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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  only ford I wanted - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Greg - December 7 - 8:09 am

  On the test drive I didnt put it through its paces. After taking it easy for the first 300 miles I was able to go down some higher speed (65-70 mph) roads. The drive train had a vibration. The dealer indexed the drive shaft. Didnt help. They ordered another one. Didnt help. They indexed that one and the problem was fixed. The bad part was that the dealer said the vibration was normal for a Mustang. I had to talk to the dealership owner to get it fixed. I checked online and found out it is a common problem. I really enjoy it now. The only real downfall now is that the passenger seat is very low and on mine its not adjustable for height. My wife is short and has to sit on a cushion to see over the dash.

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  2007 Ford Escape Hybrid FWD w/ leather and navigation - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By keremnathan - December 7 - 2:06 am

  We just purchased a new FEH in Houston. We went with the premium package with the silver exterior. Overall, it looks great inside and out. The ride is comfortable, great at handling the uneven and unpredictable city streets. I wouldnt recommend it for off-road use or for towing. We traded in a 2.8L Audi A4 which was a great drivers car, very difficult to accelerate modestly. The FEH actually encourages the driver to accelerate and brake slowly to keep the gas engine off and reduce fuel consumption. Overall, our initial impression has been positive.

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  Best of both worlds - 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Chuck - December 6 - 8:10 pm

  I traded in my 97 Ford F-150, which was the best vehicle I had ever owned. Needed more family room though. Drive alot off road so needed a 4WD. The dealer installed skid plates from Ford and 265/70R17 BF Goodrich Longtrail tires. Lifts the vehicle over an inch vs. stock tires. Truck drives like a luxury ride on the road and has handled real off road trails here in Arizona desert thus far with no problems. It is not the tallest frame for a 4WD, but take it careful and the truck will climb anywhere. Mileage is okay at 18.5 mpg on highway, and 16.5 city.

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  best little suv in az - 2010 Ford Escape
  By kristi bond - December 6 - 3:41 pm

  buy this vehicle from a ford dealer,you might get a better deal....i bought mine from drivetime but when the day is done we financed $33,000. which means to us, a down payment on a house. however the finance company worked very hard for us ...they were the best ever....unfortunately the payments were too much and we turned the escape back in. it drove like a charm no trouble at all....it looked good too. we have no idea how to clean the seats...dont have a clue as to what the material was and tried everything to get them clean...so you might want to put covers on right away.

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  Great Fun Value - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By bru - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The car with the six cylinder engine has just the right mix of fun, sportiness, and can fit my family of 4 when we need to. Not to agressive, but with all the right tendencies and a little rumble. The dealership I worked with was supurb when it came to setting our expectations of the car, servicing our needs, taking the time with us to get the right car (It took us many trips there to decide - its our third car) It was Arlington Heights Ford in Arlington Heights, IL. Everyone in the family is pleased

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  Mustang Lover - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Terri - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I waited 22 years for this car! It has been the most fun and the top is down more than its up. I couldnt ask for a better ride in terms of fun and function.

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  Best Buy - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By DBD - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a car that will fulfill all of your expectations-it is fast, fun and reliable. The sound system is great, the engine will take you wherever you want to go in a "snap-fast" manner, and tires will ensure you never have to worry about "side-sway" or slide into turns. I recommend it highly, and think that if you decide to buy one you will be nothing but a proud owner of the original muscle car!

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  Former SUV hater loves his Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By MichiganBuckeye - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking at purchasing this vehicle for a few years, and did a lot of a research. Great vehicle - my first NEW vehicle. I dont think I will ever want to drive a car again.

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  2004 Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By llcoolj1 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is outstanding. For is killing current owners vehicle value with significant rebates, i.e., huge discounts on new Expeditions deflate the value of recently purchased ones

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  Ford Focus S - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Papasrx - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Since I purchased this vehicle I have averaged a consistant 37MPG over 13000 miles driven but I drive mostly highway. It is an automatic transmission and the ride for a compact is excellent. I can say that it is not a Honda Civic but it costs 6K less. I would say for the money there is no better buy on the market.