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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  Everlasting - 1993 Ford Escort
  By JRam - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this peach in 99 from my brother. He took good care of this car. Driving the car, you would not believe it has 248,000 miles. my wife drives the car, mainly to the store and back. We love it!

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  Owned it for a while - 1996 Ford Escort
  By jhmIII - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Only owned this car for a while before I gave it to my mother,and it was a prety okay car.

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  My 4th Ford - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Built Texas Tough - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a very functional SUV, with lots of creature comforts. Built sturdy, handles well on the open road, and lots of neat and innovative features. Only gripe is (WAS) the garbage General tires they put on as standard equipement lasted 10K miles before first blowout. Do yourself a favor and put Michelins on and it drives like a dream.

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  great truck for women - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By lenny - June 19 - 10:26 pm

  I went from a Ford Ranger to a Explorer Sport Trac. and I love it. In the past I have also owned a Bronco, Bronco II, and a F150. The Sport Trac is easy to drive and park. I breed and show dogs so it is very nice to have a truck to fit all my supplies and my two 80 pound dogs when I go away for a weekend show. The truck handles very well. And is great in the snow. I will be buying another Sport Trac next year. They are great.

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  The Lazy 2016 Escape! - 2016 Ford Escape
  By archie cash - June 19 - 8:55 pm

  First I have the 2.0 Turbo Engine. Lets start with the Vista roof. You cannot have the windows down as the head liner will flip and drive you crazy at any speed. I have taking it on one major trip and now have parked it and looking to sell it soon. Under the front is a cheapest cardboard covering of the engine you will ever find! Thats is until you have to have it replaced because of a piece of Truck tire that hit it. What it really does, is protect a small piece on the A/C compressor that looks like a afterthought. Its fuel Economy should be more. I would look at a Edge because of power verses mileage. The Escape doesnt corner well. At least with the 19" tires. Its tall and narrow and drifts. For the money, you can find a better SUV. The 2017 has made changes the 2016 doesnt have. Like a bigger gas tank. Then their is the shifter that is to far forward on the 2016 but was moved on the 2017. You will like the sound but that can come on just about any Ford, the sync 3. I had one side window blow out on a turnpike and the glass did not stay together but went everywhere, lucky for me, my grand-daughter was asleep under a blanket. The hood was really ugly but the 2017 they did some changes also. I would stay away from this SUV and look at others before I buy and also look at the HP. The 2017 added more HP, but again when you get only about 3 mpg over a 300 HP V6, I would really look at the V6 Engine. Last, when will Warranty be upped on a Ford? Even the Lincoln has 4 years. Many others have better and for the money I really would not do this again. And for love of money dont buy a White one if people around you burn wood as its a magnet for soot! The tailgate on mine goes in for a look as waving my 11" shoe will not open the back. I hope this helps someone, Thanks!

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  Go Get One Now !! - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By nccm - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the greatest vehicle you will ever buy. It has everything anyone would want and much more. Great for young kids, cant get the carpet dirty, theres none, just carpet matts.

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  F150 Lariat - 2004 Ford F-150
  By tomijock - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The truck handles great on highway and on small roads. The only knock that I can find is the gas mileage but thats what to be expected with a big haul of a truck.

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  great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By trickyricky - June 19 - 10:00 am

  looks great,drives great,handels fantastic iam very pleased overall with this truck

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  Great Truck-Great Value - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By Zebo - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Got the truck at a great deal, about $9000 off MSRP. Traded a sluggish 2002 4 cyl GMC Sonoma for it. Great acceleration, solid build & frame. The ride is smooth and the clutch is firm. It handles really well over the road and around corners. From a 26 year olds perspective, it has a great look for the money->sturdy rear leaf springs give it an aggressive look (doesnt look like the typical low end work truck). I get about 17-18 mpg but I am going to see how that improves with future improvements of toneau cover/exhaust system->that isnt too bad since "I drive it!!!" Overall, Id pick this Ford over the comparable Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota!

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  Top Notch - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cherryb88 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is top notch. The handling and comfort are incredible. The gas mileage is comparable considering the vehicles weight, engine type, etc. For those who complain about gas consumption, purchase a 4 cylinder compact car and sacrifice the luxury and class of the Explorer. Overall, I am thrilled. I was a devout Grand Marquis driver until I drove the Explorer. WOW! Ford, you continue to have a happy customer!