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 escape 01 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By redzone98 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  great entry SUV, very quick, great engine, tons of TQ, fold down seats great when carrying alot of boxes / cargo, stock tires do wear a bit quickly,

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  4x4 xls 4cyl - 2001 Ford Escape
  By dm1600 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  really enjoy vehicle overall. power is a bit weak with 4 cyl, not a good trade off but saved $$$$ over purchase price. very comfortable for adults in front & back. now have 40k miles runs great and still tight. great value

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  My stang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Lord Syrux - January 31 - 2:00 am

  everyone told me this was a bad car to get but i love it. reliability is great and not many cars are faster on the road. it also is good with traction control in the snow.

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  No problems here! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By three-gals-n-gear - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new 1998- now has 60K miles on it...no maintenance issues- transmission is fine, everyone seems to complain about that one on Fords- very reliable- great creature comforts on Eddie Bauer model. Ford replaced 4 tires and spare for free, even though my particular tires werent involved in Firestone issues. Great customer service through the whole recall issue. Havent even replaced brakes yet! Plan to purchase another Ford after this one.

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  97 Crown Victoria - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Pgodio1 - January 31 - 12:20 am

  These cars are built to last! You can beat them and they run forever. They last ten times longer than any civilian vehicle. I had a 94 CVPI that I sold with 250,000 miles on it. still running strong. The Crown vic is a beast, a bear in the winter!

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  It aint bad but not fantastic - 2000 Ford F-150
  By plaid_britches - January 31 - 12:16 am

  It is extremely reliable and for the miles on it, it has only needed one tranny service and currently is misfiring on cylinder 7. But with the miles and how much I pulled a trailer with it, its a nice truck and it could sit a little higher, 17 inch wheels should be changed to another size maybe 18" because of the tire prices, 18s being cheaper, engine could use some more power, but overall it is a great truck.

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  GREAT car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By PSPTom - January 30 - 10:26 pm

  After reviewing and test driving small and midsized wagons for nearly a year, the summer 2005 sale price on this vehicle finally tipped the scale. I couldnt be happier. This car is fun to drive, very peppy with good road feel and still more economical to drive than most of the competition. It has more actual cargo room than many larger SUVs and wagons.

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  This has been a solidly reliable car - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Dave - January 30 - 10:05 pm

  This car has required only 2 minor repairs in 76,000 miles. We drive it daily and have taken a number of long trips with it. It handles well. It is a great size for driving in traffic and the visibility is good all around. Its not over-powered, but there are slower cars out there for the price. Too bad they stopped making this car --- I would buy another one.

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  You get noticed - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Heather - January 30 - 9:26 pm

  When I purchased this car the first thing that caught my eye was the body style. How they had gone back in time at least in my mind. It handles very well, the interior design I think needs just a little bit of work but not a lot. The trunk release is only on the key chain that I have found and would have rather them put another inside the car. All in all I love my new Mustang and I wont be getting rid of it for a long time.

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  Something you can fit in - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Mike & Lora Perkins - January 30 - 8:44 pm

  My wife and I just purchased our new Freestyle limited addition back in Dec 06 and I have to say we love it. I wanted an SUV that I could fit in and at 6.4 and 270lbs thats not easy to find sometimes but this vehicle was everything we wanted and more, its comfortable to ride in, easy to drive and it was loaded. Our son loves the rear DVD player and most of all I had plenty of room! There was no more of this getting out of my vehicle and my knee was on the ground or up on the dash as I was driving. The Freestyle was just the right fit for our family and our budget, I dont think I could have purchased something else this nice and loaded for what we paid for it, Im very happy with it.