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 vehicle. - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By TAO - December 4 - 2:00 am

  This was the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have a family of 5 and started out with the "family van". The van served its purpose (although I would never buy another chry??? product), but the Excursion does more than serve its purpose. Being just about the largest vehicle on the road, I feel my family is safe. The Excursion is the biggest and best looking SUV on the road. It has been dependable and fun to drive. Ford will no doubt have a return customer.

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  My Little Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By michellethewonderful - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Escort LX for 5 years. I just paid it off and it is still going strong. I enjoy driving the car. The gas mileage is excellent. Im so attached to my car that when I bought a Ford Mustang in 98, I took it back to the dealership to reclaim my Escort!

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  ESCORT IT IS - 1999 Ford Escort
  By JRJNJLB - December 4 - 2:00 am

  AS A FAMILY MAN I ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF DRIVING THIS CAR. PLUS I NO LONGER HAVE TO USE MY BMW TO HAUL OUR KIDS AROUND. NOT THAT THE KIDS CARE THEY THINK THE ESCORT IS CUTE-ER. ITS DEFINATELY WORTH EVERY CENT. GAS MILEAGE IS ABOVE AVERAGE 38 HIGHWAY 28 CITY. DESIGN IS MODERN AND NOT LIKE THE OLD ESCORTS. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FANCY GO SPEND YOUR MONEY ELSEWHERE, IF YOUR LIMITED ON CASH AND LOOKING FOR A GOOD VALUE-THE ESCORT IT IS.

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  Best Car I have ever owned! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Picky - December 4 - 1:53 am

  This car is incredible! Drive experience so comfortable you dont really care about getting to your destination! The real surprise- my fuel economy has been a solid 21.5 mpg driving 90% city 10% highway. This car hauls large items well. I put an 8ft potted tree in the back in front of several skeptical on-lookers. I have had not one problem with this car and it was delivered with 0 defects. Warning: if you drive one, youll want one!

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  Fun To Drive - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bob - December 3 - 8:30 pm

  Excellent handling. Plenty of power, especially in the snow. Responsive vehicle.

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  Ford Fusion is a great surprise - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Marcos - December 3 - 3:50 pm

  It seems that you are driving an European car made to excel in windy roads. It gives you uncompromised power and still great fuel economy.

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  Very cheaply made vehicle that costs way too much - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By SoCalCASK - December 3 - 1:06 pm

  I have had this car for 2 years. I drive the car 120 miles a day in Los Angeles Traffic being the vehicle 4 hours a day, I know and understand this vehicle...stay far far away!!! The interior and exterior of this vehicle is the cheapest that money can buy with a luxury price tag. The technology in this car is about 10 years behind the times. The Bluetooth works about 20% of the time which is awful since I drive 4 hours a day and rely on Bluetooth for basic functionality. I need Bluetooth to be able to take care of any client calls and I also rely on this for my podcasts. I am in the car 4 hours and am stuck without any Bluetooth, it is truly like having a car in the 90s again. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR, it is overpriced and Ford should be ashamed. This car cost more than my luxury vehicle and it drives, rides, and is like the cheapest car I have ever purchased. I am paying a premium for what I consider a car not worthy of the cheapest vehicle on the road. Issues - No Bluetooth - If Bluetooth does work the caller hears the phone ringing several times inside the vehicle before you connect, this is extremely unprofessional and most of the time callers get confused and hang up - The trunk materials fell apart quickly and the trunk doesnt close. I purchased the extended warranty so I took this in thinking this is a basic fix they should cover, NO, they wanted me to pay for their CHEAP materials used that do not allow the trunk to close. No thank you, I cant put any additional money into this piece of **** - When you take the car in under your prepaid service plan the dealership puts you to the back of the line so you have to wait for any basic service well in excess of anyone else. I work long hard hours, I dont have an extra 2 hours to spend at a dealership. In addition, they refuse to wash the vehicle. Basically the dealership even treats this car like its a POS cheap car - 4 recalls on the vehicle thus far. Again, I dont have time to deal with Fords issues This is the worst purchase I have made in my entire life. Do not make the same mistake that I did. Cheaply made car at a premium price

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  The not so reliable F-150 - 1997 Ford F-150
  By rdleisey - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my F-150 new in 02/97. To date I have spent over $4000.00 in maintenance and repair costs at my local ford dealership. After sinking $2800.00 in the truck over the last 40,000 miles and then having starting problems I was told that the head gasket on the truck was blown and it would need a new engine at a cost of 0ver $3500.00. So, buyers beware, not all ford F-150s are created equal.

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  Reliable comfort - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Richard Stamps - December 2 - 8:45 pm

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  Just like old times.....only better - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Phil - December 2 - 6:56 pm

  Having owned a 66 Mustang and a 73 Mustang, when I first saw the pictures of the 05 in a Northwest Airline magazine a couple of years ago, I was intrigued. When I finally saw one in person in October of 04, I was hooked. I ordered a Legend Lime Metallic 6 cylinder/5 speed for my wife for a surprise 40th birthday present. We had to special order the car, and it didnt make it in time for her birthday, but it was well worth the wait. Surprising torque for a 6, great manual tranny, fairly comfortable interior, even with our 11 and 10 year old daughters in back, great handling for a live rear axle car, and those looks....oh, those looks. Not a car to own if you want to be incognito.