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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  Best one yet. - 2001 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Dennis Carter - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 4 club wagons since 1978. My 2001 E150 Traveler is the best one yet. I feel the $ value of the E150 Traveler is fantastic. I dont know why Ford doesnt promote this product more.

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  Thoughts on Trac - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Mr. Wilson - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I really like this vehicle. Its comparatively well appointed for the price. Its comfortable and fun to drive. The bed offers a number of hauling options with the tonneau cover (which creates a fully lockable water tight "trunk") and the bed extender. The Trac isnt as huge as some of its competitors; therefore, it fits neatly in the garage. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who needs to have the ability to haul cargo and people. I read a review on Edmunds.com suggesting that the vehicle vibrates at highway speeds. I have not been able to reproduce this issue in vehicles I test drove or in the one I purchased.

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  A good balance of features and cost - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By ranger1 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Ranger, went with the extended cab and 3.0L V-6 vs the previous 4 banger and standard cab. Surprised at the improvement in acceleration. Always like the steering and suspension. Extended cab is the only way to go, learned that fact the hard way. Got the truck with a $4K rebate, that really sealed the deal. The XLT package added numerous features, this truck came with power everything, included keyless entry. Ford also had a good deal on an extended warranty, added three more years at 72K miles for around $1,300. No problems to date.

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  Childhood DREAM, came TRUE!!!! - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Tressa - December 3 - 10:05 pm

  My whole life, I have dreamed of owning a convertible, but never thought that day would come. Finally at Thirty years old, that day came TRUE. I researched all the different models of convertibles, and none of the others compared to the Ford Mustang. The Mustang rated the highest in safety, which was one of my main concerns. Another was the comfort and room for passengers, and again the Mustang had it all.

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  Ford GT Convertible 2009 - 2009 Ford Mustang
  By MattB - December 3 - 5:47 pm

  An overall great car to drive and very, very fun. Tons of power and very responsive steering. I also test drove a convertible BMW 330i which also was responsive and great to drive but the Mustang won out due to the lesser cost and greater power. I have never owned a convertible but now I wont go back to a regular coupe. I cant say enough good things about this car.

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  I am in shock and awe - 2010 Ford Escape
  By redbeard - December 3 - 12:34 pm

  This is the vehicle I should have bought 3 years ago, I bought a great Pont. Vibe, but its cost was more than the Escape. The Escape is a macho type vehicle unlike the girlie types of the Rogue and Equinox. Guess I like the tougher look. It has been a great 2000 miles thus far, MPG in the city with some highway is running 25 give or take. Only got 27 in the Vibe. I have found one problem (well not really a problem) but check yours!!! The inner door jams (at the front edge of the two front doors are not painted.) Open the door half way and look toward the bottom, ta da, no paint inside the back of the front fender. There is an area that just is not painted. Dealer painted mine.

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  Built Texas Tough - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Lorenceh - December 3 - 8:12 am

  Awesome truck. Ive taken it all over Texas and Mexico, bought it new and now has about 100,000 miles. its been chewed up and abused by South Texas terrain but still stays faithful. seals still good after years off 105 degree weather. handles great in sticky situations (evacuating in high flood waters, hurricane winds, ect.) I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking in to it.

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  Great small suv - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Stan - December 3 - 7:03 am

  I have had this 2006 Escape for about a month. I am 6 275 lbs and I fit just right in it. The new Duratec engine will get into traffic with no problem. So far I like it a lot and I like the gas mileage too.

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  Love It - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Rick - December 2 - 4:05 pm

  I have owned the Escape Limited 2010 for about a month, traded in a 2004 Explorer. I prefer the ride of the Escape. The full set of options are great and with the Sun and SYNC package traveling is a joy. Storage is less than the Explorer, but the gas mileage is way better. I am glad I made this purchase

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  Its been surprisising_totally - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - December 2 - 3:11 pm

  I bought my EXP XLT new in 01. I have 181,000 and repairs have been minimal. Chnge the oil on time. FORD should have a loyalty program to get me into another FORD. With the economy buying a new car is difficult.