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:

• 

  Does alot of things very well. - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Joe M - January 17 - 12:08 pm

  Well Ive been driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee for the last 10 years and thought Id get into something a bit smaller. This vehicle rocks. The Sync system is great so much fun. Sits nice and high. Seats are comfortable. Seems real solid. Been getting 18 miles to the gallon,and have not been on a highway yet,so that seems pretty good. Love the no cap on the gas tank. This limited has all kinds of neat stuff. Autopark is the coolest thing Ive ever seen, and it works great. Overall Im very happy.

• 

  Nothing Like It - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By lastbird97 - January 16 - 5:58 pm

  Bought it off the lot fully loaded in 1997 on a whim and still loving it 13 years later. The V8, Traction assist, 16 wheels, antilock brakes and suspension make all the difference on this model. Detailing, Regular maintenance and keeping up with service bulletins has kept it in near showroom condition. The leather Interior, Sunroof, CD Player and temperature control system makes it as comfortable as my Limited Grand Cherokee. The styling still feels contemporary and the spoiler on the rear deck adds a nice touch to the cars shape.

• 

  This Baby Is Awesome - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Rob Abraham - January 16 - 1:24 pm

  The ride is great, i can take quick turns and it holds really well. The exterior looks bold and solid. I love the Chrome Grills.

• 

  So Happy.............UCF MOM !!! - 2010 Ford Focus
  By UCF MOM - January 15 - 5:35 pm

  I brought this car for my daughter, I wanted a safe and smart looking car for her. Wow, I am so impressed with the interior, very roomy. The gas mileage is great. I was really happy to finally see that this car does not welcome smokers. There are two 12V outlets. Perfect, for cell phone and IPOD. And 6 months Sirius for free is so, so nice!! But, let me say.... Ford has built a car that is safe, this car doesnt move like a 4 cylinder. This car really has speed. You can feel it on the highway. It has the smoothness of a bigger engine. For Parents looking for a car for a "deserving College Student", give Ford Focus a try. As a mother.....I just want to say... Thank You Ford. Luv it!!

• 

  I got one! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Charles - January 15 - 6:37 am

  Excited to have been able to get a deal on the RAPTOR after multiple tries at other dealers. Drove it home through a snow storm and trailered the car I was driving when I stopped in at the dealer. It handled the loaded trailer well I was cautious not to run it hard or jerky over the hills and pass. It is a truck first and foremost. Plan to have it a long time...would suggest it to anyone over other available extra cab and some 4 door trucks. It is fun to drive, use and rely on.

• 

  My Escort ZX2 - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Nick Linehan - January 14 - 11:59 am

  I bought my car with the intention of taking it to race tracks. considering it will do 125 stock... me and my buddies tinkered with it a lil bit... it runs great... gets excellent gas mileage and gets me where i need to go... fast... if anybody is thinking of buying one... its the car id recomend

• 

  Beast - 1996 Ford F-150
  By MegaWolf2010 - January 13 - 10:44 pm

  I bought this truck as my first truck in 2009. Has a straight V6 in it with a 4.5 L engine. bought it with 150,000 miles on it. I added two 10" speakers behind the single cap bench seat and still had enough room. Was really surprised because i am a Big Guy. I also added a 2 in lift to the back of the truck. Doing this added 2 extra MPG. ( with tailgate up ) GREAT truck. Perfect Turn radius with 1:1 turn ratio. Once you drive this truck you will wonder why they made new ones.

• 

  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 1996 Ford Aerostar
  By Andy - January 13 - 10:32 pm

  The best vehicle I have ever owned. It has been very reliable, comfortable, inexpensive to operate, handy and a very useful vehicle. Im still driving her after twelve and a half years and she has held up well. When ever my familys vehicles break down or they need a van they barrow the old Aerostar.

• 

  Ford has it right. - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Robert - January 13 - 10:20 pm

  This car is a company car. the mpg is 28-29 combined. I can get 33 or 34mpg on a good day on the hwy. The little 4 cyl is peppy enuff for passing on two lane hwys. Very solid car. The seats are very good for long trips. I have put 35,000 miles on it and have just had oil changes and tires rotated. Big enuff for 4 people to sit in total comfort.

• 

  Awesome Ride - 1997 Ford Ranger
  By James - January 13 - 6:08 pm

  Bought for $2,800 with 118k miles. Have never had a problem except with neutral safety switch not making contact and shifter knob coming off (its the 5 speed manual 2.3L). Runs great and is very fun to drive. Im not a big fan of the sag in the front, but that seems standard with most rangers of the time. It has problems with uphills but nothing major. You can get some serious bounce and slide out of the back which is fun on occasion. I have never gotten lower than 24.3 miles to the gallon and I keep up with it everytime I fill up. It came with 14 inch rims which is a shame because there are not that many off road tires for that size, but i can always upgrade. all in all, an awesome truck!