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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  ouch!!! my back. - 2004 Ford F-150
  By mainman - May 23 - 10:00 am

  The ford f-150 is a good truck but the fact after driving it for a week my back seized and I was on the floor for 2 days. Ouch!!! I think their ment either for smaller men or really fat guys. The back support is in all the wrong places. If they use seats more like the ones in the dodge caravan Id love it. But I cant drive it for very long so I am forced to get rid of it. Ford wasnt helpful at all. They more or less told me I was screwed. Ive asked other ford owners and theyve had said there seats killed there backs also. I used to drive ford van for work at it was the same way.

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  05 escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By macn53 - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV fun to drive plenty of power.The size is just right for getting in to tight parking places not like some of the gun boats that have to back in and out three times to get into parking areas, but plenty of room inside to transport all my stuff.

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  We really like our Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Enigmaxs - May 23 - 10:00 am

  We looked at all the models available in this class and this one came out heads above the rest

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  A Beauty - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Corn Girl - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2000 Windstar for a 2004 Freestar and I am glad I did. I like this van so much that I can live in it! It is a pleasure to drive and I am pleased with the vans performance. Even my husband is looking forward to take this van on a road trip. I tried the Sienna and Odessey and there is no comparison, especially with the sporty exterior. Great job FORD!! If your in the market for a van do as the slogan says: "Have you looked at a FORD lately? Look again!" I am a satisfied owner and you will be too.

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  I wasnt planning on buying this one.... - 2005 Ford Focus
  By MJoJung - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I needed to replace my Taurus wagon, which went on life-support @ 14 years. Did a lot of research into minivans-- hadnt even heard of the Focus--but search engines kept referring me to the Focus. Drove it, liked it, liked the price & bought it. One month later like it even more--sensible design, handles well, but the biggest surprise is how much interior room it has--from inside it feels like a small SUV (except Im getting 30/gal on the highway). For a stationwagon it accelerates smartly. Im very happy with it.

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  Great alternative to Jap Econ Cars - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Nils L - May 23 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased this car, I was coming from a foreign economy car, and I was impressed right away at how solid this car felt, and how quiet the ride was. I was impressed on the handling of the car, the only complaint I really would have is that the base 2.0L engine could have a little bit more zip to it, but its still a very fun car to drive.

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  F-150 Review, 2006 - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Larry Dunlevy - May 23 - 5:46 am

  I have owned 5 F150 over the last 15 years and this is the best driving of them all. However I paid extra for the captain chairs and in my opinion they are the hardest and most uncomfortable seats that I have ever had.

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  My Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lisa - May 23 - 5:20 am

  Feels like a truck. But its not. It gives you the room to pick up and drop off without having to get someone to move it for you. Its sporty yet I am very confident that I am safe when driving it. I love my Escape! I would recommend it to anyone interested in a small SUV.

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  THE SPO - 1992 Ford Thunderbird
  By 92tbirdspo - May 23 - 12:52 am

  This car has been in my family since it was bought from the dealership. My Dad gave me the car in 2001. The car has lasted a long time.

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  2002 Ford Ranger - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By 2002 Ford Ranger - May 22 - 10:30 pm

  I have owned my 2002 Ford Ranger since August 2002, and overall I am extremely happy with my purchase. I dont know why so many of the automobile trade magazines and even you Edmunds put down the Ford Ranger as being obsolete! I compared the Ford Ranger against the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet S-10 at the time and I choose the Ford Ranger. My Ford Ranger has been reliable 100% of the time. It is easy to do the routine preventative maintenance. The price was right. I get better gas mileage (28 mpg in town driving and 34 mpg highway driving) than what the sticker showed for estimated expected MPG. If I were to buy another truck, I would definitely buy a Ford again.