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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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Had! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Hockeymom - January 31 - 3:26 pm

  I have only had an Escape for three months and for every day I drive, I love it more. My kids find it gives them more room than our old minivans did. Its a little truck-like for slow town driving but for average speeds its comfortable.

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  Happy & Satisfied with vehicle - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Jim - January 31 - 3:15 pm

  Bought this vehicle to tow a twenty-five foot travel trailer. I pulled it for five years over the Blueridge mountain range, six thousand foot elevation. I now have a twenty-eight foot fifth wheel travel trailer. I use a Super Glider fifth wheel to tow with. I was concerned that its extra weight might be to much but has done a fine job so far. I am within the GVCR for towing but this has not been a problem. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING OF THE DOOR LOCKS. They most always close except the right front passenger side. I have not asked for assistance for the problem and my vehicle will be six years old in May. I have completed every scheduled maintenance check on this vehicle.

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  Great Roomy Small SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Jill - January 31 - 3:05 pm

  Excellent gas mileage, enough room for hockey equipment, and perfect for traveling.

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  Explorer, not too shabby! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By packer kp - January 31 - 1:37 pm

  I love the comfort of the XLT, I think they look sharp also. I am not impressed with the city mileage 13.5 to 14 mpg. I have had it in twice for warranty tranny work so that scares me sometimes it takes a second to engage when putting it in gear. Overall I would say I am pleased as long as the tranny holds up.

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  Ford Ranger Centennial Model - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Woody - January 31 - 10:25 am

  This truck has been excellent, in all conditions. It has been in the deserts of Arizona, the mountains of Utah, and winters in western New York. It has never had a maintenance problem, is fun to drive, and delivered on the promises by Ford. Its gas mileage is not a plus, but it has a 4 liter V6. The engine is German-made and rock solid. The truck now has over 100,000 miles and still looks and runs like new.

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  Family of 6 Riding High - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Family of 6 S. Kee - January 31 - 8:50 am

  I am 110% happy with my suv it has exceeded all of my expectations. I love the power my truck brings with it. I got stuck in the snow 15 times last winter when I drove my minivan & now I have the power of my V10 engine and 4wd. My gas mileage is comparable to my old minivan. I had to use 93 octane for the van so I can use 87 octane for my suv. I dont see much difference. I can fit my 4 children, 2 Labradors and husband in my suv very comfortably. It is by far better than the Suburban and Yukon XL. I looked and drove both before my purchase. I like Fords and was happy to fine the mammoth in Fords line up. its too bad they wont make them anymore. Its easy to drive and park, smooth and comfy.

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  What a piece of junk! - 1990 Ford Aerostar
  By John Kimble - January 31 - 1:11 am

  I drive this van to school every day and it gets horrific gas mileage. In winter it has gone as far down as a whopping 7 mpg. The rust is unbelievable and the exterior design is quite flawed. The interior is nice however. What this van really needs is a lot more power. It seems like sometimes it did not want to go at all and if you are on any sort of incline at all it wont break 75 no matter how hard you press on the gas. It never heats up either. The traction is terrible. In snow if you just tap the gas the tires will spin like crazy.

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  Sleeper Sports Car - 1995 Ford Probe
  By runninwiththedevil - January 31 - 12:17 am

  Gorgeous curves, power to spare, reliable as an anvil, the 5 speed Probe GT has been a sheer delight to own and drive. 135,000 trouble free miles thus far. A true enthusiasts car, will be sad to let this one go for family considerations.

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  Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mark Bliss - January 30 - 8:11 pm

  This vehicle fits my life perfectly. One of my favorite features is the power third row seat. Some days I have all the back seats folded down hauling gear. Other days, I need the third row seat for clients or friends. I drive about 40,000 miles per year, mostly highway. Its a comfortable ride. It is my second Expedition and probably not my last.

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  2012 ford focus purchased 5-06-2011 - 2012 Ford Focus
  By clarences - January 30 - 4:06 pm

  We purchased this car over a year ago. We have 16000 on it no troubles. Transmission shifts very smooth. just let it shift its self. everyone is talking about tranmission, just let it shift on its own. I have driven it in cross winds of 30 to 40 mph. wind on some long trips, steering is amazing. Handles better than my town car in a cross wind. Gas mileage has been 35 mpg on trips with a/c on at 70 to 74 mph. If I slow down to 60 I get 40 mpg. City driving is 30 to 32 My only complaint is it is hard to get in and out of and the ride is frimer than i like. The direct fuel is a winner. I tried to get 60 size tires on it, not available on SEL. FORD makes you buy what you do not want .