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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  98 F 150 - 1998 Ford F-150
  By rpr - November 29 - 4:44 pm

  Factory Quality Rebuilt engine required after one year. Left windshield wiper refuses to clean window properly. Premature tie-rod repair. Lifter noise unless premium gas used.

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  Love my Explorer - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By Cecile Prier - November 29 - 8:46 am

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  after 3 different vehicles its the best! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By gokartsrule - November 29 - 6:12 am

  I had a 1992 Mustang 2.3l with duelspark... then a hyundai elantra 2.0 dohc... now this zx2. Wow... finally a manual again... fastest I have ever driven. Stereo is pretty good.

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  Going and going and ....... - 1996 Ford Escort
  By sasam - November 28 - 7:56 pm

  Bought it hoping to keep for a year, but after three it is still running without any problems, other than oil changes and basic maintenance.

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  Love this car - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By JeffInSd - November 28 - 6:23 pm

  Got rid of my tank (Chevy Avalanche) and purchased the Escape with 0% financing by Ford Motor Credit in CA ... what a deal! Finished off the first tank of gas at 32.4 mpg and Im sure it will only get better since I know how to drive it now to get the best mileage. I recommend putting a little distance between you and the car in front of you so you can coast start the car at lights. This will allow you to take advantage of the electric power for a greater amount of time.

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  Love my Probe - 1995 Ford Probe
  By Miss GT - November 28 - 5:27 pm

  My Probe has been reliable since day one. It is fun to drive and has many great features including a double cup holder.

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  Finally a Limited Version!! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By UofA Wildcat - November 28 - 4:24 pm

  I owned a Eddie Bauer previously and was not in the market untill I found out about the uped Horsepower and a LIMITED model! So I layed down and bought one and have to say, not too much different than my 2004. Other than the cosmetics and a tad more horsepower, esentially same SUV. The cure for brake dust (in my case) is to add big chrome wheels and tires, no brake dust is evident. If I wasent privy to buying as a Ford employee (A- plan) the Denali is a much better SUV, which I would prefer.

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  Great MPG in a SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Alan Koff - November 28 - 2:43 pm

  It was time to look for a vehicle with better gas mileage while providing my first priority, roominess! My 2006 Grand Cherokee, my third, only got 15.5 MPG around town, about 75% of my driving. I need room and a hard rear floor for scuba tanks, coolers, spearguns, golf clubs, telescopes and, oh yeh, business samples. Also, Im 63" and the new Ford Escape fit as well on me as my much thirstier Grand Cherokee. I mentioned I was looking for much improved mileage, so when I saw this Vista Blue 5-speed I said lets take a test-drive. A winner in terms of what I was looking for. Sold! My first tank averaged out to 22.8 MPG and I probably did only 20% highway. Very pleased.

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  I Love It! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Scentual1 - November 28 - 9:16 am

  I have only had my car for 2 months. I purchased it used. It was just something about this car that I had to have. I even had the dealership go out and find this specific car. I must say I am very pleased with it. I love the way it feels and the way it drives. Not to mention, I get lots of compliments on this car. I love it!

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  Love my 05 Mustang - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By ACSnGRS87 - November 28 - 8:43 am

  We bought my 05 Mustang in Feb. 05. It was my husbands idea, I really didnt like the new style. But he convinced me to test drive one. I did, 3 times! lol. After searching for just the right one, I brought it home 2 weeks later. Its fun to drive, and looks great! It really turns peoples heads! It handles like a race car not like a sports car. I cant keep my husband out of it and he has 2 cars of his own and a truck. He loves the sound of it. It has a V6, but on the inside sounds like a V8. It has plenty of power for a V6, way more than I need. 210HP! The older model V8s only had 190HP.