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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  Ford Got This One Right - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Conyers,GA - February 1 - 2:00 pm

  Thought I was going to by an Accord but glad I went back to my American car. Have driven this car for about a month and I love this car. The handling and comfort is great. The stereo cranks. The gas mileage is great, I went to Birmingham this week from Atlanta and without A/C was getting 34.5 mpg; on the way back had A/C on got 32 mpg on highway. This car is so quiet and smooth just a joy to drive. And I find myself cruising around 80 mph and doesnt feel like it, its so smooth. The I4 has plenty of get up and go. Kicking it down was impressive.

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  Good Van - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Van Owner - February 1 - 11:58 am

  This is our first minivan and we really like it. The ride is very nice and the power is decent. It is very comfortable especially for long trips. So far we have no regrets.

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  A Best Buy - 2005 Ford Focus
  By chirider - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my recent purchase of the Focus. Its exterior appearance is a quantum leap improvement over its predecessors. It handles well, provides a smooth and relatively solid ride. The Mazda3 was a strong temptation for me and likely exceeds the Focus in many respects, but you get much more bang for the buck in the Focus.

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  Surprised at how well it drives - 2004 Ford F-150
  By nyscamper - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I actually have the XLT but that wasnt a choice. I traded in a 99 Ford Expedition with the 4.6 engine for this F150 Crew Cab with the 5.4 engine. This truck is far superior in many ways - handles so much better - doesnt lean when turning - rides smoothly - much quieter. I tow a 4700 lb. travel trailer. The new truck basically pulls it in the next higher gear compared to the Expedition so gas mileage has improved. Dont get "pushed" as much by tractor trailers when they go by the trailer. Also dont get as much bouncing over bumps in the road. I like to drive and ride this truck more than many cars Ive driven and its got all the room I need.

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  Hello - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Crystal - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Fords r tha bomb!

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  2005 AWD ESCAPE LIMITED - AWESOME !!!! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By SIDENISE - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I just luv my new Escape. This is the first SUV Ive owned cuz the others really did not appeal to me. I receive alot of compliments on my Escape. Everyone seem sto luv the Metallic Gold Ash exterior color. The Mach sound system is one of many of my favorite features.

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  Love this truck - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Sues98 - February 1 - 4:33 am

  I bought my Sport in 2002 as a Oval Certified and have absolutely no complaints. I love this truck. Its nice and compact but still has all the perks of a full size. It has an amazing turning radius and I have absolutely no problems parking it- ever! Its sporty and functional. Ive read a lot of complaints about it being a bit of a rough ride, but it is built on a truck base, so you will have that. If you want a softer ride get a car. I cant complain about the ride and that is even with all of the potholes Pittsburgh has The gas mileage is great for a truck. I usually get about 15-17 mpg in the city. I wish they still made it- Id buy another even with the price of gas.

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  Hip and Green - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Griff - February 1 - 2:00 am

  The Escape Hybrid for 2008 is an extrememly smart buy. I have a 2004 Acura TL that I was using for my commute every day (120mi round trip). Since I bought the Escape I barely drive the TL anymore, and I am saving almost 300 bucks a month! That more than pays for the car payment. There are some very minor annoyances in the design. While the audio is first rate, there are no audio controls on the steering wheel , definitely a design oversight.

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  Next van will not be a Ford. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By payton - February 1 - 1:02 am

  Only reason for buying van was the low price I aquired it for & having 3 children. All kinds of things were replaced under warranty (previous owner). At 40,000 miles a valve spring broke! As of now, 5 yrs old engine light showing, rear side defroster not working, driver door lock not working electrically, passenger sliding door rattles & paint peeling! Glad I didnt purchase it new. Wish I had not of purchased it at all.

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  Very versatile and comfortable - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By wdbarrett - February 1 - 12:36 am

  We bought our Explorer used from a dealer and have not had any problems. We currently have 72,000 miles on it and just love it. We upgraded the stereo with one that can play MP3s plus a 10-disc CD changer. The installer wired it incorrectly. The subwoofer is on the front channel, the middle speakers on the rear channel, and the front speakers on the center channel.