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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  1993 Tempo - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Matthew Belcher - May 13 - 2:32 am

  I have had excellent luck with my car. The only thing that has been wrong with it is that the speedometer cable has made noise throughout the years. I have had it fixed many times by Ford, yet it still makes noise. The car rides rough, and doesnt do well in the snow. Otherwise, very reliable, no big problems at all.

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  Year Long Honeymoon - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Tom - May 13 - 2:30 am

  After a year and 14,000 miles living with my aspen green screw, I can say this is the highest quality vehicle Ive ever owned. Had no problems whatsoever and upholstery is wearing very well. It is a great hauler for my 19 Chapparral and also for my family on long trips.

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By amtravco - May 13 - 1:50 am

  We love this car. In the summer were averaging 38 mpg in city driving (with some stretches of county roads mixed in). On the highway, its closer to 32 mpg. My major complaints are a) the engine is very noisy, and b) the Sync system from Microsoft stinks. Ill elaborate on the latter. #1 complaint: Cant set Nav system while youre driving. If we want to find an upcoming restaurant while on the freeway, I guess we need to pull over to the side of the road? The fonts are hard to read (orange on light blue??) The LCD is polarized such that when wearing polarized sunglasses its very dim. Basically, when we use our cheap Garmin its easy and reliable to find locations; with Sync its frustrati

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  Excellent ride - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By skmarin - May 12 - 11:51 pm

  I have owned this T-Bird since October and just love the ride. Now that the weather is better (California) I have the top down most of the time. It has great pickup for that merge into highway traffic. The comfort is unbeatable. I have never owned a Ford and I am very impressed with the overall performance of this vehicle. Consider me SOLD.

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  Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Bill - May 12 - 8:42 pm

  One of the best small cars we have had.

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  best car ever - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By brenda - May 12 - 8:40 pm

  I love this car. I used to own only suvs but needed to get something more economical and this car is great. The other cars I test drove made me feel like I was driving a go cart you know sitting so low but this sits up higher its just great. I have no problems with it. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.

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  Very happy new owner - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Barry Heimlich - May 12 - 8:08 pm

  We just purchased this car and so far were very happy with its appearance, comfort, and performance. The finishes inside and out are outstanding. Interior is very well designed and done. Handling, acceleration, steering, brakes are all excellent.

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  Ford Travel Machine - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By "Glenn Alford - May 12 - 6:34 pm

  The Ranger is used daily for city transportation and occasionally for vacation travel. I have only one complaint and that is the gas mileage needs to be improved for highway driving. I ordered the 4 door Super Cab 4.0 V6 with the 5-speed automatic and 4:10 gearing so I could pull a small travel trailer. The truck has more than enough power even when used in the Colorado Mountains. The tachometer shows 2600 RPM in 5th gear at 70 MPH, it just needs another gear for empty highway crushing.

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  Excursion Conversion - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Cary - May 12 - 6:33 pm

  We have had Suburbans and prefer the ride of the Excursion. We ordered our Excursion after my husband purchased his F-350 4 door. Both vehicles are diesel which you cannot get with the Suburbans. The mileage is as good, if not better than our previous vehicles.

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  Best ride we found for an SUV - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Robert in FL - May 12 - 2:40 pm

  We have owened our Ford Escape XLT w/V6 engine for 2 weeks and we love it. The ride is very smooth, with the 6 shift transmission. We really enjoy the very low road noise, much lower that our KIA. The gas mileage is great 18 MPG in the city so fare. We are going on a long trip to Ohio soon and I will send and update on this wonderfull Ford Escape XLT when we return.