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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  Absolutely fantastic car. - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Norman R. - March 18 - 5:46 pm

  This car is one of the best Ive had. I absolutely love SYNC! Ive gotten up to 50 mpg in city driving! Great job Ford - an almost flawless car.

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  Cant beat this! - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By Kevyn - March 18 - 3:17 pm

  This has been a reliable, fun, long- time friend. I bought the car new in 1989. She has maneuvered me from many a mishap, always started except for one alternator change and 2 batteries. My "Car-Car" has 338,000 miles on her and Ill only replace her because shes noisy, and MY older body needs more comfort. I still average 40 miles/gallon (without use of heat or air conditioning. I have never replaced a clutch.

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  Make sure its what you want - 2004 Ford F-150
  By george - March 18 - 8:53 am

  Ive owned several pickup trucks from different manufacturers. Make sure you buy one that you need. The F-150 has the best frame in the business. But what good is that if the drivetrain self-destructs? Youre left with a large paper weight in your driveway. For me, the Tundra would have been a better choice. Even with its less developed frame, it is much more reliable. But you cant get $11,000 off msrp on a Toyota.

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  I LOVE IT - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Nancy Smith - March 18 - 1:46 am

  This is the most awesome vehicle I have ever owned. It is a practical size not some oversize behemoth. It handles really great, and you cannot knock the great fuel economy. It has plenty of power and the air conditioning is the best especially in Las Vegas during the summer. I love driving it everywhere

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  4 Transmissions in 5 Years? - 2001 Ford Escort
  By No More Ford. - March 18 - 12:55 am

  Ive had this car for about five years now and its got 64,000 miles on it. I am on my FOURTH transmission (Ive got a manual), and Ford isnt interested in hearing about it. While everything else about the car is fine, I am at the point where I may as well buy a new car since repair costs just about equal payments on a new car. At first the car was perfect, but now I dont trust it and I wouldnt recommend it to anyone.

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  Very unhappy with 2005 Expedition - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By areyes1 - March 17 - 1:03 pm

  I have had a ton of problems with my 2 year old truck. Last year it went in because every time I started it, it sounded like it was going to fall apart at the hinges. Good thing its under warranty, that was $2000 worth of repair (and a week without it). It will be going in Monday because the power steering went out this week. Common for Fords I guess. This truck only has 16,000 miles though. Among smaller things The back hatch doesnt close correctly (never has) same with the rear driver side door. Windows are very slow to roll up. Oh and the wonderful 9 miles to the gallon you get if you are lucky. I cant wait to get my Yukon. I despise this truck. I have had better junkers.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By timbo2 - March 17 - 10:48 am

  Recently upgraded from 1998 XLT 4x4 Expedition that was still excellent after 129,000 miles including 4,000 yearly miles towing a 7,000# travel trailer. The new 2004 Eddie Bauer feels stronger with the extra 30 HP with 5.4L engine. This one has everything except air suspension and navigation system. So far around town averaging 16.7 mpg. Other than rear axle whine which will be fixed next week am extremely happy with this vehicle. Ford hit the spot with this one!

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  Cant go wrong with this one! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Pablo Suarez - March 17 - 10:36 am

  I have been in the automobile industry for over 30 years and after living in three continents and after owning Hillmans, Opels, Fiats, Citroëns, Toyotas, Hondas, Hyundais, Mopars (Chryslers), GMs, and Fords, I can say that this SUV is the most satisfying vehicle I have owned so far. It meets all my current needs almost perfectly. It is the right size for me, fit and finish are great, it is quiet, performance, for a 4 cyl SUV, is brilliant, it has all the right features and it averages 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG in the highway. If you are on the market for a small SUV, go ahead and test drive them all, you cannot go wrong with this one!

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  Ranger is rugged - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By William - March 17 - 10:15 am

  Bought this vehicle six weeks ago from original owner whod put 82,000 miles on it. Had it tuned up (new plugs, serpentine belt, engine coolant, etc.) and it runs great. Has 4.0 V-6 with 5 speed automatic. Ideal for hauling off yard debris, clipping or the occasional piece of furniture, etc. Excellent for towing my motorcycle. Gas mileage isnt great, but thats because of 4.10 rear end. So far so good.

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  Ford Got it Right - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gerry - March 17 - 5:06 am

  This is a really great family car. Ford has a winner here. Roomy and comfortable interior, nice around town and on highway and really good mileage. This is not a magazine car, it is for a real family.