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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  My Silver 2010 Escape - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Mary - March 22 - 12:39 pm

  I love this truck! I traded in a 2004 Mustang for the truck after several treacherous winters. I wanted a more reliable, safer in the snow vehicle. I have always eyed the Escape while at the Ford dealer. And one test drive, I was sold. The tax free government program was a great purchase incentive.

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  Best vehicle for money! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By alex2009b - March 21 - 9:02 pm

  Love this beauty, I have limited with all options available. Just cant get enough of it, drives so nice and smooth! Bought it for my wife-have two kids, very roomy and comfortable. Love how it behaves on a highway! Very steady! We have friends coming over all the time, and we leave their car by our house-and leave all together in this 7 passenger! Love it! I just sold another car and my wife asking if I want to get the same one for myself! :) never knew Ford was this good until tried it out myself! All 5 stars! Way to go Ford!

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  Outstanding - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Pohattan Blondeck - March 21 - 7:42 pm

  This car is the pinnacle of luxury. The heated, cooled and massaging front seats are fantastic. I love the keyless entry and push start. Ford has a winner here.

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  94 Wagon - 1994 Ford Escort
  By TAZKBJR - March 21 - 5:49 pm

  My dad bought this car from my grandmother when she got a new one in October 2004. I have been driving it now for 2 years (riding in it since July 94, when it was bought!) this is an awesome car for how old it is! Also, it has less than 60,000 miles on it. When my dad bought it, it had like 35,000. In 6 years, we have put on close to 35,000. I love this car. Its very easy to drive, and great on gas. 24/29 mpg. May not be the "coolest" or "most hot" looking car. But it has held up for me. Only problem is. Had to replace fuel pump, tank vents, evap. solenoid. Other than that. It still runs great! My sister gets it once I get a new car. Oh no! :)

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  Best car ever! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Tom Smith - March 21 - 5:33 pm

  This Car is absolutely amazing. The handling and performance smoke my 3 series. Wouldnt prefer it to any other car in the world. The massaging seats are incredible.

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By mike - March 20 - 9:11 pm

  I love my 2000 Ford Focus se. Its been a great car. I am the first owner and for 10 years I have jest had a few very little problems. I have a small rattling in the engine but its because I need an engine mount. I hear so many bad things about the car but I love mine its my Porsche. I have 300,000 km and its still running strong

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  love it - 2001 Ford Focus
  By katie loves tyler - March 19 - 9:30 pm

  I just bought a 2001 Ford focus Se Wagon. I love this car. Only has 117,000 miles on it! My boyfriend is always very excited to drive it. His car is a year newer but is a Pontiac and he would Rather drive mine instead! I absolutely love this car.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Chandaniwala - March 19 - 5:18 pm

  I have a Mercedes Benz E350, and just bought the Mustang. I can honestly say the Mustang is more fun to drive! Fuel economy could have been better, but the actual fuel costs are lower than the MB, as the Mustang takes regular unleaded (you can make your own comparisons at fueleconomy.gov). Overall, I am very pleased. I am also proud to be driving an American car, and an icon at that.

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  Extremely Happy - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By dale1 - March 19 - 10:33 am

  Very good car for the price. Looks great and for a 4.6 L it has great acceleration. The interior could lose the hard plastic but it already did in later models. The transmission should had had 6 gears. The windows do not always go up automatically when you shut the door. I have had no other issues and the quality is very good for a $30K performance car.

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  Best car - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By servicechic - March 19 - 9:34 am

  When I saw this car I just had to drive it. Once I did I had to buy it. It feels like a luxury vehicle inside and out. The price for what you get I very acceptable. I think if the salesman can get people to drive this car it will sell itself.