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:

• 

  I like it - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Flaford - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased this vehicle and found both the dealership staff and the quality of Ford to have improved remakably since I last bought a Ford.

• 

  my explorer sport trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By joe maisel - February 7 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd sport trac I had a 2001 I ordered my 2003 on 6/2002 even before they had come out so as to get exactly what I wanted. I was not disapointed.I got a fully loaded vechile with the exception of leather and I bought it in zinc yellow. it has been everybit I had hoped for

• 

  Totally love it - 2009 Ford Escape
  By SmallTownGuy - February 7 - 2:23 am

  What a great vehicle, totally love it. Just bought it Nov 24th. SYNC is so much fun..a great feature! I also like the power sunroof with shade. Never had Sirius satellite radio before and wiil definitly subscribe once my 6 months runs out. Am very happy with my Escape, would recommend it to anyone. Everywhere I go, people come over and ask me about it. As a big guy, I feel very comfortable in it, very roomy. Ride is smooth and it handles very well. I did get the 4 wheel drive and havent really tried it out. Living here in Maine, we have some pretty nasty weather, so I am anxious to see how it handles in snow.

• 

  Its a great car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Christy - February 7 - 12:14 am

  This car has been one of the best cars I have owned. Its like driving a race car. My car is a 5 speed. It drives really smooth. It handles curves really good.

• 

  Do not buy - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ibo316 - February 6 - 5:30 pm

  I bought this through my friend who works for Ford in Detroit by way of the friends and family plan. I will never buy another Ford ever. The seats are hard, uncomfortable, and flat. Ford goes nuts over everything being electronically controlled like the transmission. The transmission fluid cannot respond as fast as the electronics. There is noticeable gas pedal delay when you slow and try to accelerate and when passing. The original front brake pads cause the rotors to glaze and then the dealer tells you that the rotors are warped. Do not fall for this if you do not ride the brakes like crazy.

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Ford4v460 - February 6 - 1:50 pm

  Loved this vehicle since the day I bought it, had no problems with it. I live in an area where a 4x4 is a must and it doesnt miss a beat in mud or snow. The 4.0L is not as powerful as some of its competition but it fits the trucks size. A better pick than a full size pickup if you dont have a family.

• 

  Battle Tested - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Ed T. - February 6 - 1:34 pm

  Yeah, its not the new, high tech, BIG Tacoma, or the high powered Frontier. Its just a time tested, classic looking, reliable truck, which very quietly still holds its own with a very dated platform. It does everything I ask of it, for about $3500-4500 dollars less than a comparably equipped Toyota or Nissan. Its comfortable, relatively quiet, and the 4.0 has plenty of power and torque. Ill stick with the battle tested American classic! Fully loaded for just over $20,000! Please, next question.....

• 

  Not a cold weather car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Bill - February 6 - 7:20 am

  Very happy overall but this car got 40 mpg (real, not dash estimate)in warm weather, but only get 35 in cold weather. Mixed highway and city driving. If you opt for comfort and features, this is a great car. If you are out for high mileage, buy a Prius.

• 

  GRAY HAIR/BIG CAR - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By tom - February 6 - 7:13 am

  I like my 500 but it is definitely underpowered...not sure if the CVT is the culprit for the lack of power. I would like to see an SRT version of the 500 for us Boomers that like to be respectable, comfortable, and civilized but want the "extra" under the hood that we can set free on those all too rare occasions.

• 

  Great sedan - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By tbnh - February 6 - 1:43 am

  This is my first car in a long time. I have had trucks for the last 8 years and I was not too excited about getting a sedan. Drivng this car made me forget all about wanting another truck. The fit and finish on this car is first class. Everything is tight and pleasing to the eye. The V6 with the 6sp auto has great performance and has a suprising amount of pep at highway speeds when you need to pass someone. I am very impressed with this product from Ford. Is as good or better than any other mid-sized sedan I have been in. A real good example of how good Ford can do.