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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  1999 Windstar - Its been a great trip - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By imbartman - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We have had this car since new and have had an excellent experience. This car has travelled hard and never let us down. It is a comfortable van with a nice ride, but not so cushy that you are afraid to use it. The throttle and engine noise is a little more throaty than most, but the power is smooth and plentiful. I would have no problem selling this car to a friend - even with 120,000 miles on it.

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  2007 Ford Edge - 2007 Ford Edge
  By idylhour@gmail.com - March 18 - 11:26 am

  Although Ive only driven 800 miles, the Edge is a superior automobile to my 2002 Escape. I truly believe that Ford hit a home run.

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  Wow! Love the Hybrid! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By george_gloria - March 18 - 5:33 am

  We bought the Escape hybrid when our previous vehicle incurred expensive repairs. We are absolutely amazed with the pep, comfort, and fuel economy of this vehicle! It is an outstanding vehicle that has exceeded our expectations. We are averaging about 28mpg on both hyway and around-town! Our hybrid has satellite nav and a bunch of other options and only lacks memory seats. Not sure if the memory seats are available; but, we bought the only hybrid on the lot. Next time we will look for memory seats (not a big requirement). We recomment this vehicle highly! We will probably replace our Jeep with an Escape Hybrid next year.

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  Im happy - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Drew22 - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I didnt think I would be getting this vehicle when I started shopping. When I got into it I was impressed. It does lack some power. The comfort on the highway makes up for it.

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  my new bird - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By beachguy - March 18 - 2:00 am

  smooth crisp handling a fun car to drive and to be seen driving no problems as of 3900 miles

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  excellent head turner - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By cstore66 - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vechile in July 02. That Oct I drove the car to Fla. I averaged 29 mpg and avg. speed was 72 mph. Hwy mileage is excelent. City driving considering the v-8 is good (about 17)....... The interior is a little cramped (head room), but it is definitely a pleasure to drive. I am 57" if I were over 6 or 6"2" it would be tough to drive with the hardtop on

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  awsome - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By nicholasg - March 18 - 2:00 am

  My review of this is that it is a 5 star rating

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  Not bad - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By BSmith - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Im not crazy about my Ranger. The biggest problem I have is that the 3.0 liter engine is underpowered. I would suggest buying the larger engine.

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  My car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By IcePrincess - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I think this vehicle is great. I have to drive 200 miles 2 days per week and since its mainly freeway, I can go the 200 miles on 1/2 tank of gas.

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  Its cute, but . . . - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Cary in Florida - March 17 - 7:23 pm

  Our SportTrac is cute, but it doesnt handle well at all, and its loud and rough-running. It creaks when you turn the wheel "too far" in either direction (like when Im going through a drive- through restaurant!), the engine light constantly comes on (thankfully we got the extended warranty), and the drivers seat wont go close enough in for my comfort.