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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  Cowgirl Cadillac + - 2016 Ford F-150
  By edwin LeMaster - July 28 - 10:08 pm

  Its the top of the top. Lots of bells and whistles. Only issue I have is I cant see the blinker on the mirror from inside the truck.

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  A worthwhile purchase - 2005 Ford Escape
  By PhilFromDetroit - July 28 - 9:05 pm

  We have had this SUV for two years, buying at the 24,000 mile mark and now at 42,000 miles. We have not had any unexpected problems except one: the rear tailgate started to rust. The dealer fixed that. Replaced front discs at 40K and the Contis at 40K. Otherwise no problems to report. Its surefooted in MI winters. On extended Highway driving it got almost 24 MPG, but in extended stop and go its getting about 16 MPG.

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  My Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By frosty - July 28 - 11:59 am

  I love my car!! I bought my Escape with 150,000. miles I now have 215,000 and im still driving. i have only had scheduled maintenance, tires, and one alternator put on . Shes been AWESOME** Ford did great with this one.

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  Great value! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jon - July 28 - 11:23 am

  Tight ride plus comfortable inside. I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was more of a sedan ride except it wobbled too much on uneven roads or bumps. This Explorer rides exceptionally well.

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  Escape for less money - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Escape Owner - July 28 - 10:10 am

  The car rides very nicely. It has as much power as the V6 non hybrid Escape. It is roomy and comfortable.

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  2010 Ford Edge, good deal - 2010 Ford Edge
  By Rechael - July 27 - 7:55 pm

  Its a good deal for the 2010 Edge right now - $2500 rebate, government CARS program ($3500 or $4500), and the dealer is eager to sell (rebate of course). Ovreall drive is nice, strong powertrain with the 3.5L V6 and 6A transmission. Superb suspension, road noise is minimum. Power doors, windows, cruise control, airbags (front, side and safety canopy), 4- wheel disk ABS, stability and RSC are standard. Some wind noise, but its a quite vehicle in general.

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  Best deal for a great car! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Robotaz - July 27 - 11:12 am

  I have owned many cars and this is my favorite of all time. In the past 3 years Ive owned over $100K in new cars and none of them pleased me like my Focus does. I went from a 2009 Honda Accord Coupe V6 and 2008 Honda Civic Si before that, to this car and could not possibly be happier. It does not rattle at all, unlike junk Hondas, and gets killer gas mileage. It rides like a bigger car than it is, which is awesome on city streets when youre hitting potholes and cracks. I hear no road noise. It is very, very quiet even with the "sport" muffler on the 5 speed coupe. SYNC blows away the Bluetooth in any vehicle Ive owned. I cannot say enough about how good of a car this is. Bye Honda

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  2nd Escape in less than 2 years! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Rickw - July 27 - 8:50 am

  Just bought our second Escape in less than 2 years (used cash for clunkers trade in). I keep looking at other SUVs, but always return to the Escape too much value for the money over the others. Handles deep snow and steep hills with out a problem. Go escape!!!

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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2004 Ford F-150
  By roland - July 27 - 7:46 am

  I love this truck, and with some personnal touches, its looking GOOD!! Surpisingly, I get about 17-18 mpg (city), and 19 to 20(hwy). My best was 21 mpg on the hwy, not bad. Only problem I had so far was a bad window motor, at $300 plus labor.. Other then that this truck has been too sweet.

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  Nice - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By Bigdaddylex - July 26 - 7:50 pm

  I purchased my 500 almost 6 months ago and I love it. Its roomy and drives smooth. Everyone that rides with me say they like it. Its classy but moves when needed. Id buy another one and is different from the others in its class.