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:

• 

  Not too bad for a 13 year old car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Gary - January 6 - 6:25 pm

  I bought my 2003 Ford Escape XLT with leather seats and a sunroof in February of 2015 with 130,000 miles on it. The moment I got it I gave it a tune up and a oil change a month later I had to replace the front driver side strut and its been good ever since. I read reviews online that the transmission sometimes has problems on these cars so I decided to install a transmission oil cooler which is supposed to extend the life of the transmission it shifts smoothly by the way and the engine is good too. The battery light has been on ever since I got it but there is nothing wrong with the battery or the alternator I had it looked at by more than one mechanic and they all said the same thing one of them said it could be a bad connection to the alternator he had customers with the same exact car and the same exact problem and he said he replaced the alternator only for the light to come back on so he changed the alternator connection and that solved the problem just recently I drove 8 hours to Buffalo, NY and 8 hours back with that battery light on and nothing happened. Dont expect a 13 year old car to be perfect its going to wear down a bit and end up needing a repair no matter the make or model Ford, BMW, Volvo, Nissan, Honda, Chevy, etc. I am satisfied with my Ford Escape

• 

  Roomy - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By denver, co - January 6 - 4:27 pm

  We wanted a family truckster and the Expedition is just what we ordered. The power third row is great (it folds flat at the touch of a button, not like hauling the 50 pound Chevy seat in and out). The Limited has all the bells and whistles we could ever ask for. It has a great turning radius for such a big ride and it actually handles better than I expected. I chose the Expedition over the Tahoe just because of the power third row, it is all about convenience.

• 

  A dream car for sure!!!!! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Carol Hepner - January 6 - 3:26 pm

  The ride is amazing. Its amazingly quiet of other vehicles or Im just mesmerized by the purr of the 5.0 V8 sound. Extremely comfortable while driving. Seats mold to you, lumbar support for driver is great and I love the option of heat or cool for seats. I love everything about this car. I have the new color---Guard Metallic. Its gorgeous!!

• 

  Mustang GT - 1994 Ford Mustang
  By talon16 - January 6 - 12:57 pm

  I purchased this car new in 1994 and loved it from the start. It has been reliable and a good performer. As far as maintenance is concerned, the tranny has been replaced twice, mostly due to my own negligence.

• 

  suprised me - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By mikewithsw - January 6 - 12:42 pm

  Wow! I am surprised in how much Ive come to like the Expedition. We/I wanted the new Chevrolet Tahoe. We just couldnt pass up the 0% financing. My wife didnt really care about which one we got. I feel the Expedition offers the best bang for the buck.

• 

  Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Alex Esconde - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. It is surprisingly smooth for a SUV. I have had it for two months, and dont really have any major complaints except for the interior materails (the leather and plastic seem prety cheap). I would definately recommend buying this SUV.

• 

  Fun, with very few flaws - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Ketch22 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I am really loving my new Escape. After getting over the initial "wow I got a new car" feeling, I can honestly say that I bought the right car for me. I used to own a Mustang but needed more room and something that could comfortably hold more than 2 people. It has a lot of pep and very good sight lines in the drivers seat. Very nice factory stereo and gets much better gas mileage than I thought it should. One flaw is the cheap interior and exterior door handles. Sometimes I feel like I could snap them off with a good tug.

• 

  problem child - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By eric dahl - January 6 - 10:00 am

  i dont like the 2001 ranger because i cant keep it out of the shop as soon as i get it back something else goes wrong with it i might just have a lemon but for any one looking its very quick for a compact truck and you gotta love the styling

• 

  great - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By speed - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The ford mustang is my first car and i needed to have it because i was brought up with one. My mom had an 82 mustang, it lasted 17 years before it bit the big one. The GT mustang is great. I only have one problem, i think that the interior design could be a little better. But otherwise its the best car i have ever seen and i love cars. You should really get one, there great.

• 

  perfect for my lifestyle - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By tralic - January 6 - 8:23 am

  I always fancied having a pick-up because I do a lot of maintenance with properties I own and also like to take my bikes and other stuff to the beach. This is the perfect all rounder. Very practical with lots of nice details like the back window that goes down and all the anchors to tie down any loads. With the bed extender the capacity should be plenty for most occasions. Solid, tough build quality and fine engine. We have 3 vehicles. This is the cheapest and most popular. There are numerous times when the Sporttrac has been indispensible that I and my friends are constantly grateful for such an excellent purchase.