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:

• 

  Disappointing, especially in cold weather - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By akservices - January 2 - 3:24 am

  Ive had the car for almost three years, and am disappointed. The mileage numbers have never come close to the advertised numbers, and when its really cold (i.e., less than 0), the MPG plummets to 14 or 15. This is hardly better than our 1997 Ford Explorer. Friends who own Toyota Priuses have also reported lower MPG in the cold, but theirs go down to 30 MPG, from 40. Even when the temperature is "normal," meaning 60 to 70, and Im doing highway driving the best mileage Ive ever gotten out of the car is 27 MPG. In retrospect, I wish Id bought a non-hybrid and spent a lot less $$.

• 

  Great New Ford - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Victor Haddock - January 1 - 6:40 am

  After driving a Ford Taurus for 7 year I traded in for a brand new Limited 500. What a difference!. The 500 is a great roomy sedan that handles very well and has plenty of safety features. In addittion the AWD option is a nice upgrade. All around a great car with many great options. For the price you cant beat it.

• 

  Best Explorer I owned - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Ron - January 1 - 12:03 am

  This is my 3rd Explorer, and the best one yet. Ford did their homework on this one. I ordered it with the V8 and am getting 17.5 MPG overall. Very happy with the vehicle and highly recomend it to anyone.

• 

  european qualiaty at ford value - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By r.wreford - December 29 - 4:26 pm

  This is my first Ford Explorer, and I am very impressed with the quality of fit and finish. coming from a Volvo wagon I was use to European quality. So far I dont think I will be disappointed with this great looking quality vehicle. The ride is extremely quiet and smooth. Great response from the 4.0 V6 and 5 speed auto. Overall a great SUV, a lot of car for the money.

• 

  Great - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By rpecoraro - December 29 - 3:46 pm

  I have had this SUV for over a year now. Took it to Las Vegas in May averaged 26 mph going and 27 on the return trip over 4000 miles. Driving to and from work which is a 27 mile round trip I get 34 mpg, well over the 29 mpg on the sticker. On the downside in the winter I was only getting 25 mpg when it was below 30 degrees. I have not had any problems, just take it for oil changes. The book says every 10000 miles but I do it every 5000. Would buy it again.

• 

  2014 FX4 Review - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Jeff Low - December 29 - 12:06 pm

• 

  Noisy - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By chamb - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Disappointed:( After owning a 97 Expedition and buying this Explorer, I regret the decision. The vehicle is excessively noisy on the highway...mainly wind noise. Cant even hear the passengers in the back seat !!! I do like everythng else about the vehicle and get great gas mileage (23 MPG Highway / 16 MPG City). I dont find the interior quality poor, just economically made. There certainly arent any over abundance of bells & whistles on the vehicle.

• 

  Flawless - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By LarryS - December 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Explorer and what a wonderful vehicle. I strongly recommend. While I have not had it long, I expect smooth sailing ahead.

• 

  01 SuperCrew - Great Truck !! - 2001 Ford F-150
  By B-Man - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding functionality. Good performance; decent gas milage for a big truck. Add a Superchip and a cat-back exhaust system and you can boost the mileage by 1 or 2 mpg, if you keep your foot out of it. The 5.4L engine has loads of pulling power.

• 

  2003 SVT LIGHTNING - 2003 Ford F-150
  By JOHNNY - December 29 - 10:00 am

  LOVE THIS TRUCK BEST THING I EVER BOUGHT