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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  Get a P71 - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By P71inVA - March 2 - 1:00 pm

  I have nothing but good things to say about my ownership experience with my black police interceptor. This car has good power, turns heads, rides like a Cadillac and has been very reliable. Of course, the police package has beefed up components but from other reviews all Crown Vics seem to be well built. You can find these cars on the used car market cheap, and if you find a well kept P71, get it!

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  Excellent Ford Ranger - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Rochester, N.Y. - March 2 - 9:49 am

  Purchased as a no frills work truck package. Love the dark grey color. It sits high so I can see above the traffic. I love this truck and its American soul. It drives like a truck, it sounds like a truck, it handles like a truck. I wouldnt have it any other way.

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  Texas Sport Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Austin Guy - March 2 - 8:40 am

  I have owned my Adrenalin addition Sport Trac for 4.5 years. I am very impressed with the reliablity and versatilty of this SUV. Besides routine maintenance I have only had to replace the battery. Love the fact I can throw firewood in the back and travel with 4 other people without having to own a crew cab truck. Minor trim issues but more irritating than anything. Ungainly design, gas mileage is the same as a larger SUV, needs more horsepower..but overall, very happy.

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  2005 ROUSH COUPE - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By JPS51830 - March 2 - 2:06 am

  Went to the dealer looking to see what was left. Late July usually the stock is out. Spotted a Roush in Windveil Blue and I was sold. Took it for a fast test ride and didnt need to even talk. The dealer put it into the discount package and the price was great. This car sounds like a Mustang should. Accelerates and almost begs you to hit it harder. Handling is outstanding. The only drawback is the passenger seat is low, but who cares. I wont be in that seat anyway, and the only trunk operation is on the remote or key. BTW, the trunk fits the golf clubs perfectly, so how could I say no.

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  Better than an SUV - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By annette - March 1 - 11:50 pm

  I finally got one and fell in love. It handles really well in the snow and rain. When I drive long distances my back is no longer sore. The roominess is terrific. It holds my family perfectly and everyone thinks it is great. The windshield is huge - great view. The back storage comes in real handy. I would recommend this to anyone who does not want an SUV or minivan. My husband loves it top and he is an F-250 man so that says a lot for this vehicle.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By subarktika - March 1 - 11:45 pm

  The first thing that impressed us with the Escape was the interior space. Driver and front passenger have lots of leg and head room. Like the way the rear seat cushions can be removed and also like the height of the cargo area. Ours has the No Boundaries Roof Rack which has been great for hauling bikes.

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  The Everyday Scort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By TMoney - March 1 - 11:01 pm

  The Escort LX 2dr is a nice small car for a beginner or anyone. I was surprised how well it kept up with rush hour traffic. The 1.9 liter may be a small motor but it will move. The Escort is tight in steering which is good because it handles the corners well and its very fun and easy to drive. Its easy to park. An Escort may not be like a real high performance sports car but its still a nice dependable car. I currently drive my car to school and work and Im happy to say that its a good running car. Hard acceleration is zippy. It may not be as fast as some other cars but itll do. Now I see so many Escorts around now its like its a popular compact car.

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  Ford Freestar is OK - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By vmichelelea - March 1 - 9:15 pm

  It is perfect for a family with kids.

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  Edge Gets Two Thumbs Up - 2008 Ford Edge
  By mlerysk - March 1 - 7:26 pm

  Tested every 08 CUV on the market and bought the Edge. Great 2nd row leg room with easy-to-use recline feature, as well as comfortable seating both front and back. Ridiculously fun to drive, handles well and gives driver an intuitive feel when behind the wheel. Modern styling with a good-looking, rugged-stance. Sync, navigation and Vista Roof options take an already well-designed vehicle to the next level of driver integration. Progressive, comfortable, responsive, solid and tight, the Edge is well priced in its class. A must to compare if youre in the CUV market. The more I drive it, the happier I am to own it. This vehicle grows on you with each passing day.

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  Sigh - 1996 Ford Probe
  By edismz - March 1 - 3:13 pm

  I love this cars roar once it passes 3000rpms the handling is pretty good for a FWD. But if you want a sports why would you get a FWD? Fun drive, but horrible reliability. One problem after another. If you own a Probe, 90% of the money will be going to be going into the car because of the poor reliability. The Mazda engine is excellent on that car, but that is all.