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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  Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Bill - October 25 - 8:43 pm

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  good machine - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By machz - October 25 - 10:00 am

  good machine good performance better then the corvette race one

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  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Chilly Willy - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Ranger in the last 14 years. They are a great truck for the price. I have had the 2.3, 2.9, and now the 4.0L engines. The 4.0L is by far the most powerful. I love the looks of the truck, both inside and out. I only have 885 miles on it, but if the reliability is anything like the last two, I will be happy. Be sure you you get the 4.0L. Keep an eye on the speedometer, because this truck will fly down the road.

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  I love my ESCAPE!!! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Fernando, Canada - October 25 - 7:23 am

  I purchased my ESCAPE in 08/2008 and I simply love this vehicle. For a V6, fuel economy is great. I have the FWD version and it is great in the snow. So far the only issue Ive noticed is that sometimes the temperature indicator switches C to F, but you can correct it manually, no big deal.

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  Great Purchase - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jkirish50 - October 25 - 2:06 am

  I loved the new body style of the Escapes. They look like a mini-explorer, with a greater fuel economy. Ride is nice and interior is well built. The look is much tougher than the previous body. I drive a lot of highway miles and I am averaging 23 mpg with the 4 cylinder 4x4. I believe it is rated just higher than that (25-26). Debated about the 6 cylinder 4x2, but happy with my choice.

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  40th Anniversary Edition - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Fritz II - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought my wife a mustang after 33 years of her yearning for one. Tried the v- 6, too slow, bought the GT w/ 5 speed. Took a month to adjust the seats right. Turned a 9.3/72 mph in the 1/8th out-of- the-box and that was with an RT of about a year. Super ride, good MPH (27) the most fun car Ive had since 71. No problems in 10000 miles at all. Red line is about 6300 RPM. Excellent, comfortable car.

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  Thunderbird- a fun car - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Gail Johnson - October 25 - 2:00 am

  We love driving this car. The only real complaint we have is that the visibility out the back can be difficult.

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  I love my van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By stempy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my van for about a month now but so far, we LOVE it. No problems whatsoever

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  Impressive and Inspired - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ross Musick - October 24 - 11:06 pm

  Bought one of the last 2006s on the lot. Got $6,400 off sticker and 1.9% apr for 72 months. This car has impressed me more than any other vehicle I have owned. Thoughtful design, awesome powertrain, plush interior and it looks great in black! Traded in an 03 Mazda Tribute for this and got about the same payment, what a deal! The dealer also threw in a 7 year/70,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and lifetime oil changes. Could not have been more pleased with the entire experience and the vehicle.

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  In with thenew, out with the old! - 2017 Ford Edge
  By Janice Reed - October 24 - 8:48 am

  We had a 2008 Edge that was traded for this one. We loved the handling and use of the old one. This one is superior because of the new improvements in size, styling, navigation, audio, internet, and more we havent checked out yet. Only have had it a month. It is so quiet on the road and smooth.