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:

• 

  2006 4X4 Ford Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Warren Silverwood - September 12 - 2:53 pm

  I wanted a plain truck that was good on gas with a lot of aftermarket parts available. The 2006 Ford Ranger with the 3.0 Vulcan V6 has been perfect. This truck was very affordable so with the money saved I was able to upgrade it to my specs. It is fun to drive and is very reliable.

• 

  Ford Escape Hybrid Delivers - 2005 Ford Escape
  By YesterdayWhen - September 12 - 4:56 am

  The Ford Escape Hybrid is a gem. It has exceptional power when needed and incredible responsiveness to the touch of the wheel. The Ford Escape hybrid just won the North American Truck of the year award in Jan. of 2005. If you drive one you will know why. The Ford Escape Hybrid is my favorite lifetime vehicle purchase to date. Ford went above and beyond to build this hybrid. It is a great feeling to have a SUV with good looks, one that is clean, with a super tax rebate at the end of the purchase year, that is actually using no petrol while crawling through traffic next to that monster gas guzzler and knowing that when you need to accelerate, the Ford Escape Hybrid will deliver!

• 

  2007 Escape after 6 months - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Al - September 11 - 10:33 pm

  I received my new 2007 Escape in June as it was one of the first 2007s manufactured. It replaced my 2000 Explorer XLT with 170K miles. My first impressions of the Escape were very good and Im still happy after 6 months and 14K miles. Gas mileage is steady at 22 mpg, about 7 mpg better than my 00 Explorer. Weak areas are the rear brakes, which are drum rather than disc as my Escape is equipped with a 4 cylinder engine. There is also driveline vibration at times, plus noticeable rattles and general mechanical noise. I would recommend the Escape but ONLY if it has front and rear disc brakes. The rear brake fade is noticeable and dangerous at times.

• 

  70K miles, no problems - 1999 Ford Taurus
  By Golfnut - September 10 - 4:57 pm

  I purchased this new w/ incredible discounts, $8,000 off and 0.0% financing, no Japanese car can compare with that. The interior space is great, Im 511", 270lbs and I have no problems getting in or out. I can not get into hardly any Japanese vehicle. I have not had to make any repairs on this vehicle and saved over $10,000 compared to comparable Japanese cars. I love my Taurus and will be giving it to my 16 year old son to drive because I know it is dependable.

• 

  I have a lemon - 2008 Ford Escape
  By sandy - September 10 - 9:30 am

  I bought my 2008 For Escape in Jan 2008. First 2000 miles was good I had no complaints. Then a rattle started in the back hatch. The rattle would get worse until the back hatch would work its way loose and the light indicator on the dash would come on that I had a door open.wWuld stop the vehicle get out shut the hatch. Ive had it to the dealership 11 times for this. Now it leaks when it rains in the front drivers floorboard. Ive had it back 3 times for the leak, still none of the problems are fixed.

• 

  Expedition Limited_2006 - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By Al - September 10 - 7:34 am

  After trading a 2004 Trailblazer I was delightfully impressed with the Expeditions driveability and handling. The turning radius and tracking are very impressive for a vehicle this size. It is very assuring to know of the vehicles impressive safety record as well as the curtain air bags. Very good visibility due to height of vehicle and the large foldable mirrors. Heated and cooled seats are comfortable and very adjustable. Great versatility with auto folding rear seats and manually folding mid seats. Hauled large patio set with ease. Gas mileage is better than expected with 17.5 MPG in mixed driving. Have not done trip only yet. So far I love the overall size and comfort of the 2006 Expy!

• 

  $12000? Cant go wrong - 2006 Ford Focus
  By livforvaca - September 9 - 11:25 pm

  After 6 months any new car is just "a car". This one does everything you need, especially at $3 a gallon. Im 62" and fit in it great. The air is cold, stereo is fine and $250/month with $500 down is great. I wanted a Charger RT but my payment would have been $600/month. You figure it out!

• 

  Me - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JW - September 9 - 12:02 pm

  So far nothing but carefree driving. Getting about 18 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway...not bad for an suv.

• 

  2015 PLATINUM - 2015 Ford F-150
  By STEVE WOOLDRIDGE - September 9 - 6:42 am

  2015 re-design is superb! Platinum runs and handles fantastic! The interior quality and layout is very user friendly, very comfortable! The exterior is solid and flawless, ride and handling is superior to any truck and most cars I have owned or driven. I highly recommend this truck to anyone who is thinking about a new or pre-owned purchase!!

• 

  LOVE IT, LOVE IT! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Judey - September 9 - 5:36 am

  I love my Freestyle! The ride is outstanding, the interior is comfortable and well thought out and the exterior design is awesome. I am very impressed by Fords new vehicle and am happy I decided to purchase one. Gas mileage has been excellent so far and I totally enjoy driving it every chance I get. It handles very well in snow & on wet surfaces; I feel confident driving my car ~I have no reservations about driving long distances, in both good & bad weather conditions. There is plenty of room for whatever Im carrying & the fold down seats are a nice change from my van. I love everything about the Freestyle & look forward to many years of happy driving. I get tons of compliments on my new car