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:

• 

  Sharp and fun to drive - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Rick - August 21 - 7:33 pm

  I have owned this Escape for almost a month. It is very stylish and fun to drive. We live in a rural area and we average 23 mpg. I think it is also quieter than the 2005 Escape that we owned before. Overall I am very satisified with this vehicle.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Brian - August 21 - 7:03 pm

  We just bought this new 06 and also have a 2000 Expedition. The gas mileage is awesome (and quite a step up from the Expedition) for a higher performance V6 (29 highway) and it moves well when you gas it. Its very comfortable, very fun to drive, and is very responsive. It also has a nice curb appeal. I would recommend! 2 Thumbs up.

• 

  Going the distance with it - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Dweeze - August 21 - 4:39 pm

  Bought this SUV new, out of necessity, in 2005 when my 1987 Bronco II died on the highway Xmas night with 140K miles. Nearly 14 years and 164K miles later, I have never once regretted that decision. The original engine is still as powerful and the original transmission is still as smooth as the day I drove it off the lot. It is showing signs of age, however, as some of the interior hardware is beginning to fail and the rust is creeping up underneath the rocker panels. Despite the extremely tempting offer to ditch this SUV in the "cash for clunkers" program, I am sticking with my Explorer until the bitter end. The scrap metal heap would not be a fitting end for such a reliable vehicle.

• 

  Runs like the Energizer Bunny - 1998 Ford F-150
  By kwhite917 - August 21 - 10:14 am

  My 1998 F-150 4.6 XLT 3-door shortbed keeps going and going and going. I have over 200K miles on it and Im sure it will keep going another 100K miles before I may need to have something done. My 17 year old daughter is driving it to and from school and she loves "her" truck. She said all the boys are jealous of her because they think "her" truck is so good looking. I was run off the road in Houston in 2005 and hit a barrier on the left front fender. When the insurance appraiser was writing up the repair order he listed it as 2003 model. When I corrected him he was dumbfounded. He said he had never seen a vehicle of that age and mileage that was so pristine. It gave me warm fuzzies inside.

• 

  A good car at a good price - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Bull_no_1 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  In one year havent found any problems at all. Still looks and drives as if just out of the dealership. Good amount of standard features like ABS, CD player, power windows and locks. If anybody is not into SUVS that much and wants to buy SUV just once in the lifetime without shelling out huge amount of money... this is a right vehicle.

• 

  Great inexpensive SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By LaurieP - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my little SUV. I was a always a car driver - and this feels quite like a car - so for those looking for a truck feel, you dont get it. I traded a Toyota Avalon, so the ride is not in the same class, but the new Avalon is over $10,000.00 more than I paid for the Escape.

• 

  Freestylin - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Ronald Scinto - August 21 - 4:36 am

  The car is great in the snow ... a champ! More comfortable than my previous car a Lexus LS470. More practical and better fuel economy. What was I thinking to buy that gas guzzler? Shame on me. Thanks to Ford for building such a great vehicle. BTW this is my first Ford. I also have an Infiniti M45 and an Audi A4 Convertible; well the Freestyle is my favorite. I believe this is Fords best kept secret. I found the car when I considered an Explorer and saw this lonely fellow sitting by himself in the showroom. One look and I was hooked; two test drives and I fell in love. Seriously consider this vehicle.

• 

  Best Domestic Vehicle Ever Owned - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By JW - August 21 - 3:14 am

  80,000 miles and have never had any mechanical problem. This is the way to travel for a large family (>4). Kids and wife love it. DVD system and premium stereo are great. Very comfortable seating, even in the third row. Long interstate trips allow a significant increase in gas mileage. No problem towing large (6500+ pounds) of boat. Have never been stuck in snow and often pulled others out of the ditches.

• 

  I Like - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Chet - August 21 - 2:40 am

  I am very pleased with all aspects of my 500. Most of my driving is around town, so I dont really know about highway mileage but I get a little over 15 mpg in town. Im not an aggressive driver so I dont expect much improvement although I have only 1700 miles on my car.

• 

  awesome coupe - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Dennis F - August 20 - 8:32 pm

  I have owned several gti, 3 series, and mazda products. This is a killer coupe for the money and makes the Cobalt and Civic feel like econo rattle traps