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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  80 miles per gallon - 2015 Ford Fusion Energi
  By Roger - October 1 - 5:00 pm

  You will never get to know the name of the cashier at the gas station. My wife couldnt believe she would ever drive a Ford and yet the Titanium is a huge surprise in comfort, quiet and style. It only adds about twenty dollars per month to my home electric bill while saving about $150 on my gas bill. For the commuter this is the way to go. Two drawbacks...the trunk is tiny and the battery loses about 40% of its effective distance in cold weather.

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  9 years of experience.... - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By kenshin - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Its been 9 years since i got this 5.0 Mustang GT... its too bad that i had to buy automatic transmission... so far in 9 years it had one major problem and few minor problems... such as winshield wiper motor,rattling sounds from doors and shocks when driving on the rough streets...and the biggest one was the transmission... which i think its got to do with automatic transmission in 200+HP 5.0 liter engine equiped sports car..... (i guess automatic transmission couldnt handle the way i drive...) except from these problem car is still running fine and it certainly is not out of fashioned for 9 year old car...

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  Ford Ranger EDGE vs. Toyota Tacoma - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Digital_Alex - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have the Ford Ranger Edge Plus 03 4x4 4 door. I bought the top-of-the line model. I was dead set on buying the top-of-the line Tacoma V6 4x4 extra cab, but when I compared the features/price, I bought the Ford! I saved $4500 vs. the same comparable Tacoma. Some difference between the 2 vehicles. Tacoma Specs: 3.4L V6 190 HP @ 4,800 RPM 220 LB. Ft. @ 3,600 RPM Max tow weight: 5,000 LB. w/ Auto. Ford Specs: 4.0L V6 207 HP @ 5,250 RPM 238 LB. Ft. @ 3000 RPM Max tow weight: 5,580 LB. w/ Auto. My test drive of both vehicles proved that the Ford Ranger Edge Plus outperforms the Toyota Tacoma V6.

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  Underrated - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By CanadianTaurus - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Taurus Ive owned and have been impressed how much better this car is compared to the 1999. I have had the car for 16 months and not one mechanical problem. I love the ride of this car and the reliability of it. My brothers 2002 Altima is always in the shop, not my Taurus! What luxury at a great price.

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  Intro to SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By xavionj - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I stumbled onto the Novato Ford lot to rule out purchasing the vehicle and 2 hours later I owned it. The dealership was exceptional and the Escape the brought me to test drive screamed at me to purchase it. Im sure it was one of the best purchases Ive ever made and every day I own it I think how lucky I am. Coming cross country was such a blast. I experienced all the usual weather patterns for the summer and the vehicle never even flinched. It handles so much like a car on the street and I find it comforting to know that I can take it off road when necessary. So now Im a Ford man and very happy.

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  I LOVE my little car - 1996 Ford Escort
  By ajoneen - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This was my first NEW car and I took alot of ribbing for getting an Escort, but I am Sooo glad I did. Had one front end accident, everyone was OK and repairs were completed easily. I can fit just as much stuff in the rear as my husband can in his SUV!! Its a breeze in the snow and easy to get out of tight places.

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  escort - 2003 Ford Escort
  By trish - October 1 - 2:00 am

  my ford escort has been a great car to me. i have put alot of miles on it and it is great on gas!!!!!

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  love it!!! - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By trisha1454 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this thing!! I would have no complaints at all except it can drink the fuel........It is a diseal,you can run a long time on a full tank but it holds like $65.00 worth pur fill up. I get about 11-13 mpg

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  Crap - 1997 Ford Escort
  By AlisonE - October 1 - 2:00 am

  this car has done $86,000/miles and is on its 3rd transmision.. inside parts are falling off.. DO NOT buy this car.. more trouble than its worth.. although it did run fine for the first 3 years.. after that it just fell apart. IT was one thing after another..

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  Definitely a Great Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By ZX24ME - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have 90000 miles and no major repairs or maintenance issues (5speed Manual). Sporty and stylish with a modest price tag. I bought it at a time when I never imagined I would own an American manufactured vehicle, and voila, I have been duly converted. Cheers to the designers and engineers. Great Car!