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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  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Mellon fry - May 29 - 5:32 am

  This is a great vehicle. I get 20 mph on the road. I am not tired after a 1000 mile trip in one day. Very reliable. Much better than the Mercedes suv that I owned.

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  Best car out (for the money) - 2006 Ford Focus
  By josh - May 29 - 4:48 am

  I picked this up as a commuter car to make the 140 mile round trip commute to school. Its got plenty of power, and is responsive. It rolls down the highway smooth as silk at 75-80 miles an hour. I got the cold weather package (heated seats and side mirrors), Sony audiophile package and all the goodies that come with the SES trim. For the money, this car can not be beat. Comfortable, stylish and plenty of pep from the 2L engine. No other entry level car competes with the Focus.

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  So Far the Best - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By freeandfighting - May 29 - 12:33 am

  Yes, the best vehicle Ive purchased in my 45 years buying new and used cars. Zero defects, outstanding mileage. I think it combines the best combination of mileage, safety, capacity, and price of any vehicle in the U.S. market today. Its $3,000 income tax rebate made it a $25,600 purchase price for me plus tax and tag. Noticeable improvements over the 2008 model I test drove early in the year. You could coast for a long time between 35 and 40 mph on electric alone! Mine is still on break-in and the average mileage with AC on half of the time (Miami,FL) is 33.6 mpg. This is on a mix 50% suburban, 30% city, 20% highway; and American made to boot.

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  Nice first car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Paco - May 28 - 8:56 pm

  I love this car. It is good and economical and very reliable when it is well taken care of. Good car for single people or students.

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  2001 Sport - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Mike - May 28 - 7:54 pm

  Bought brand new when I started college. Never had a problem with the truck, cant say the same about college. I still drive it everyday to and from work it still feels and has the reliability it did when it was brand new. Cant wait to pay off my student loans so I can buy a new one.

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  Focus Saleen - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Scott - May 28 - 7:24 pm

  This car is so much fun.I am getting decent mileage but had hoped for better. The interior is tops and the exterior gets looks everywhere I go. Bigger drink holders would have been nice but may have lost some of the look. This thing hugs the road and acceleration is amazing.

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  Lovin My Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By liguy631 - May 28 - 6:00 pm

  I have my 2012 Focus SLE Hatchback for about a month and a half now. I absolutely LOVE this car. Having an SUV for the past 11 years, I wanted a change. Originally went down to Ford to look at the Fiesta, then, I saw this Focus. I needed something that got good gas mileage as I was recently transferred with my job, and am now driving 60 miles a day, versus 10! I loved this car from the minute I saw it. I have the Tuxedo Black (Great color) with Black Leather interior. My only regret is getting the Black interior, should have went with the Stone Color Leather , as the Black is very HOT in the summer in this car until the A/C cools it down. I am averaging 31 MPG right now in mixed driving.

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  Not much trouble making my decision. - 2010 Ford F-150
  By gbrk - May 28 - 2:50 pm

  Having driven all brands pickup trucks in the 1/2 ton size it wasnt difficult to decide the F150 provides the best bang for the buck. While the Dodge rides equally as well Im concerned about the reliability and performance of the coil springs used in the rear suspension. Fords bed access tailgate step is so convenient and makes entry to the bed extremely safe and easy. The rear view camera is the best of all trucks. The superimposed lines that help direct you also should be on all cameras. Ford sets the Standard and by not taking Government money I feel Im supporting a company that fends for itself by improving quality and performance. No comparison to the ride over rough ground.

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  Outstanding car - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By John - May 28 - 11:06 am

  This car has been VERY dependable since we bought it in 1993 as a program car. It is important to keep the transmission fluid changed every 30- 40k. Low maintenance, dependable transportation, well suited to commuting where an excess of power and performance is not required.

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  Good for a family on the go! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Miss M - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this because I was, frankly, scared of the size of a F150 extended cab! I like that I have a truck that isnt too big, and isnt too small. It is a good and comfortable vehicle for driving long distances in. I know the bed is small and the towing capacity is less than its big brothers, but still 5300 pounds is still pretty good. For me I am beyond pleased!