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 Escort SE Wagon - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Pete ED - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I am a family man and pretty much like the car. Great value for the buck.

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  European Car at Economy Prices - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mroland - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Extremely responsive and fun to drive. The cars begs to be thrown into corners and play. It has a fanstastic stereo, and roomy accomodations for 4 people. Its a sport hatch more than an economy car.

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  Happy - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Marc Arch - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving the Explorer Sport. To me the Explorer Sport is a comfortable, quick, and agile truck. After 10 years of driving various trucks, and after renting numerous mini-utes, I purchased the right vehicle. Trucklike yes, but solid feeling with a quick smooth engine/tranny combo. Yes, maybe a little harsh through the front end on bumps, and gas mileage could be better. I find the steering accurate, body lean is far less than most other trucks and utes. (Less jiggly than the V6 Escape I had for 5 Days)

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  Super Performance and Comfort! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By John Campbell - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I have been investigating these trucks for over 3 years and the people that Ive talked with agree these super trucks are unique and not for the average person. Average as in someone looking for a everyday driver/commuter type vehicle. These trucks dont get great gas milage, but thats the only negative thing about this truck. If youre looking for unreal performance, power, and stylish comfort and dont care about gas milage, do it!

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  Twenty Years with Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Gaffer - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Ford trucks for over twenty years and moved into the Explorer with the same expectations. The performance is good but the gas mileage is only a little better than my trucks. The seats and trim need improvement. They are adequate but for what the Explorer cost I expected a little more. While it handles well off the road, getting the mud from inside the doors is a hassle. Going through a car wash doesnt get it, you have to open the doors to really clean it off.

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  Poor reliability - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By wind - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Within three months of ownership, I had a lot of engine problems! I wasted a lot of my time, as well as money sending my truck to the repair shop for expensive mechanical problems. The customer service complaint line was a waste of time. The trade value for this vehicle is another sad issue. If I want to trade my vehicle , I will lose 3,000 from the blue book value! I will never buy another FORD!

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  Amazing Car at an Amazing Price - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Robert Aitchison - January 12 - 2:00 am

  My Focus is getting close to 2 years old and is still as solid as the day I drove it off the lot. Performace is AMAZING, its an incredibly fun to drive car. Reliability has exceeded expectations.

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  1FTYR10U71PA80634 - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By Ed Grey - January 12 - 2:00 am

  2001 step side Regular cab Ranger XLT Toreador Red. Power steering, cruse control, remote Keyless entry. Single CD radio AM/FM bright crome wheels, 15 inch wheels 225 tires. V6 three liter engine five speed auto 3.73 rearend. 60/40 split bench seat, leather wraped steering wheel, power windows, power locks, power mirrors

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  You gotta love it ! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Burghguy - January 11 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my 2008 Escape XLT 3 weeks ago and am impressed. I traded in my 2006 Fusion and could not be happier. The ride is like a sedan, fit and finish is great, and the new look exterior says class. The satellite radio is way too much fun. The interior could use more padding, but looks good. I have averaged 24 MPG for city driving and this alone is impressive. I cant wait everyday to hop in and drive. I have owned 20 cars in my life, 16 new cars, and this Escape ranks at the top. Thanks Ford!

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  FX4 Level II Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Phil - January 11 - 6:31 pm

  I bought this to replace an 04 Suburban 2WD. I love the look of the truck and it seems to be VERY solidly built. I wish Ford would get their act together and improve the gas mileage of the 4.0 V-6. I have to say it is the worst thing about the truck. Also, I havent owned it long enough to know about its reliability, but at least I have a warranty!