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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  2003 Ford Escape XLT No Boundries Pkg - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pinkey - December 8 - 9:12 pm

  Had issues with the sending unit, gas pedal, radio broke (CD option to mix play) and rack on the No Boundries package started to pit. All covered under warranty.

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  04 EXCURSION - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By EMAGEE7132 - December 8 - 5:57 pm

  PERFECT TOW VEHICLE AND PEOPLE HAULER TURNS SHARP FOR LARGE VEHICLE AVG 22 MPG HWY 16 CITY SOLO 14 WITH 32 FOOT CAMPER IN TOW. PERFORMANCE IS WOW!NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF TOWING WITH A VEHICLE LIKE THIS. ENGINE AND TRANS WORK TO PROVIDE BRAKING. HARDLY HAVE TO USE BRAKES TO STOP IN TOW MODE. ALTHOUGH I KNOW ITS NOT FOR EVERYONE PUT IN ITS PLACE TO DO THE JOB IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO NO SUV COMPARES THE DIESEL MAKES IT AS ECONOMICAL AS MOST MID SIZED CARS AND IT TOWS HAULS LOTS OF PEOPLE A CARGO FOR SAME FUEL USE RIDE IS GOOD YOU MUST REMEMBER IT IS FIRST AND FOREMOST A TRUCK.

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  Happy - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By crystal darsow - December 8 - 9:50 am

  Might be the best car Ive ever owned.

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  ZX5 2.3 Auto - 2004 Ford Focus
  By paul - December 7 - 1:24 pm

  Bought a used(12000 miles) ZX5 Premium with auto. Wanted a manual, but couldnt find any with the 2.3 engine. Have put on 3000 miles, no problems. Im getting 28 mpg on the highway, I expected to do better.

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  This truck rocks baby - 2002 Ford F-150
  By coolguy - December 7 - 12:36 pm

  After seeing Dodge and Chevy, Ford looks more like a urban (city) riding truck than dodge or chevy. Great Acceleration compared to 3.9L Dodge.

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  Expedition Expeditions - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Steve Abeyta - December 7 - 11:12 am

  Gas mileage is terrible but roominess and cargo carrying/towing capability make up for sucking down the petrol! Im the 2nd owner, having purchased it preowned and having 35,000 miles on it. I have performed all of my maintenance and repair work for the last 15 years and My Expy has been very good to me. I am at about 160,000 miles and have been cross country about 8 times with it and it has never left me stranded with the exception of right after purchasing it, I ran it out of gas! My fault but always keep the tank half full and youll do ok! Change oil every 3,000 miles and do the maintenance schedule and it will last a long time.

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  And well have fun,fun,fun..... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Tim Hatfield - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The area where I live is nothing but hills.My new Ford seems to enjoy the climb as much as I do.My wife who has a history of getting carsick has not once felt ill while riding in the Escape.Im around 63" and I have plenty of room that doesnt take away comfort from my kids sitting in the back.The 3.0 V6 has the power when I need it.

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  Not that bad, but......... - 2000 Ford Focus
  By johnMC - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Minor and annoying repairs - lights on radio keyboard died in 1st year...doors squeek...needed a complete brake job at 24,500 miles...ashtray must be closed to use the lighter [warning for smokers who are also trying to charge their cell phone.

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  Do not buy this car - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By gerti - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a explorer sport after 75000 miles I had to change the engine because it start making noise .Stay away from this devil car

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  This Is "One Bad Hoss" - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Big C - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Mustang. I traded my 1999 GT for this Stang and although I regretted getting rid of it, I couldnt resist this MACH I. This Hoss likes to run. The ride is much improved, quieter, and the bigger brakes and traction control really improves handling. The shaker hood and low V8 rumble turns a lot of heads. This car has a "Dont mess with me" kind of look to it. The only problems Ive found was a non- functional windshield washer pump and a cracked headlamp cover, which were promptly replaced my local ford dealership.