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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  "First and only" - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Elizabeth Sullivan - October 24 - 2:00 am

  After driving this vehicle, an engine light came on. (100 miles) The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, where they did not know how to fix the problem( calling the ford "hot line") and refused to give me a written statement "after fixing the problem"

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  It is what it is - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Antman73 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Iv had my 04 Mustang GT a little less then a year now. I pretty much got it as a weekend car. I have only put about 3500 miles on it so far, so I cant really judge the build quality too well. The interior is pretty cheap, with large gaps in a few spots, and the seats are not that comfortable. But it is what it is. No one buys a Mustang thinking its a Cadilac. You know what kind of car your getting in to. Its a farily inexpensive, great looking, fast, pure American Muscle Car. Not too many cars can touch this performance for the price. I would not recomend this as your only car, but as a second car its amazing. Its all a moot point anyway, because the new one are out now.

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  Safe Car - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Mjohnson - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Perfect car to drive, I bought it about a month after I turned 18 and let me tell you a lot of heads were turning too when I went by. So comfortable, nice looking, road unbelievable. Also having this car saved my life when I totalled it two weeks ago, some girl hit me. Held up very well in the crash, the car was just so awesome, I wouldnt suggest driving it in the snow though. I had two problems with the car but they were stupid things, a plug came out of my antifreeze(a 99 cent part), and there was a hole in my windshield wiper container, both covered under warrenty. Unfortunaty I think I have retired the Mustang for now Im looking at other cars.

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  Bigger is better - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Tom Davis - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I was uncertain about making the jump to an Excursion so in 2003 I purchased a comperable Expedition. This year I was fortunate enough to find an Excursion at the very least compareable to my Expedition. The first thing I noticed was more interior room. The seat configuration makes sense. The steering is tighter I suspect because of the different suspension but I like the solid feel. Acceleration feels slugish at first but after a while you adapt to the Diesel performance. When the power is needed it only requires a deeper push oif the accelerator.

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  Blacksplash - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By blacksplash - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. No maintenance problems. Beautiful.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By MT - October 23 - 6:53 pm

  We ordered our Escape and had to wait 1 week for delivery, loaded has everything possible. Sleek Black w/Chrome trim. Love the drive, roomy inside, and good gas mpg. Traded in Ford Eddie B. Escape and transition to Escape is seemless, only difference is Escape is much easier to drive, easy to steer and manuever, and park. Best decision I made in a long time.

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  Happy Freestylin... - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By tourist1234 - October 23 - 6:56 am

  The Freestyle has become the default family car for commutes to Grandmas or vacations. It has shown itself to be a comfortable car on long trips. The performance is more than adequate for extended expressway travel. At expressway speeds it is up to the task of passing even on a grade. We often transfer our elderly folks around on chores and trips. They find the Freestyle easy to get in and out of. They also find it comfortable. Our daughter loves the 2nd and 3rd row seats. The handling has been surprisingly smooth with little drift. We have adjustable pedals. Adjustable steering wheel and seats provides a lot of options for finding a comfortable driving position.

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  AWESOME AUTOMOBILE - 2001 Ford Escape
  By gla2174 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. Plenty of interior space for a small suv. Im 64" and have plenty of driver room. Ive had it for almost 1 year and it has 60000 miles and I have had NO problems whatsoever. Great car.

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  My First SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By EscapeKid - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I love it! Its so car-like and so versatile! It is also great in the snow and ice!

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  Luv my Expedition! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By judissi - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 97 XLT Expedition, (the first year they were out) and drove it for 6 1/2 years then gave it to my brother who is still driving it. Bought my 04 Eddie Bauer in Nov. 03 and I have loved every minute of it! Ill never have another hard top without a moon roof! I feel safe and comfortable in this vehicle. I also have a convertible so I dont drive it 100% of the time but I drive it most of the time. I have never had a problem with either Expedition.