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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  Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Shane - January 18 - 5:16 pm

  I recently donate my car (98 Old Intrigue w/ 250,000 miles) and traded in a F-150 for my new Escape. It is the perfect compliment of the two vehicles. The ride is a lot better then what I expected from this vehicle. And it has seemed to handle the snow and ice well in these wonderfully short MN and ND winters. Im averaging 24.6 (through the first 4,100 miles) MPG with the V6 which has been the most pleasant surprise.

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  A true master piece - 2005 Ford GT
  By tony aalam - January 18 - 12:49 pm

  Words alone can not describe how good this car really is. All i can say is that I have been racing cars since the late 80s and nothing comes close to the FORD GT. Im also a proud owner of Ferrari 575 and just sold my Lambo Gallardo. Without disrespecting its competitors I can say that the FORD GT is a class of its own. A real drivers car.

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  Hay it was a free car - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Red Neck - January 18 - 7:15 am

  I got this car for free from a lady, it was in bad shape. I fix cars for fun, so I took the car. Well $1,950 later, and tons of cuts later and it runs as good as it is going to for the high high miles on it. When anyone ask me about my car I say "The only thing I pass is the gas station". I say for a high school kid this car would be good, it taken a beating keep on running, just dont run into the curb faster then 5 mph, youll bend the body.

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  My Ford - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By wingnut - January 18 - 1:11 am

  This truck has been a good, solid means of transportation. It is good for hauling standard cargo (though the back suspension is a little soft for heavier loads). However, as a daily driver it has mediocre power and lousy gas mileage (17mpg mixed!). If you need to haul light cargo, get the 4cyl. If you need to pull things, get a big diesel. As for myself, my next purchase will be a good hatchback. However, I wont be buying anything until my truck dies. Admittedly, with a Ranger, that could be a very, very long time.

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  Well built. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By D - January 17 - 8:23 pm

  This was a good buy for me. Not too much hp I thought I needed it but I go to and from work, besides I only need to tow my friends around. I like it so far anyway, Ive only had it for a month.

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  Finally used in Ice and Snow - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Art - January 17 - 4:48 pm

  My wife has medical problems that made entering and exiting her Taurus a problem. Explorer sat too tall. Pilot was too bulky. Pilot was too expensive. Pacifica was ok, but no deals. We liked the Freestyle with the first test drive. The local dealer ran an ad showing 8 Freestyle Limiteds for the same very good price. We also got 0 percent financing. The fold down seats have been great allowing us to carry 25 to 30 entries to flower shows all over Washington. Mileage has been as high as 26. Lowest maybe 16. Adjustable seats with 2 presets work great for wife. Major snow and ice this week and the Freestyle with Pirellis performed flawlessly. We are very happy with the CVT and the car.

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  No Regrets - 2007 Ford F-150
  By arbor-master - January 17 - 4:38 pm

  Love this truck, fun to drive, looks professional bidding jobs for my tree service, yet fun to drive anywhere.

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  Rear Differential Problems - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Grey goose - January 17 - 3:12 pm

  Excellent vehicle as far as the looks and feel goes. However, the 2002-2004 Explorers have a reputation for having to have the rear slip differential replaced/repaired multiple times. The manufacturer is absolutely no help and denies that this problem exists.

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  About Time! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Alex - January 17 - 11:13 am

  This car offers the best of European, Japanese and American car making and design. I am pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  My 94 performance Mustang - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By Josh Froiland - January 17 - 10:08 am

  Ive dropped a lot of money into this car, making it faster than before. This is one of the most fun vehicles Ive ever had. It has a great blend of old American muscle, integrated with new technology.