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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  F150 Lariat - a great vehicle - 2002 Ford F-150
  By lbryan - February 8 - 9:48 am

  I bought the truck for both business use and pleasure use. It has been a great vehicle in all aspects except that it does drink a lot of gas.

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  Wish they still made these.... - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By naaziz - February 7 - 10:17 pm

  I own a 6.0 Turbodiesel. This is one of a kind. Bought it for towing capacity (Have my Prius for commuting & Range Rover for off roading) and I am surprised how fond I have become of this truck. It is a shame Ford discontinued this truck. For space, power and functionality, nothing comes close. I have hauled plywood in the back (with doors closed), multiple people with their bags and a 6000lb boat behind me and it does not even break a sweat. I am planning on holding on to this truck as I do not know of any other vehicle on the market that offers all the functionality that Excursion offers. Unlike other reviews, I think mileage is fine for size and weight of the truck.

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  Rare Bird in a world of look alikes - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By csp.la.ca. - February 7 - 5:15 pm

  The Thunderbird is unique. After almost 3 years of ownership, I still get looks, questions and comments. They call the style retro, but actually it is a modern take of the early T-birds. The interior, I think is not unique but pretty good. For some reason I prefer the T-Bird to my BMW 540I. I like the car, I like the experience of owning the car. I was going to buy something else, but I cant find another $45K car I would rather have. For now it is a keeper. If I buy another car, Im keeping the T-Bird. I think soon the value will increase, not as an investment but people will appreciate the car for what it is, a unique, RWD, V8, 4 wheel independent suspension, 2 seater, convertible.

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  great little car - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By sue - February 7 - 1:04 pm

  I have had no problems with how my Aspire runs, it is GREAT. It is however hard to find parts online that can be shipped to an APO.

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  Fords make me uneasy - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Dale - February 7 - 8:25 am

  I bought the minivan because it works for my daughter in a wheel chair but I am concerned. The electric locks only work half the time and the front heater has cut out once. In both cases Ford repaired the problem under waranty but I hope once the 60,000ks are up I will not have many more problems. If buying new, dont buy the toys - they are only a nightmare. Poor gas mileage but nice and roomy. Runs nice.

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  Good but - 2009 Ford Escape
  By dave - February 7 - 6:06 am

  Overall the Ford Escape is pretty good. It is comfortable to sit in and drive. It looks good and has handled well in the snow. The major issue I have with the car is that the gas pedal has a strange feel to it. It vibrates prior to shifting and does not feel solid. Im debating taking it to the dealership to see if this is normal or if there is something wrong with my car.

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  Love my Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Kathryn - February 6 - 10:56 pm

  I really am amazed at my delight of my Escape. From reports I thought that the Escape was not going to be a very good investment ... thankfully I decided for myself. It is very comfortable and easy to handle. It is a blast to drive. And I get 23 miles to the gallon. It seats 5 comfortably with a lot of leg room. I definitely recommend the Ford Escape to everyone.

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  the best truck ive ever owned - 2006 Ford F-150
  By ford truck man! - February 6 - 3:53 pm

  When they say "Built Ford Tough" theyre right 100%! I bought the truck new as a left over 2006 model, and so far, nothing has been a problem. I love this truck. It tops all of the other six trucks Ive ever owned. It has a rugged, tough truck look, and a car-like plushy interior. I went looking for a truck, expecting to find one that i liked, but when i drove the F-150 out on a test drive, i loved every inch of it!

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  I4 2.5L auto 6-speed transmission woes - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Shawn - February 6 - 3:10 pm

  I want to love this car so much, but please do not buy the 2.5L 4 cylinder 6-speed auto like I did. The transmission is different in the two larger engine sizes. The tranny mated with this engine WILL fail. Do some research if you dont believe me. Our transmission problems started a week after ownership. The problems go like this: High RPM "flare" during acceleration on gear shifts 3-4 or 4-5 @ 35+ mph. The car will jerk forward violently. Theres also a very loud "clunk" when you go into reverse. The dealers will not help you until the car is dead. I took it in 3 times before they found a fault. Our fusion has been in service since Feb 8th. Today is March 2nd. Ford has not taken care of us

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  Impressed with our new hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By zeeman84 - February 6 - 12:10 pm

  So far the experience has been positive. Traded a 2005 Escape which had served us very well. Average MPG with about 50% highway and 50% city driving has been 31mpg. Very quite, handles well, interior layout is great. Very happy with this purchase.