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:

• 

  Just saying - 2005 Ford F-150
  By kgaston - November 24 - 10:05 am

  "engeneers need to improve the drive train". This is clearly the best drivetrain I have ever seen in a truck. The Allison is nowhere near as good as this seeing as if you do not change the fluids in the Allison religiously, it will fail quickly. The stereo package is one of the best Ive seen in a truck and I enjoy the responsive throttle and brakes. The ride is much more superior than any Chevy or Dodge Ive driven.

• 

  Built Ford Tough - 1997 Ford F-150
  By nascar_nfl - November 24 - 8:33 am

  I purchased this truck new in 1997 and it has held up great ever since. I now have almost 190,000 on this truck and it runs perfect. I have installed lots of aftermarket parts to the truck and have always taken care of it. I live in the Mountains of Southern West Virginia so this truck sees alot of road salt during the winter but still has no rust. I take this thing off roading alot to and it NEVER gets stuck and Ihave been in some deep mud and water. The interior has plenty of romm and I am 63". It is also stylish and has good sound from the speakers. Built Ford Tough!!!

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By sas260 - November 24 - 4:26 am

  This vehicle is by far the best vehicle value on the market today. The styling, performance, comfort and quality are all spot on. The technology will blow you away! The sync system finally brings a system to market that you can use when it is intended to be used, while you are driving. The voice recognition is accurate 90 percent of the time. Everyone that hear I bought a Ford Taurus is stunned at first, but then goes into shock when they see it and drive it. For me, I get all the luxury and quality of higher end imports, at a great price and I can proudly say I bought an American car once again.

• 

  I love my Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By pammymc - November 23 - 5:46 pm

  I bought this car new. I have had no real issues with it other than brake wear (my driving habbits-not the cars fault. Had to get new rotors twice.) & the starter went out @ 35K. The interior has taken a beating from my kids but a little Folex & it looks like new again. The radio is ok. I love my 6 disc CD changer. It doesnt have Aux plugs so no I-pod in the car. The thing is driving habbits determine alot how your car is going to perform. Flippling from reverse to drive while still moving will screw the transmission on any car. Some drivers migt want to examine their habits before the scrap the car. Overall Id buy another one if my credit wasnt messed up with this economy!

• 

  excellent - 2000 Ford F-150
  By doris - November 23 - 1:09 pm

  This truck is beast!! It has pulled a 2wd ford off the beach that was stuck. Its drifted around corners, hit junk, been hit by junk, drove through mud holes and anything else I ask it to do and its done all this without ever even being close to getting stuck or getting damaged cosmetically. I havent had to do anything but change the oil and it keeps destroying every challenge I give it. Try all that with a Ram 1500, you will be stuck spinning wheels in less than an hour.

• 

  Room for all & CARGO! - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Joel - November 22 - 8:13 pm

  Terrific small SUV to drive. I am very surprised of the power (when you need it) with both the batteries and the 4 cylinder gas engine kicking in. It does not take very long at all for the generators to recharge the batteries either. Its not just a small commuter car, there is actually room to take people & luggage to the airport, vacations, etc.

• 

  Trac Lover - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By dizazter - November 22 - 6:30 pm

  Ive been searching for a 4x4 for the last month, and kept coming back to the Sport Trac. I got a great deal on this 05 with tons of features that will more than meet my needs. Will be great for work and personal travel and elegant enough for a night out on the town.

• 

  One Week Update - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Bill C - November 22 - 12:49 pm

  After 200 miles, I am very happy with the purchase thus far. 171 hp engine is not a speed demon from rest yet it is not slow. 6 speed auto shifts well, getting 23 mpg around town. Expect it will be near 30 mpg on highway. 302A package adds nice options and car feels strong, safe and leather interior is nice. excellent radio, SIRIUS and hands free phone options, rear view camera and Synch.

• 

  What a Car! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By TJ - November 22 - 11:44 am

  We have had our Taurus a little over a month and have driven it 2500 miles to date. Coming off from 3 Park Avenues, the ride is not as smooth as a Buick, however the overall ride is very satisfactory and the fuel economy is great. Averaging about 30 on long distance driving, and 26 with city, freeway, and short trips. What amazes me is the attention the design is getting, with strangers wanting to know more about the car. Have had at least a dozen comments so far on how sharp it is and they cannot believe it is a Ford Taurus. They also comment on the interior design and spacious trunk. Would recommend this car to anyone looking for a well built, fun and comfortable car to drive.

• 

  Absolutely BLOWN AWAY! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Skip Rosen - November 22 - 2:46 am

  Honestly this Fusion may drive as good as out $53,000 BWW 5 Series nightmare (disastrous out of warranty service headaches). The seats and highway steer track are unbeatable!