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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  Great for the money - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By hlucas - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I wish it had the independent suspension on the rear. Rear end hop is bad on rough corners

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  Fuel Mileage - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Vincent Fertig - September 25 - 1:36 pm

  The fuel mileage sucks. The best I can get on the highway is 15 mpg. driving it very carefully never exceeding 65 mph. It is rated for 17 city 21 highway. I am not happy. The A/C output is pathetic in hot weather in traffic. There is a hard bang in the driveline after starting to roll from a full stop. The head restraint/rest is at an awful angle forward making you have your chin down at an uncomfortable angle.

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  Driving the Canadian Jungle! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Cris - September 25 - 12:36 pm

  We bought our 2006 Limited Escape about a month ago. It handles great and I experience no problems driving on snow and ice - a lot different than the little car I had! It is very responsive and has all the luxury we wanted. We took it on holidays and put 2500 kms on it with no troubles. If you are looking for a small SUV that is comfortable to drive (and an easy transition from a small vehicle) this is the one. I definitely appreciate the safe feeling I have when driving it!

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  Happy owner - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By suezeeq - September 25 - 11:06 am

  After six weeks of waivering back an forth about whether or not to buy the Five Hundred I took the plunge and I am happy I did! I drove both transmissions and the CVT is the only way to go - much smoother and quieter. Not sure why some people say the car needs more horses because I think it has plenty of pep for a sedan - after all it is not meant to be a race car. The AWD is a real plus for NJ weather. If you are thinking about this car, GO FOR IT!

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  The Red Festiva Dude - 1990 Ford Festiva
  By The red festiva dude - September 25 - 2:00 am

  now the festiva was made by kia, and i dont know if the new kias are as good as this car but it rocks. This is my second festiva, I was in the michigan Rally league and raced a festiva, that car took more than any car ever should, and still runs !!! Now i have my second one, and it is just great, even if something goes wrong its so easy to work on, I LOVE FESTIVAS !!!!

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  Loris Car - 1996 Ford Probe
  By Lori1985 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my Probe. I have my car for over a year and a half and have had few problems with it. Until recently, the only repairs I have had were for the air conditioner and air bag light. Other than that, my car has ran pretty good. Like I said, I love my car!

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  2003 Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By mikeforeman - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck

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  Ford has convinced me! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By palmergj - September 25 - 2:00 am

  My last truck was a Dakota and I was looking for one again. I test drove the edge and couldnt get it out of my mind. The Dakota ended up being out of my price range new- and I couldnt see going used if I could afford a new edge (with rebates). My sonic blue Edge is everything my old Dakota wasnt. Ive only had it for 4 months but I am really impressed! I am confident of this trucks abilities under any conditions. If it keeps up its relibility for the nest 3-4 years I will no question buy another Ranger!

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  horse - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By gonzolla - September 25 - 2:00 am

  mustang is a legend and it stands up to that no matter what

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  Lousy Car - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By phil34209 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble, constant repairs including major ones, lousy ride, terrible fuel economy.