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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  My first SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Rodney Vaughn - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the comfort, speed and looks of my first SUV. I think that if you take one for a test drive you will also.

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  A Fun Car - 2004 Ford Escape
  By X Explorer Driver - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Awsome car for the city. Zips in and out of traffic and so far is great on gas. I had a 94 Explorer and it does not compare for fun. Cant wait for summer to go up in th Sierras

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  good car - 2004 Ford Escape
  By sfcasshaw - April 3 - 2:00 am

  the car is fun to drive. gets better gas milage the the ranger i use to have.

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  Steves Ford built truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By sed - April 3 - 2:00 am

  It is a wonderful experience. I have had oner problem. The alternator was faulty. The dealer fixed it in short order, and I have had no other problems!!

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  F-150 Lariat Crew Cab - 2004 Ford F-150
  By CFIEd - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad vehicle, just a bit pricey. The ride is very smooth, which is expected for such a heavy truck. The interior is comfy, and back seats have lots of leg room. I seem to be able to fit in the available storage spaces everything that I was carrying in my previous vehicle, an Explorer SportTrac.

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  Not exactly what I thought - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By natumbu - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Explorer sport is a beauty to look at, fun to drive and I love my moonroof the most. But, with this being my first SUV purchase, I expected a more comfortable suspension. The only issue I have with my Explorer is the suspension on bumpy roads or expecially potholes. I think I would have research the other models more, to see if they provided a more comforatable suspension, but I just didnt want that big four-door version.

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  Taurus Wag - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By T.H. - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I chose the Taurus wagon over a van due to economy reasons. We needed a little larger vehicle for luggage and passenger purpose when our grandchildren are with us. The wagon with the 3rd rear seat works great! If needed, we have more luggage space inside than a normal trunk or can put it on the roof rack. We are very, very satisfied with the Taurus and are getting about 26-30 mpg highway miles and average of 22 combination. The Texas wind in the panhandle area is terrible but the wagon tracks straight and true. The smaller engine provides plenty of power as far I am concerned.

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  Fantastic small car for the money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By BHenze - April 3 - 2:00 am

  What can I say, fast, fun to drive and good looking small car. This is the the only small car I would drive.

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  not your everyday focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Weston A. - April 3 - 2:00 am

  All i can say is what a great car. This car has everything and more expected from a Ford vehicle. even though subaru makes a faster car i dont see it being as nice as the svt, and not to mention its 5000+ dollars more price tag. The car i own is equipped with the european appearence package, and wow is that worth the money. if anything ford is selling this option to cheap. all in all the best car i have ever owned, (even though my last car was a 1991 porsche 944 S2!)

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  on GTs GT Convertible - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By by GT - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I picked this car in October of 05 after waiting 4.5 months for delivery. It was worth the wait. Ford hit not just a home run but a grand slam. Exceptionally powerful and comfortable cruiser. The world seems a better place when you are cruising in this future collectible with the top down. All of 65-69 Mustang styling cues in one package!