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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  Fabulous Excursion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Boris Pasche - January 25 - 11:43 pm

  I just traded a 2000 Lexus RX300 for a 2005 Ford Excursion 4WD Limited. We drove through a very serious blizzard a few days ago. The Excursion on 4WD is unbeatable: comfortable, safe, and very fun to drive. My kids loved watching DVDs in the middle of the blizzard. In term of cargo space, this car is a dream.

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  This has been a great truck! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By ronjenson - January 25 - 11:02 pm

  This truck replaced a problematic 1999 Silverado. It drives great and holds the road well. Turning radius is tight. The 5.4 Triton has more than adequate power to pull a 30 travel trailer. The captains chairs are very comfortable and we like the lumbar supports and adjustable pedals since I am tall and my wife is short. The truck has been relatively trouble-free. In over four years I have only made three repairs outside normal maintenance. This included replacing a rear axle bearing, replacing the IAC valve, and replacing a rear rotor (warped due to heat generated by failing axle bearing). In all these repairs cost me about $400 total. Not bad for four years. I would buy another .

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  Nicely Upgraded - 2009 Ford Escape
  By lived 2 tell - January 25 - 10:23 pm

  My new car arrived in 12/09 replacing an 07 Escape The 07 was totaled in a catastrophic accident and I lived to tell about it. Thank you Ford for your safety engineering. The 09 4 cylinder has comparable performance to the 07 with a v6. The interior is comfy and controls are easy to use. The 4 cylinder is a bit loud but not awful. I sit and idle for portions of the day (in the cold northern winter) and the mileage is still respectable. This 09 is a nice upgrade over the 07.

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  06 Escape XLT keeps it real..... - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Michael - January 25 - 10:07 pm

  Redesigned in 2005, I love my new Escape. Really like the shifter on the floor. Very quick little truck. Build quality has stepped up. Test drove vs. CR-V. Honda will do very little with trimming price because list is not much above invoice. Ford is better at trucks, SUVs, and Japan is FAR better at cars. Get the moonroof and upgraded sound package (Sun and Sound). Black exterior w/ tan leather! Beautiful. Solid vehicle. Smooth ride and no float. Very pleased thus far. What are you waiting for?

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  Great truck, great value. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By Grimtrek - January 25 - 9:08 pm

  If you need a full-size pick-up to haul big loads, then the Ford Ranger isnt for you. But if you want a fun, fuel efficient little pickup with moderate hauling ability then look no further. My Ranger gets about 24-26 mpg, in mixed highway/city driving. Being in a warm climate, I run the AC quite a bit and of course that reduces mpg. I have automatic transmission on mine and I enjoy driving this truck a lot. I would recommend this truck to a friend if they were looking for a truck thats inexpensive, looks good and is fuel efficient. This is my first Ford vehicle, but I suspect its not going to be my last, or my last Ranger either.

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  Love my Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Laura - January 25 - 7:24 pm

  This is the second Escape I purchased new. The first one was in 2001 it was an excellent vehicle! I put 106,000 miles on it and never had a problem and it never left me stranded. I upgraded to the 2006 this year. I dont get as good of gas mileage with the V6 on this model, but it is so fun to drive! Lots of power and so easy to park. Perfect to travel in, and lots of leg room in the back. It is awesome, I would recommend a test drive if you want a smaller SUV.

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  Ford - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Texas True - January 25 - 7:19 pm

  Reliable car designed for comfort. It is a great way to have a luxury car and durable truck all in one. Great amount of room for large families.

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  05 Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By 5hybrid - January 25 - 10:19 am

  Been a great vehicle. Much better than the 04 Escape I replaced it with. No problems so far. Going to purchase a second one for my daughter.

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By CodyG - January 25 - 10:16 am

  Ive been driving SUVs since 1973. My first was a GMC Jimmy. All have been 4x4 since then and Ive had seven in all since 73, mostly GM products. This Ford Expedition has absolutely topped em all. It is very comfortable, handles great and turns much better than my last SUV Tahoe. Third third row seat ROCKS. The independent suspension is da bomb shizzle! I now have 110,000 miles with only one minor problem ... the rear AC went out. Other than that this SUV has given NO problems.

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  Keepin it until it dies. - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Excellent Truck - January 25 - 9:13 am

  I love driving this truck, however because of poor fuel economy (17 mpg) cant use for commute. Handles great, only two repairs in 5 years. Traded a Toyota Tacoma when I bought Ford new and this truck is hands down better. It is perfect for our needs.