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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  one sweet car - 1990 Ford Taurus
  By SHOman - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is possibly one of the best cars I have ever owned. It is fast, fun, easy to modify(I have a supercharged one with over 530hp and it runs 12.8s at the 1/4). And when you want it too it hauls your family to where they want to go.

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  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By CRM74 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my truck new almost 4 years ago, and have had no problems. It handles great in poor weather, its reliable, and the sound system is superb. As for fuel economy, its an SUV, so its not great. Compared to other SUVs though, its not bad.

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  Limited - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By deaner30 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is the best SUV on the market because of its new features the dealer can put on.

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  Very Satisfied - 1997 Ford Expedition
  By andrewtx - May 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle new and have been very satisfied. We travel quite a bit (with 2 kids) and it is very comfortable on long trips. Weve used it to tow trailers and several occasions and had no problems. Only complaint is that the power door locks would quit working periodically. After trying to get Ford to fix them several times, I gave up and just started buying boxfuls of fuses and replace the fuse when the locks go out. No big deal. Only work done was brakes, tires and regular maintenace for > 100,000 miles

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jaychuks - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my Escape for about a month now and I love it! I also have a GMC Jimmy in the family and I have to say that I love driving the Escape even more. The one wish that I have though is to rip the drivers seat out of the Jimmy and place it in the Escape. That would be heaven. You gotta love how car makers get away with the ONE power seat though! The Escape handles like a dream on icy and snowy road conditions. I have test driven a few cars in my time and I have the most confidence driving the Escape far and above all of the rest of them. If you are in the market for a smaller SUV then make sure you at least give this one a test drive...

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  my t bird - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By jim franks - May 24 - 2:00 am

  my only real problem with the car is the fact the computer chip has blown out twice. It is becoming a prob that ford better correct.. Or Iam going to use the maryland lemon laws to my advantage..

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  We have 2 - 1997 Ford Probe
  By Smokeman - May 24 - 2:00 am

  The style is great. W/the seats down, you can fit a full size bed in the car. It looks sporty, so you feel proud to drive it. Only problem is the check engine light comes on after 40K miles. After having it checked out and finding nothing is wrong, we have to disconnect the battery to reset the lamp.

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  Great Truck - 1999 Ford F-150
  By mikeD - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Love this Ford. Dependable. Great ride. Acceptable fuel rating.

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  not worth the money - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dean hinderliter - May 24 - 12:30 am

  Absolutely horrible gas mileage. 16.7 mpg best ever; this was interstate driving. Same trip with my Chevrolet V-8 engine we get over 18. Also Escape has a lot of road noise; its much more pleasant to drive my pickup. No follow up on delivery problems, was delivered with no manuals - this was corrected - no cargo cover in rear - was supposed to get us one in May. We have checked back and still have no cargo cover. I am not happy with the vehicle and would trade it now if I could and it would not be a FORD ESCAPE. To use a strong word I hate the fuel economy of this vehicle and do not drive it any more then I have to because of fuel mileage and the road noise.

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  The best truck Ive ever had - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Bart - May 23 - 1:33 pm

  My Sport Trac is the funnest truck Ive ever driven, and its absolutely gorgeous. The unique body style makes it a real head-turner and I couldnt be happier! I LOVE IT!