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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  Solid Ford Countour SE Coupe - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Mercy Casanova - November 23 - 3:44 pm

  This vehicle has proven to be solid and reliable. Ive enjoyed it and have had minimal problems with it for the 6 years Ive driven it.

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  Drive! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By cannon04 - November 23 - 3:16 pm

  Solid vehicle. An improvement over its debut 06. The new 2.5 is wonderful!! Interior dash is much better too! Car handles like its on rails. Quite, solid road feel. Ford is listening to consumers and it shows.

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  My Expedition - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Dave - November 23 - 2:56 pm

  We bought this vehicle for long term ownership and it has not disappointed. In 2005 we had to put about $1200 into some repairs, but that is about it for major repairs (the scheduled service at 60k was pretty expensive at about $700). Lots of room for 5 adults, never missed the way back seat.

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  1999 Mistake - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Thomas Wolfe - November 23 - 9:55 am

  Bought new. Transmission started to slip just past 36k after expiration of warranty. Top heavy - almost rolled. Replaced 4 wheel drive shift motor twice - poor design. Replaced idle air control valve at 40k. Poor fuel economy especially with air on. NO POWER / ACCELERATION. No resale value. Pluses. Great in snow! Other than yawing feels quite safe. Plenty of interior room great storage - good visibility.

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  Exceptional Value - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Fudge - November 23 - 2:20 am

  I originally bought this vehicle for a part time job that I had delivering lost airport luggage to passengers. It was perfect for that. Good gas mileage, load carrying capacity, reliable, etc. Since then Ive used it as a work truck for construction sites. It has good off road capability. When I moved from a townhouse, I used this vehicle to haul "everything". I do mean everything, sofas, big screen tvs, tables, beds. I have a five speed thats been good on gas. Ive added side step bars, and a cab. This is a very nice looking truck that looks more expensive than it costs. Very happy with it.

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  Judged a winner - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Judged a winner - November 22 - 11:30 pm

  After 3000 miles I have only been impressed by by the Fusion Hybrid. I dont have a single complaint about how it performs. Its ride, handling, comfort, features and fuel economy are all top notch and they all contribute to make the car fun to drive. The Fusion does what I havent seen in cars today, it meets and exceeds EPA rated fuel economy ratings. I have averaged 40 mpg in mixed city/highway driving so far, I expected 32-35 at best. One of the best aspects is you drive the car just like a normal car, you dont have to baby the gas pedal and you dont notice the transition between the gas and electric engine.

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  2005 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mark Williams - November 22 - 4:43 pm

  This truck was nicely updated from previous models. It handles beautifully and "feels" safe to drive.

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  Best SUV Ever - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By ockerman11 - November 22 - 12:10 pm

  I work for Ford and I drive a Ford. I really love this SUV. Traded in an Escape, which I loved as well. The interior is wonderful. Doesnt get good gas mileage but then what can you expect with a large SUV. It handles great, has many options. The car handles well, has sufficient power. The stereo system could be a lot better. The DVD is great. I really like the seats that fold down automatically. Not enough room in the back for cargo when all the seats are up.

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  Really nice car - 2007 Ford Edge
  By pitchn23 - November 22 - 7:20 am

  So far, I am liking my new Edge. A little dissappointed with the gas mileage, but maybe it needs a break in. It is a very quiet smooth ride. There are so many nice options that i liked about it. The audiophile radio is awesome. Love the sun roof!! The airconditioning is not as strong as my Maxima was. I wish it had an outdoor temp gauge. The back hatch is quite heavy to pull down. But I am very pleased overall with the car!

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  Escape XLT AWD Auto - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Doug - November 22 - 2:12 am

  Wife and I are ski instructors and it handles wonderful in the snow and ice. Much better than our 2 previous Explorers. We have towed a 1100 lb flat bed trailer with no problem. Poor gas mileage for size of vehicle we average 17-18 MPG.