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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  #1 SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Red Escape - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This has been the all around best car. I do not have to worry about going out of town and having any problems with it, or waking up and it not starting. I know that this will be like every other Ford that my family has owned, a 200,000 mile+ car.

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  Young and Fun - 2005 Ford Escape
  By cutelilreiner - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I like it, I came from driving a 04 4dr turbo diesel dualy to this and it is soooo much fun. Its little and easy to get around in but I dont feel like Im gonna get completely squashed by other vehicles. It was great for gettin around a college town where drivers are crazy.

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  Yes....... - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Greg Vammen - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a new family/work vehicle, I took long test drives in many of the new chevy, dodge, toyota trucks comparable to the F-150 Supercrew. The second mile driving the Ford I was sold, Man what a great truck.... Now I own my first brand new vehicle ever and couldnt be happier!

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  "Funtagious" - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Ronnie - September 29 - 7:59 pm

  I have owned new GT Mustangs in the years of 91, 93, 94, 96, 04, and now 2010. I must say, Ford has finally devoted the attention to the Mustang that it deserves. The car simply handles amazingly, quite agile, and has the power needed to make it fun! The interior is impressive, especially the ambient lighting. The stereo sounds fantastic. I really can not come up with any suggestions for improvement. Take a drive, you will be "hooked"!

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  I miss my escort! - 1996 Ford Escort
  By killthebananas - September 29 - 7:50 pm

  This car was given to me by my dad. It has been the most reliable car ever. I loved (and still do, really) this car and everything about it. The hatchback is super spacious, comfy seats, and nice looking interior. I performed regular maint on it and it treated me VERY well until about a week ago when it died at about 170k due to a bent valve. If properly diagnosed from the get go (it made noises for a while that no one would take seriously), I am positive my car would still be going strong right now. If not for that I would still be driving it and would NEVER give it up. I always said I would drive it til it died...I guess I should have kept my trap shut!!

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  Love my Stang - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Wayne Dick - September 29 - 5:15 am

  Wanted a "newer" mustang for quite a while. Found the perfect car for me. Right color, deep impact blue, convertible a lot of bells and whistles. Price was very good for a low mileage, spotless car.

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  Love my Stang - 2014 Ford Mustang
  By Wayne Dick - September 29 - 5:11 am

  Wanted a "newer" mustang for quite a while. Found the perfect car for me. Right color, deep impact blue, convertible a lot of bells and whistles. Price was very good for a low mileage, spotless car.

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  Pleasently surprised - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By watashi - September 28 - 3:31 pm

  I ordered my Taurus Sel last June and received delivery on September 22. the SEL is very well equipped as is. The only thing I added was leather interior. I am very impressed with the handling qualities and the suspension.The ride almost has a sport feel. It is firm yet not harsh. The engine does an excellent job pulling it along with little effort despite the 4,000 pound weight. The 6 speed transmission is very smooth shifting through the gears. You wouldnt know it was shifting if you werent watching the tach. With the cruise control set, the transmission will down shift on steep descents in order to maintain the set speed. I also like the manual overide feature.

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  Travel in Comfort for a Change - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Galaxie 500 - September 28 - 2:10 am

  I travel in work all the time. The mark of a great car is not the racy numbers but how well do you feel after a lengthy trip? How comfortable were you along the way? Is there enough room to "take it with you?" How is the interior laid out? I can tell you that taking a trip in a Five Hundred sedan will be an experience unmatched by anything else in its price class.

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  Love It! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By carnaby - September 28 - 1:55 am

  Had our 2006 Freestyle 2wd for a year now. Bought used in 2008. Very reliable after driving it from 24k miles to 46k miles. Takes the family everywhere in comfort without being so bulky as a minivan. Second row seats 6+ adults very comfortably. Third row offers plenty of leg room, and seats 58" adults comfortably. Decent in snow, in spite of being 2wd. Nimble enough off road. Rugged compared to crossover SUVs. Excellent vehicle, would recommend.