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:

• 

  one of the best - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By 43 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  great truck,keep pulling them out of the woods,rolled over,submerged in lakes, and they keep on running.had to own one after i saw how well this style of truck holds up under major abuse.

• 

  The Amazing SportTrac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By explorer man - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the the best vehical. I take it 4 wheelin daily and it works great. The only down side is the gas tank is huge so it takes about $30 to fill it up.

• 

  sweet truck - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dpc2003 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  2nd one ive owned...just a truly unique, totally cool package. All you need in one vehicle.

• 

  Wants old cab back 986,000 miles - 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Don Winters - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Riding a cab, the cab driver was mad. His boss wanted to turn, 1 million miles. It had one transmission replaced 500k miles and the cab has never had a wrench on it except for the tran 986k miles. 1 million miles no engine work 1 tranmission. It had doubled any Gm product line and 3-4 times the Japan cabs. I wonder why Ford does not run add like, 1 million mile club with no engine work. The ride in the 986,000 cab was smooth and no noise. Note the next cab had 990,000 but two tranmissions. Quite a contest. I did buy a diffent model Lincoln Cartier, hope my grand kids, finish the test. You can not tell how fast its going

• 

  Great Truck, Glad I bought it! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By emtpjimd - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Great truck overall. I had a 95 Explorer, and it was time to replace it. GOing from the old pushrod 4.0 to the new 4.0 was an amazing difference..the old engine was too underpowered. The interior is well laid out, and the suspension gives a great ride with the independent rear. I didnt get the third row seat, so I have quite a bit more storage area in the back.

• 

  Ford returns to the top with Mustang - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Daniel Thoreson - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Greatest car ever made. Period. This car is absolutely great. Buy it.

• 

  Give it a Test Drive, 2015 Ford C-Max Energi - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By Max - December 13 - 7:00 am

  I own a 2015 Ford C-Max Energi, it now has 20,000 miles. The C-Max only needs one oil change per 10,000 miles that cost around $40. Rides and handles good with peppy acceleration. The power adjustable leather driver’s seat is super comfortable. The dealer convinced me to buy the premium extended warrantee because it’s a $32,000 car. But some of us in CA get $10,000 in credits so the C-Max Energi only cost me $22,000. So for driving comfort, handling and reliability I give it 5 stars. The only thing I dislike is the NAV and clunky radio interface. In the 2017 models they have a better system. I looked at the Nissan Leaf, low range and lower crash test. The Chev Volt is more of a sports car, low to the ground and only seats 4, the 2017 seats 5 if your passengers are small. The C-Max is higher like a Honda CRV and has lots of head room for tall people. Short people will like that driver’s seat will adjust way up. The backup camera works good and it’s nice to be able to swing your foot to open the power lift gate. The key fob is big but it never needs to leave your pocket or purse. The trunk space is small but you be amazed at what you can fit in the C-Max. I can fit 2 adults, 3 kids, large cooler with drinks and snacks, 5 folding beach chairs, 1 beach tent and umbrella, 5 beach towels and 3 foam boogie boards. The C-Max Energi is only cost effective if you get good rebates and have cheap electricity under .15 per Kilowatt. Otherwise your better off just buying a C-Max Hybrid or Fusion Hybrid. I use one tank of gas per month at $33. I plug-in whenever the car is in the driveway so I can do all my local driving using the electricity from the solar system. I was getting ripped off and paying .40 kwh, but now I have solar so it’s about .09 kwh. I also installed the 220V charger so it only takes 2.5 hours for a full charge. I can go 18-22 miles on only electric. The yearly cost for 15,000 miles, based on $2.60 for gas and .15 kwh, 60% Highway & 40% Local is about $800 for gas and electricity for the C-Max Energy. The cost for the C-Max Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid is about $1000 per year. My fuel cost using Solar is about $396 for Gas and $240 for electric, or $640 per year.

• 

  Good Vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Brice rhodes - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2002 Ford Escape XLT 4X4.I am very happy with my Escape.I absolutley love the exterior look and it rides very well.I think the interior could be a little more modern.I am not too happy with the fuel economy.I get about 18-19 mpg most of the time.Overall it is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

• 

  I love my Zx2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Isabella - December 13 - 2:00 am

  My very first car was an EXP, and my father bought a five speed so that I would learn to drive one. I LOVED that car, and my ZX2 reminds me of it in the way it drives. Its a fun car. Its very well made, and although I said when we were shopping that I didnt want a 2 door, and I didnt want a 4 cylinder, I didnt even want a small car...But you know? I am happy with my little car, and I am upset that Ford has discontinued them.

• 

  I LOVE My Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By paper - December 13 - 2:00 am

  We bought this SUV because of our family size and we do a lot of out door activities. The whole family could not be more happy and comfortable. For me there is no more gut wrentching tows up the mountains with out travel trailer.