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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  Love this car!! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By My Great Car - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I went to Florida in March and got 40 MPG consistently on a two day trip. Cant get much better than that! I even get great mileage around my rural area, back and forth to stores, etc. Have not put any money into it, except a tie rod end, tires, and everyday maintenance. I love this car!!! Heats great, cools great, fun to drive!!

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  Nice Rig! - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By JPeterman - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I was looking at the Toyota Tundra 4x4 when I came across this truck online in Fords inventory close to my house. I found that Toyota was a "little too proud" of what they had to offer (read: too much money). When I first saw this silver beast I knew I was in for a good time. It had all the options I wanted in a vehicle (power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, limited slip diff., etc.) and for good measure it had the very cool split tonneau cover! Very nice drive, even on a long trip from Portland to Salt Lake City.

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  A strong, reliable car - 1995 Ford Taurus
  By NL - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Great in snow, reliable, comfortable, fast for its power rating, excellent ride & handling for base model, good looks, big trunk, solid, antilock brakes, 4-wheel disk brakes(one of the best features), fuel-door lock. Cons: Not enough power, gas mileage could be better(20city/23highway), a few rattles, cheap interior materials (dash, doors).

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  Many miles, still running - 1996 Ford Contour
  By MNDriver - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have 173,000 miles on the contour and it still runs very well. No loss in compression or fuel mileage. Had to replace 2 power window motors, timing belt tensioner, and front ball joints. I hope to get 200k miles before I send it to its final resting place!

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  Little things...became big annoyances - 2013 Ford Edge
  By Melissa - September 8 - 1:36 pm

  I traded my Edge...Im 57 even though there is head room in interior of car..the design of the door is lacking...bumped my head getting out all the time and my seat was lowered...it is the curve that is not in a good spot and passengers said the same thing...the lights are horrible..they dont seem bright enought at all...technology seems great at first but is distracting and hard to control while driving...a pain...review mirror is dimmed at night and awkward...vision issues on side of car while looking to turn...door ajar control issues with hatch...traded it in for a Sorento

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  Driving Fun! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ThePrincess - September 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV, and I love it! I drove several others in the same class (e.g., Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR/V, Toyota Rav4) and none of them came close to the Escape for comfort, appearance, and just plain driving fun! Ive never been a recreational driver before, but this little car is changing that!!!

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  My 97 T-Bird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jeremy Summers - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my T-bird!! Its the car that i always wanted(2dr, V8, RWD, Sound System).Its fun to drive. Very sporty in looks and in power. Great gas milage for a V8.It a lot cheaper in insurance than a mustang.

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  2000 F-150 XLT - 2000 Ford F-150
  By Gerard882 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  F-150 is great i have this car 3 years 20k when i bought it, now 105k runs great. The only mechanical problems i had were spark plugs and wheel lug broke off, other than that nothing.interior is nicley shaped, Has power to deliver, 0-60 is good.. but can imporove. This truck will do another 80k most definitely! it wont disapoint

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  2001 Red Sport - 2001 Ford F-150
  By TXtruckman - September 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck rocks! I was shocked at the deal I received it was definitely worth the purchase price. I have not have any problems w/ the truck and I have ~70K miles on it. The dealer service is great and the maintenance costs are very reasonable. This truck has very good build quality and has very good performance. I would highly recommend this truck to anyone.

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  The whole nine yards - 1994 Ford Probe
  By Kevin G - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 94SE about a month ago, and already this is by far the best car Ive ever owned. I havent had one problem with it. The small 2.0L engine delivers a surprising amount of power, especially given the weight of the vehicle (2700lbs). I get looks wherever I go, and my girlfriend refers to it as "the fun car." The gas mileage is great. Id recommend the Probe to anyone who wants a good, reliable, great looking sports car.