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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  Wind Noise - 2009 Ford Escape
  By lORNE D ALEXANDER - February 3 - 10:04 pm

  I love my escape except for the wind noise on the highway that seems to come from the rear hatch door. It is sealed well but the gap on the exterior between the body and the door frame is very wide with no weather stripping. They must not have put this vehicle in the wind tunnel at the factory. Great vehicle except for this but it is very annoying on the highway.

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  So far so good - 2007 Ford F-150
  By nashtruck - February 3 - 1:49 pm

  Almost three years and love this truck. It drives as nice as my wifes Caddy and the interior is just as nice. It hauls and tows just as a full size p/u should. Only one repair, a 4X4 control solonoid which was replaced with an improved part. Truck is used for surfcasting and gets through the sand with no problems.

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  BEST PERFORMING SUV I EVER OWNED - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By TONY ZAMPARELLI - February 2 - 8:49 pm

  This truck has always been fun to drive. On the highway it is very nimble. Changing lanes is very predictable. Their is plenty of power when needed inpart to 3:73LS AXLE that allows for faster acceleration. The auto fwd feature can be annoying with the slight hesitation in grabbing the pavement when the rear wheels slip. But it does do the job. I prefer to keep in full time 4 wheel drive in heavy snow. Its a nice easy truck to drive. Ive had very few mayor problems with. I replaced the flywheel at 85000. Theirs been no engine problems. It does have the second set of tires and second set of brakes.

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  Love my Escape - 2010 Ford Escape
  By mariantques - February 2 - 3:21 pm

  We traded in a loaded Chrysler Town & Country and I love the smaller car, easier to park (I havent tried the auto park yet). Very comfortable warm seats, and quiet smooth ride. Our Chrysler had a lot of road noise. The sync system is superb and nav system has much more and better than I had in my Chrysler. The Escape handles extremely well and the brakes are not touchy. The car feels substantial and I feel very safe. My husband was a Porsche dealer and have driven Porsches, Mercedes and even a RR. The Escape is as much fun to drive as those were. We have driven 500 miles, mostly in town and are getting 24 MPG.

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  Ford is King - 2010 Ford Escape
  By HappyInTx - February 2 - 10:37 am

  I am a truck type guy and have owned Ford PU most of my life. I finally decided to downsize because of my age. I liked the Ford Fusion, but when I drove the Escape, I knew it was the one for me. Feels more like a truck, good view to the outside. It has proven to me that the 2.5L engine is all one really needs. I like the layout of the controls. While it has a lot of nice electronics Sync elements, I just cant find much use for it.

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  I Love it! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By CH - February 1 - 11:16 pm

  I LOVE my 2008 Fusion which I purchased with 38k miles. I love the performance, ride, SYNC is fantastic, the styling of the car and especially the solid feel. Never had a problem with the Ford and theyre still much in demand today. I expect to have years of pleasurable driving in my Fusion.

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  Good Solid Vehicle - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Delta - February 1 - 5:02 pm

  Purchased car new in Nov 1999. Now have 207k miles on it and has been very reliable. Still driving it to work everyday. Only issues on vehicle - rear wiper inop, replaced one thermostat, radio display blanked out, needed ball joints at 205k miles.

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  Quiet, Quiet, Quiet!! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By USMC Colonel - February 1 - 2:10 pm

  Traded up from an 05 FX4 over the weekend. Not sure if I would like the Lariat interior as well as the FX4 but I do. It is a gentlemans truck. I hate road noise and this thing is without a doubt the quietest vehicle I have ever owned. Six speed transmission worked seemlessly on a 300 mile road trip which included the Cajon Pass. Also love the 6 way power leather seats. If you have trouble getting comfortable in a truck, this rig is for you. The seats are infinitely adjustable. Like the Sync and satellite radio but find the controls to be not very intuitive and complex. Same with the dual zone climate controls. May just take some getting used to. Thanks Henry Ford!

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  The best car Ive ever owned - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By rjkid - February 1 - 1:20 pm

  This is the best handling car Ive ever owned.Its fun to drive and has a very smooth ride. Both the interior and exterior of the 2010 Ford Taurus rival much more expensive "luxury" models. Great work Ford!

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  would buy again - 2008 Ford Edge
  By nice ride - February 1 - 7:29 am

  i think one best suv on the market .smooth ride and lots room