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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  Ford Taurus - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By ellen - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Car is ver comfortable and easy to drive. Has enough luxurgy to suit most people. Excellent sound system in the CS player and radio. Mileage is good. Car runs well, starts easily even in very cold weather. Good vehicle

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  Pretty Good After 5 Years - 1999 Ford Escort
  By ZX2 Girl - July 22 - 2:00 am

  The car is in pretty good condition for being 5 years old. Of course, it doesnt run as smoothly as it use to. The air conditioning and tape deck both have gone out twice. My breaks make odd noises when Im stopping (Ive had them checked out). Even when new, the car idles really rough. Besides that, Ive had no major mechanical problems. Its a good car for a first time buyer.

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  Incredible Triple Black GT! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By John Catalanotto - July 21 - 3:56 am

  I ordered my triple black GT back on June 15th and picked it up today, December 3rd. I have to tell you it was worth the wait, I can not believe that money for money there is a better car available today. The purr of the engine, 18” bullets, leather interior, 500 watt 6 disc stereo, My Color dash and more. If you are thinking about one, stop thinking and go get it. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

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  2004 Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Linda M - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2002 Escape. My daughter was broadsided, and the vehicle was totaled, but she had no injuries thanks to the side air bags. Loved the styling, dependability and price of the Escape, so we bought a 2004.

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  Then and Now - 2001 Ford Escape
  By siya46 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Delivered 11/01, 87000 miles now. It was a perfect downsize from an Explorer and the 2xfwd is just fine for Michigan winters. Have kept up with recalls. No maintenance problems other than replacing 1 front stabilizer bar (it was "thunking" on bumps. Plan to run it 2-3 more years.

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  2000 Ford Expedition - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By jarheadfor4 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  You cant beat this truck for hauling a boat and the fam at the same time. I love it. The 3rd row seat keeps my 12 and 8 year-old kids apart. The A/C is cold and their is very little road noise.

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  Doesnt get better than This - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Clemuel Boogar - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic car, 100% reliable. The life of my family is well worth the $300/year extra Ill pay in gas to be safe.

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  Trucking in style - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By flynns2u - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the truck the best purchase my husband and I have ever made now go and get one today and start enjoying it

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  Freestyle fun 4 all - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By ANDY MAYS - July 20 - 9:53 pm

  We shopped for a safe vehicle. One that was reliable and fun to drive. Looked real hard at a Volvo but decided the Ford Freestyle was the best bargain for our money. AWD is great and what a smooth shift through auto transmission, makes for an overall fun car/SUV to drive.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Kim - July 20 - 11:10 am

  I researched this car long before it was available. The minute I saw it on the showroom floor I knew I had to have it. Not only is it a comfortable, sporty car but it is a blast to drive.