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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  Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TXMOM - April 12 - 4:40 am

  This vehicle has been excellent for my family of 5. It is comfortable and roomy, which is great on long trips. I have not had any problems with it except for squeaky brakes. The gas mileage is awful though. I am only getting between 13-14 MPG in town and between 18-19 MPG on highway. I guess that is to be expected from an SUV this size. Ford needs to improve the fuel economy and this vehicle would be almost perfect.

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  Still doing well - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Mike - April 11 - 9:54 pm

  I had an 06 Escape and loved it. Traded for a Mustang and recently traded back to an Escape. Great visibility and comfort. Gas mileage on the 06 was at 24 and hope to do as well on the 07. Lots of interior room with great storeage behind the back seat. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a SUV that does not need the third seat.Glad I went back to the Escape.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By wheatleynavy - April 11 - 6:26 pm

  I absolutly love my 2006 Escape. It handles better than any vehicle that I have ever driven before. The gas mileage is outstanding. Has lots of room inside. I highly recomend this SUV for anyone.

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  Its a great truck - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By Ray - April 11 - 5:59 pm

  I bought this truck new in 02. I now have 140,000 miles on it. It still looks and drives like new. I have only had to do routine maintenance. It was in the shop 1 time for a sensor that went out of range and that was covered by the warranty. All I have had to do is keep the oil changed, brakes, and tires. Its the most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Love My Lightning - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 03LightningRocks - April 11 - 5:49 pm

  There is something special about driving a pickup truck that can run off from most of the fast cars on the road. I love the reactions I get when people driving cars that have been sold to them as fast, witness my farm vehicle leaving them in the dust.

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  Most fun car Ive ever had - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Barry V - April 11 - 5:36 pm

  The version has power and PZEV to boot! I was glad to finally turn in the mini van for this. Its always fun to drive. Only things Ive improved was to change the radio from 6 dish CD to Mach 500, 6 disk and new speakes. Added cabin filter (it really works well). High performance rotors and pads.

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  Love it! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JHTKGT - April 11 - 12:54 pm

  When we got this car, I was worried that it felt to much like a truck, rather than a car. This actually wasnt an issue, since I got used to the new feel very fast (we had never owned an SUV before). Its very easy to handle and very comfortable. I love the leather seats, tinted windows and roof rack. It is perfect for us, since we travel a lot. I actually only have one major complaint: The gas tank. This one really irritates me! Every single time I try to fill it up, the nozzle clicks off, as if its full (when its completely empty). My husband said its the gas fumes in the tank, but even when I let the fumes air out before pumping, it happens every time I squeeze the nozzle handle!

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  Fusion is Quiet and Stylish - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By John Cifaldi - April 11 - 10:50 am

  Adequate performance & excellent handling. Stops on a dime. Quality of interior and exterior greatly improved compared to previous Ford products. Quick off the line if you smash the pedal to utilize the high gear. Midrange passing power is satisfactory but needs improving. Virtually no body lean when taking corners and the big tires on the SEL eat the pavement to satisfy its driver. Climate control on the SEL model is very quiet and the redundant climate and audio controls located on the steering is a ergonomic blessing. Suspension is superb giving you a rigid and quiet ride. Plenty of front and rear seat room and front seats are comfortable. Finally, headrests that are comfortable.

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  My Wife Loves Her Taurus X - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Wilson - April 11 - 1:20 am

  We purchased our Taurus X last month and immediately loved it. We took a 500 mile round trip and received many compliments along the way. Kids love the interior, especially the third row. Comfortable ride, roomy, and peppy. Would have liked the DVD option, but couldnt find one in a low optioned SEL model available on a dealers lot. Gas mileage is in the low 20s for combined driving currently, but I anticipate that it will get better in the summer after the engine is broken in.

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  Found on road dead - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Charles wilson - April 10 - 11:47 pm

  This car has a terrible transmission issue shuddering and total failure as a car. Ours had been in the shop 6 times all due to issues of some kind in the transmission at least 2 times per each item