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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  Among the best compact SUVs - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CarnutWZ - March 28 - 10:00 am

  So far this vehicle has suprised me since day 1. The ride is firm but never jarring and the V6 really moves the SUV with some authority. Highway cruising is a breeze as the engine loafs at 2500RPM at 80MPH. The ride comfort on moderatley smooth roads comes at the expense of a little body lean in quick turns.. although handling is ultimately secure if your not trying to zip around a corner at excessive speed. I test drove a few competitors and found they came up short in more areas. Cargo space is versatile and just big enough for my family and luggage.(I have one child). There is no wonder why Escape is the best selling small SUV. With the HEV coming..there is more of a reason to buy

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  Nice Car For the Money - 2005 Ford Focus
  By BLFLOTX - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Just picked mine up after test driving a few cars. Its nice for the money as all of the desirable options are built into it. Nice engine and good handling - but its still a small economical car that has been tweaked to be something that it may not be. I do like the looks and throaty sound of the engine. Interior is very nice looking. Stereo with steering wheel controls are nice. AC cools quickly. Still has some of the cheap "Fordisms", but with all the options, a better deal than a Jetta...So I got it.

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  Sport Trac #2 - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By jgibb - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second SportTrac. I was extremely happy with the first until a little old lady in a 71 Lincoln sled totalled it. I came away from the accident with only bumps and bruises and was as impressed as thankful.I turned around and purchased another ASAP. It has performed well in inclement weather and off-road. The 4.0 liter has plenty of guts, the interior is comfortableand seats five easily. Granted, the bed is small but I dont need a full size truck. This is a niche vehicle and fits perfectly into my niche. Unlike the Avalanche it also fits perfectly in my garage. A lockable, removeable hard tonneau cover is a great accessory. This truck draws stares and lots of thumbs up!

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  Beautiful car - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Deb - March 28 - 3:56 am

  I bought this car on my brothers advice. Ive had two previous Tauruss. Ive had this car for 5 days. So far I drove home in a bad rain storm and had great handling on wet road. Highway power was good, I had not problems passing or going up hill. I drove to KC and got 28 MPG driving around 78 MPH. I felt this was good. My 2001 Taurus got 30 MPG and is a lighter car. I feel safe in this large car. It is very comfortable and I can see out, Im 53" so that is important. I love the rear seats folding down. I transported a dog without fear of ruining my leather seats. Im still learning where all the features are. I had a bad alternator from wire glitch, a bummer but..

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  Buy American!! - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By mblaauw - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Nicest car I have ever owned or driven and yes I have owned foreign cars.

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  Good car. - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By gymclasshero20 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This car was great. I had no major problems with this vehicle. It does use a moderate to large amount of gas, but it was expected. The features were reliable and was well built.

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  A Good Car for the Money - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By dst104 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Mustang Ive owned, and I love it. It has a good solid ride, and the sound system is excellent. Even for a V6, the car still performs well.

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  What about the brakes! - 1998 Ford Taurus
  By jeepstr9 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Taurus for about 4 years now. I really cant complain expect for a couple of things. First and foremost are the brakes! Numerous problems with them. Second would be service from dealerships. Although not directly related to the vehicle, good service may make the diffrence of buying a from a certain maker or not.

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  Springs Scort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Spring - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a used 1996 Escort. It was a steal and the mileage, 40,000! This simple and economic and RELIABLE car gets me places. I see a lot of elderly people driving around here in the 80s Civic hatchbacks and other subcompacts, so Im guessing that this particular Escort was one of those "elderly cars," being operated within the warranty as long as possible. This ones gonna last me a long while, I know it. So, if theres a 96 Escort out there for sale, - dont be a fool - buy it. Its the last of its kind. Great mileage, decent looks, easy to maintain.

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  2004 Ford Excursion Limited 6.0 Diesel - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By Lovin the Excursion - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Outside of having great luck with Ford, I turned to the Excursion because the Diesel engine. At first I thought the Excursion would be too large, but coming from a Supercrew, the size is virtually the same. Here are some other notes- Engine-THE ONLY WAY TO GO WITH THIS VEHICLE-DIESEL!! It is awesome! I drive mostly in city like conditions, and have been averaging 17 miles per gallon. For those that want to know if it is worth paying the extra $$ for a diesel, I did a comparison versus the V10 at 10 miles per gallon, and the ROI is about 48,000 miles of driving. O