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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  2008 Ford Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By TC - April 24 - 9:23 am

  I love the Ford Escape. Had a 2006 Hybrid and traded it in because of high miles put on it. More interstate driving than I anticipated. I loved the hybrid. Have v6 now and love it. Easy to drive and park. New design with reduction of wind noise is another reason I traded. If I had the extra money I would have bought another hybrid when purchasing a 2008 model.

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  Excellent pick-up after changing the throttle body - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Mike - April 24 - 2:01 am

  My daughter bought this car brand new about 6 years ago. I drove it several times, with no pick-up, noisy as it accelerates, being a 4 cylinder, I thought this was normal since I never drove a 4 cylinder car before. Last week, after 72,000 miles on the car, the throttle body was changed and the pick-up was a difference between night and day! This car never performed like this before. After I brought the car home from repairs, I asked my daughter how did it perform going to work the next morning, and her comment was "Amazing!!!". It looks like this part had issues from the start.

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  Best Mustang ever - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By cito - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car in the tradition of American ponycars. It has outrageous power, and I have been pleasantly surprised with the way it handles. I autocross, and it has been consistently faster and better handling than my 1999 Cobra even though that car had many more modifications to the suspension. Took it to the drag track, and ran low 13s with very poor driving spinning the tires down 3/4th of the track.

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  Machin Awesome - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By magnumforc - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 4 Mustang GTs and this new Mach 1 beats them all, except in the gas mileage category. Its fast, relatively comfortable, given the very stiff suspension, and gets looks like its an exotic car! The fit and finish is excellent and only several minor issues have become evident, the shaker scoop rattle and the passenger seat door rub, both easily corrected by the dealer.

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  ONE GRIPE - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Aliasblue - April 24 - 2:00 am

  It seems to me a bit cheap to order top of the line everything, and throw in a vinyl rear seat in the Lariat after ordering leather.

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  The Lighting - 2004 Ford F-150
  By lilpimpc666 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck is outstanding. I have never in my life seen a truck that is as quick and fast as this one is.I have a friend who bought one of the new rt10 Dodge trucks And he is embarresed to come over two my house . The lighting is just so much faster its unbelieve able. All that new Dodge is ., is talk. I love everything about the lighting. There is absolutly nothing bad about it. Its perfect

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  All-around excellence - 2004 Ford Escape
  By CliffG - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Picked up my 2004 Escape Limited (silver exterior, black interior) in Sept. 2003 and it has been a great vehicle thus far. The ride is smooth and I really feel connected to the road while I am driving. A nice, classy design to boot. The leather interior is top-notch, and the MACH stereo system is far and away better than my brothers stereo on his 2003 Eddie Bauer Explorer. Love the heated seats!

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  2006 Mustang GT - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Mike Perry - April 23 - 1:06 am

  Pros: Very fast, I have the 5-speed auto and love the way it keeps up the RPM through the gear, especially the first three. It handles great and a blast to drive. Cons: Had to have the trunk lid repainted. Has a clunking in the front end at low speed on bumpy roads. Has a very prominent vibration at approximately 1200 RPM. Dealership said front end is OK and the vibration is resonation from the exhaust. I have my doubts.

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  Love It - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Nye - April 22 - 12:13 pm

  Love it! We traded in a 2002 Explorer for our Ford 500.The 500 has as much room as the Explorer with trunk included. The 500 is as easy to get in and out of as the SUV. Very easy on backs and knees. You dont sit up as high as the SUV but it does set up higher then any car Ive ever been in. It goes well in snow, but does not feel as safe in hugging the road as the SUV did in snow. But I really like it and love the way it handles. We get a lot of positive comments on the looks of it.

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  Drive the Ford Fusion and youll buy it! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Virginia Volunteer - April 22 - 11:36 am

  Had read many reviews and heard about the Ford Fusion for months before I actually saw one or drove one. Test drove an I-4 (4-cylinder) SE with a 5 speed manual and really liked it, but wanted more options and to test a V-6 before buying. Drove a V-6 SEL in the rain ... got to try out acceleration and braking in less than ideal conditions. Wow -- knew this was the car I wanted. Waited for just the right color/options. Its an SEL with every possible option Ford puts in the Fusion and still only around $26K MSRP. People confuse it with an Acura until they see the big blue Ford oval! Very happy and I didnt have to pay $35-40K either. It turns a lot of heads and most cant believe its a FORD!