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 Ride - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Sim - January 23 - 10:26 am

  Its a dream car. It does everything I could want in a car. I have already taken it in a wide variety of conditions (all but snow) and it has been great in all of them. I highly recommend this car and think Ford made a great vehicle! I have only had it for 6 weeks/2000 miles, but there is not an issue with it so far. I enjoy every drive I have with my Edge and cant wait to take it home again tonight.

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  Awesome car for the price - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Steve - January 23 - 6:06 am

  I bought this car in the Fall/Winter so I didnt get to much seat time, so once the snow was gone, the fun began, I drove the car to Nashville and back, (roughly 1200 miles). The car drove flawlessly, handles well, stops great, mileage not too bad, 18-25mpg depending on my right foot. For the price I think it is a great car. Heated seat would be nice its a Mustang so I am not goong to whine about the interior. It is a far cry better the the past Mustangs. The IUP package is a nice touch. Very solid feel, very tight.

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  So far so good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Daniel Allocca - January 22 - 11:45 pm

  Just bought an 05 Escape with only 12K miles. Got the XLT V6 with leather and am loving it. I considered sportier cars but decided to get 4WD and need the cargo space. Fuel mileage has been about 20mpg. Acceleration with the V6 is great. Plenty of power off of the line, and can even be fun on the highway. I fit in the car very comfortably at 6 foot 250 pounds. Overall great car. Some interior materials feel cheap, especially the door handles. Fit and finish is pretty good. My first American car purchase and am keeping my fingers crossed for long-term quality.

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  My New Ford F150 Rocks - 2010 Ford F-150
  By MyklShane - January 22 - 10:40 am

  I couldnt be much happier with my new truck. Has more power than my last truck sounds better and rides better too. The cab is spacious and comfortable and even the back seats are comfortable. I love my new truck.

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  a good companion - 2001 Ford Focus
  By josip - January 22 - 2:30 am

  If I were out for a new car, I would buy it again. Very good car in any sense. Had just a few glitches in these five years. The original Goodyear Eagle RS tires provided a smooth ride but started to slid and hydroplane too soon. The new TOYO tires make the Focus a beast with gentle heart.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2003 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Jeff Sharp - January 21 - 9:36 pm

  Although this is normally a commercial vehicle, this is one of our family vehicles. We have a large family and this is very reliable, tough and easy to drive for its size. We use this around town and on long trips and never a problem. Parking in town is difficult but again for its size, it has an amazing turning radius. Very satisfied with this van!

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  Reliable Car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By H.Becker - January 21 - 9:23 pm

  Ive owned the car for five months. The car handles well in adverse weather. The gas mileage is good. I dont find the car to be fun or real comfortable. The car is functional and I feel safe in it. I dont think I will own it for the life of the vehicle. Sound system leaves a lot to be desired.

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  120,000 Miles and still drives fine - 2002 Ford Focus
  By bigticket42 - January 21 - 6:27 pm

  Bought this car because of gas prices. Bought it with 120,000 miles on it. The car runs great. Good gas mileage, not great but I have the ZTS with the sportier engine in it. I am 66" and I have good room. Trunk is good sized but the opening is not big enough. Traction in winter rime is terrible. Need snow tires. Problems are that the fog lights at this time are not working, not sure why. The control module for the traction control and ABS is out so I have to manually pump brakes until I get it fixed. Other than that it is a good economy car. Probably not up to the standards of the Japanese or a Jetta but better than a Chevy Cavalier from 02 and probably as good as the Neon from 02.

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  Love the FEH - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Neil - January 21 - 4:30 pm

  I have had mine for almost four months and it is great! I am averaging 30- 33mpg in combination driving. I get closer to 33 when I drive to max out the electric mode and watch my acceleration but even driving more aggressively I get around 30. I have the Premium Package and am very happy with this vehicle.

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  Great pickup! - 1991 Ford Ranger
  By Brad Potter - January 21 - 2:13 pm

  I bought this Ranger used with 70,000 miles on it. It was a commuter vehicle and also used to haul firewood, gardening supplies, etc. Its been a super vehicle.