmaster exhaust I had installed. I wouldnt sell it for nothing. I plan to carefully maintain and keep for long time! My son is 13, and hopefully get to enjoy driving it also! Gets lots of compliments!