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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  Most Bang for Bucks - 2004 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By VanMan - March 19 - 4:36 am

  Easy to work on. Ultra-Safe. Room for anything, Takes no more parking space than most cars. Gas mileage better than most cramped mini-suvs. Cheaper than most minivans, the only way to ride on long hauls, and finally, made in America.

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  Great Escape (2005) - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jim - March 18 - 8:56 pm

  I have owned my 05 Escape for just over 2 months and have already logged 3,500 miles. I did my homework on the competition before buying and found the Escape the best choice over all. Not one single problem to date. Rides & drives great, V6 power and good fuel economy. City/hwy mileage consistently between 23 & 25 mpg. Excellent seating position and visibility. Not too crazy about the step bars, but on the plus side, may help protect against door dings while in the parking lots. Over all, Im a satisfied customer.

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  EXCELENT - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
  By MIKE GREENE - March 18 - 10:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS AWSOME

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  My Mach 1 - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Al Sautner - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. I traded a Chevy Corvette for this and love it. It is much better to drive then the Corvette and feels like a real muscle car. It is simple and I love the car.

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  My review - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By car watcher - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car not too long ago, and it has proved to be a pretty good car. It has a good design, its comfortable, it is a good car to ride around in,and it seems to be reliable.

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  Great design but lousy assembly. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By not too happy - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Interior and exterior design superb. Redesigned suspension is unsurpassed. Just plain awesome. However, FORD, please, (and I say again please) pay attention to quality control. Terribly assembled body. Squeaks and rattles galore. Plus, my XLT Popular model has no temp control in Max A/C; heater bypass valve optional. For the price I paid, this is just beyond ridiculous.

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  Love the XP - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Vancouver XP - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 3500 km, so far so good. The back door rattles incessantly over bumps, I havent had this problem serviced yet, so I hope they can fix it. The fuel economy is abyssmal, but its a huge vehicle. The handling is surprisingly good given the size.

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  Ford Wonder Hybrid - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jus_a_cmax - March 17 - 11:53 pm

  Firstup, when I went to the dealership at Galpin, I had no intention of testing nor buying a CMax, the Ford Fusion was it. The Prius was considered but I did not like the performance nor the handling, yes, I understand performance-hybrid are oxymorons. The CMax blew me away as an overall package for my needs. Being a hybrid was a huge advantage for my line of work where I drive alot, the interior space allowed me carry all my fun toys on the weekend snow trips, the Sync system rocks especially the Sony surround sound, SYNC Nav is nice with the big easy to see screen at a glance.

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  They could have done better - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Joe White - March 17 - 5:00 pm

  The truck has nickel dimed me to death, thank God for the 3 year bumper to bumper warranty. Brakes fixed 3 times for vibration before they came out with new and improved rotors. Intermittent problem with the climate control system powering off (not fixed yet). Air conditioner just cool, especially in the South. Gas pedal replaced for bad noise, Tail light assembly replaced (filling up with water), Stereo volume surge which they say they cant fix, cheap paint job. Just to name a few.

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  SUV With Economy Of Sedan - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mark - March 17 - 3:20 pm

  We wanted a large vehicle for a family of four but also wanted the economy of a small vehicle and the peace of mind of low emissions. The Escape Hybrid meets all of these requirements. With the exception of low quality interior cloth, it is a well sealed, very comfortable roomy ride for my 6 foot 4 inch frame. With the spacious second row seating and huge cargo area we can easily accommodate our family for comfortable road trips. Current average MPG is 29.5, as indicated on the fuel economy/navigation screen. My only concern is all the computer and electric motor technology. Repairs are likely to be expensive if/when needed, but the extended warranty helps with overall piece of mind.