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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  Mostly Great Little Truck - 2002 Ford Escape
  By geffiner - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Escape for a little over a year now and there have been a few bumps in the road, but they have been fixed as quickly as possible. 4 months after I bought my car, the clutch Master Cylinder had to be replaced (that took 10 days), then 2 months later it was in the shop because it was leaking differential fluid, the dealership fixed that within a day. But then in June, 7 months later it was back in with problems with the differential and it turns out that had to be replaced too. Other than that no problems, and I love this vehicle besides.

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  Sensible Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By squad57 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the first new car that I have ever bought and it was a great investment. I had it paid off in 4 years which was great. I have never had anything major go wrong with the Escort and it rides smoothly. I get great gas mileage down the highways.

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  The Weekend Machine - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Jalen - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Excursion strictly for my family weekend getaways. I was a bit hesitant with the talk of gas mileage, but who buys a hog like this for gas mileage? Also seeing my Wife lounging on the back row playing with the kids during our last trip to Virginia Beach while I was in control up front makes this a worth while purchase. The SUV handles like a truck but has all the comforts of a luxury car. A DEFINITE KEEPER.

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  Power! - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By skypilot - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the X for 2 months and 7000 miles now still great! Power up the wahzoo, pulls our 5000 lb. boat like its not even there. Wanders though... steering is vague and directional control is minimal, it just doesnt want to go straight down the road, gotta pay attention all the time. The 6.0 engine is the only way to go, 16.5-21 mpg, kills anything youll see from the other engines.

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  My Best thoughts about my Ford Explore - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By lindati2001 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Well i havent had the truck that long, but I Love the way the SUV drive and its my favorite SUV model. And I hope,Ford will keep improving on there SUV Trucks . Because they drive so very well. And has great milage when i drive.

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  Awesome Harley Truck!!! - 2002 Ford F-150
  By S.Suggs - August 19 - 11:27 pm

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  Love My Fusion! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Michelle - August 19 - 7:16 pm

  I have had my Fusion for almost a full 3 months now and I like it just as much, if not more, then when I first got it. I got the V6 SEL, fully loaded and even had a remote starter thrown in. Its a quiet ride. The Fusion has quick acceleration with a growl I only wished my Mustang had. The steering is responsive and the car brakes on a dime. Its got good suspension - I dont feel the bumps like I did with my Mustang. Traction control works good in the rain and snow. No slippin and slidin. The trunk is huge, which only means I can shop more now! The 8 speaker, 6 CD/MP3 player sounds great. I have nothing bad to say about this car. Ford did a great job and made a fun car that I love to drive!

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  Replacement vehicle - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By ajw79097 - August 19 - 3:40 am

  Before purchasing this vehicle, we owned an 01 Mercury Sable LS Premium sedan. My Sable was a great car and had all the amenities for someone new the owning a sedan. My Sable was starting to act its age (it had 107,000 miles on it at trade-in), so it was time to find a suitable replacement. We bought the 500 used, but it definitely didnt look to be used. The previous owner this vehicle very well and it seems practically new. Even though Ive only had it less than a week, and I do miss my Sable, this is a more than suitable replacement. It offers plenty of room for all us (I have a toddler with a large car seat), handles well and is just a great overall car.

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  great new car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By StirrCrazy - August 19 - 2:00 am

  this is my first new car it replaced an 89 chevy celebrity that was on its last leg. I go to school 200 miles from home and this car if GREAT! its comfortable, reliable, and it looks great. Im NOT afraid to be seen in it. I would recomend it as a first car for a new driver. it is very safe and feul efficient!

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  Broke at 300 miles - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By mschneid - August 19 - 2:00 am

  It seems like a neet truck to drive but I would know because the tranny is broke at 308 miles. Hopefully I didnt make a major mistake by buying this vehicle.