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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  Focus ZX3 For Me! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Debbie - June 3 - 7:16 pm

  I love this car! Its the most reliable US made car I have ever owned. Its fun to drive, handles well and is great even in snow. My next car will also be a Focus. Cant beat the gas mileage with the gas prices today. And it is practically maintenance free.

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  Hybrid? Yeah right! - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mike - June 3 - 10:26 am

  Gas mileage is VERY disappointing! The car has been in over 10 times for various issues. The shocks were replaced at 4,000 miles. The car needed a full alignment at 4,500 miles. I have another appointment tomorrow to investigate the terrible gas mileage, noises when turning, gas fume smells and the infamous clicking noise in the rear has appeared again. If you are looking for an Escape - go for it! Just do NOT get the Hybrid! I had a regular Escape when they first came out and was great. Ford just doesnt have this down yet.

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  A solid alternative to SUVs and minivans - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Trav - June 3 - 8:23 am

  This is a solid, reliable, well-performing car. Get the Handling Package if you have the choice. I think you could fit a minivan in the enormous trunk of this car. It can literally swallow 10-days worth of clothes and gear for 4 people + 2 kids without having a single item in the cabin. The back seat sleeps one and the trunk could sleep 2.

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  Buy One! I did! - 1999 Ford Contour
  By tom02 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Great Value. Looks runs great.

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  2001 Escort SE - A Great Little Scooter! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Roland St.Germain - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I had an 88 Nissan Sentra which was on its last legs when I bought this car. It has "bare bones" extras: A/C and Automatic. Despite this, I enjoy driving it - this car makes my daily commute comfortable as well as exciting!

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  Great bang for the buck!! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By 99GTdroptop - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Great overall car. You get a great looking car, tire smoking power, all the options plus more, and a convertible for a great price. Wish they changed the interior a bit more (from the previous 94-98 Stangs) to give it that "new" feeling but all the controls are easy to use and access so its not too big of a deal. The new exterior took a bit of getting used to when they first came out but I love it now. You definetly get a lot of looks and nice comments. Also handles good and fuel economy is what you would expect from a V8 sports car.

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  2007 Edge SE - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Morgantown Steve - June 2 - 9:50 pm

  Bought a basic SE with every option available, including towing package. Fun to drive, received favorable comments from everyone on exterior. Light Sage CC metallic exterior is perfect color and everyone I show likes it. My 1994 Ford Explorer road like a truck. This rides like a car or mini van.

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  perfect - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Karen Soderlund - June 2 - 5:13 am

  It is a wonderful car to drive, easily to handle, a good looker

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  Still going... - 1993 Ford Ranger
  By Get In and GO! - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I got this truck with 68K on it. It had been my Dads and I sold my 93 regular cab at 90K. It has never been in the shop, save for minor stuff...a starter, an exhaust, a thermostat, etc. It has been well-maitained obviously, but it gets its fair share of miles (about 17K/yr.). People STILL ask about it when I am driving it..."Wow, nice truck, etc". So, at almost 140,000 miles, it is still an absolute great, reliable vehicle that looks good, runs good and has a ton of life left in it from all indications. I would have to say that you would be hard pressed to find a better vehicle in this category. A classic lives on...

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  Lemon Buy Back - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Marquesa - June 2 - 2:00 am

  the above refers to "automatic thermostat control" which I dont find to be a problem. Mechanically, never had any repairs. thermostat does give heat and a/c works most efficiently