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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  Best Small SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By RYAN2525 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  After test driving many small to medium suvs I was compelled to purchase the Ford Escape. Everything from the styling to the ride was above par and beat out the competition. As a college student the escape makes the perfect vehicle to transport friends and luggage.

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  Great, fun car! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By dude27 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is an overall great. Nice standard features, exterior and interior styling, and performance make this a great SUV. Very peppy engine. Its also a real head-turner

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  great suv/truck, but small problems - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By toby - July 4 - 2:00 am

  i have had my sporttrac for over 2 years (the first one sold at the dealership) i have had numerous small repairs that have had to be fixed, but do recommend the vehicle for purchase. unfortunately, my biggest problem is the brakes. i am on my 4th set of brakes at 71000 highway miles. im hoping that this time it is fixed.

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  Oh yeah! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Steven V.S. - July 3 - 10:23 pm

  Price + Performance = amazing results. Other cars might go faster but they also will drain your 401k. This Mustang will keep up with the bad boys while the kids sleep in their car seats in the back. Comfort, styling, price, power and oh yeah, a sound system that will blow your ears off.

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  Best cars ever - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Coinneach - July 3 - 4:40 pm

  Ive driven Crown Vics (and variants thereof) since I first got my license in 1987. Theres a good reason for my loyalty: Vics do everything well. Take reasonable care of a Vic and it will last forever; abuse it and itll still do 250K easily. My current Vic is a 97 with 140K and my friends dont believe shes that old - she still looks, drives, and smells like shes fresh from the factory. Summary: best cars ever.

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  Buy one - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jerry - July 3 - 8:10 am

  I have not owned this vehicle very long but, so far, it is the best SUV I have owned. I live in Minnesota and snow is a big thing. This little baby just scoots through the snow. I even tested it against a Jeep in the snow, and it out performed it like nothing. Ride is a little rough but fun to drive.

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  Great Little Sport Compact - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Oregon ZX2 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money. Quick (you can rev it out to nearly 7,000 rpms) and still put it through those tight corners on the back roads. Seats could be a bit more comortable and the interior is a little loud.

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  Worst car I ever owned - 1996 Ford Contour
  By veryunhappy - July 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has had too many problems to mention. It has had the electrical system replaced twice. All the A/C vents inside are broken. All the cup holders are too flimsy. The A/C fan components have been replaced at least once.

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  Great Truck - 1998 Ford Ranger
  By DAC - July 3 - 2:00 am

  My second truck - far surpasses the dodge I had before. 20 MPG all year round. 4x4 excellent. Great ride and looks good. You can not ask for anything more for the price.

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  A very well-built truck - 1994 Ford F-150
  By Wolfy - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only had my 94 F-150 extended cab pickup a few months Ive found it to be very reliable, well- built and surprisingly comfortable on extended trips. The paint quality is amazing! The finish, even after 111,000 miles, still has a like-new gloss and Im positive it hasnt been repainted. Some problems: shortly after I bought it I discovered the flywheel was warped and had to be replaced. I dont know if this has been a problem on other F150s with the 302V8 or unique to mine. Ive also had some electrical and heater vacuum problems in the interior. But overall, I love the truck!