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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  2002 Ford Expedition - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By jl21 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the price. Very reliable and quick. I think the engine should be quiter though, like the toyota land crusier

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  Bought it for my college age daughter - 2016 Ford Escape
  By David DeBord - May 23 - 5:12 am

  This is my second Escape bought for a college aged daughter. The other one is two years old and we really like it. Big enough as an SUV to feel she is safe on the road, good safety features. She is a techie person so she loves the Bluetooth system, GPS, and USB interface between he radio and her ITunes file. Plenty of room for getting things back and forth to college. Good get up and go with the EcoBoost fuel system. Stylish in her eyes. And Dad likes driving it when she lets me.Bought as a Demonstrator so got a good discount.

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  Still Going Strong - 1995 Ford Escort
  By catskill - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my 2nd Escort with 26,000 miles in Oct. 2000. Now has 73,000 miles - mostly highway. In that time, I have not had a single problem with the car. Gas mileage is terrific, averaging about 33 with automatic trans. Front seat gets uncomfortable for me on long trips (2+ hours), but its a terrific car all around. Im now selling it to buy a newer Escort wagon...but what a great car!

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  95 Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By DSJ - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Lots of trips to the dealer for repair. Not the wisest purchase weve made. Very weak brakes have made for some scary times. Rides well, though, and the kids love the space.

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  Awesome vehicle. - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By GaryT - May 22 - 8:14 pm

  Didnt think I would like the car especially with a 4 cylinder, but after driving it I was very impressed. My little brother told me about it before I went to look at a second vehicle to purchase, went to the car lot the next day and it was the first one I drove out of 5-6 different vehicles, and I ended up buying it. Although I have only had it for 1 week, I am very impressed with the vehicle overall.

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  So far so good - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By xero2099 - May 22 - 4:56 am

  Have had my Trac since August, have loved it so far. Had a Focus before this so there was a little bit of an adjustment period but its all been good. Love the rubberized floor. Its a breeze to clean. Could have done a lot better with the MPG though

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  Some Good; some bad - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By smokingpizza - May 22 - 3:50 am

  Moved from an Eddie Bauer Expedition to a fully loaded Escape Hybrid. Ford understands large people (Im 64" 300 lbs) and the Escape is comfortable. Mileage is good, but not as good as expected. Ranging 25-28 mpg. Performance with the boost from the electric motor is good, but the CVT takes some getting used to; it revs motor much higher than Im used to on acceleration and engine whine is loud. Handles well for an SUV. Things I had on the Expedition that I miss more than I thought I would: temp control air/heat, exterior keypad on door, memory seats/mirrors/pedals, and storage room. Probably would not buy again for reasons stated under suggested improvements.

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  Love the Excursion! - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By DadofSix - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Perfect vehicle for the large family. Wife and I have 6 children and fill every seat. Everyone travels comfortably. Our summer home is 1,325 from our permanent home, and we do it pleasantly in two days, even with a dog. We also did 10,500 miles on vacation two years ago On the road we get 14 mpg (thats 112 people miles per gallon), and in the city we get 10 mpg. The air conditioning handles the Phoenix heat very effectively.

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  XLT PREMIUM EXCURSION - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By RSCOTT - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy it very much..each fill up gets better mpg..for as big as it is..smaller trucks wish they got the same mpg.. city/fwy...18/21

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  Escort 4-Door SE - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Liz - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great little car. Ergonomically comfortable interior, pleasing exterior design. Silver with gray interior is classy looking! Sporty handling and peppy 2.0 litre engine. Handles exceptionally well on highway, in city, and along winding roads. Fuel economy is exceptional. Some road noise that upholstered floor mats help with. I consider this car to be an American icon along with the smaller German VW Beetle!