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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  Great second car - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By B Nelsen - September 14 - 10:52 am

  I bought my 2006 with 103,000 miles, as I needed a vehicle to tow my boat, which trailers at 6500 pounds. I use it on weekends to head to our river house. Holds lots of gear, comfortable and quiet ride. Ive put another 20,000 on it and plan to keep it for another 50,000. Driven it on several long trips, taking my daughter and a vehicle full of her belongings to and from college 500 miles from home. Reliable and enjoyable ride.

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  2000 Crown Vic LX - 2000 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Reab - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Have driven 3000 miles since purchase of 2000 Crown Vic. Digital instruments are the greatest and leather seats are a real plus. Only downside is NO CD player in dash. Only CD changer plug is available in trunk. Otherwise a great riding car with excellent fuel mileage of 25-26 mpg

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  Great Value - 2001 Ford Escape
  By squeak - September 14 - 10:00 am

  At almost 15,000 miles my escape has performed wonderful. Love the v6 power and the handling. Great room and versatility also.

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  great car - 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  By dextertharp - September 13 - 10:46 pm

  My crown vic was givin to me by my dad in 2006 or 07 it almost as 200000 miles on it and still running like it was bran new. it handles really great driving it is so smooth and when it shifts you cant feel it it gets about 20 to 25 miles to a gallon

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  Fun to drive & good mileage - 2005 Ford Escape
  By gatorgator - September 12 - 10:00 am

  The 2.3L 4 cylinder engine with the 5 speed manual transmission is zippy! Plenty of power and very fun to drive. Ride is comfortable.

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  ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jessyhanley - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I am so thrilled with my new 2005 Escape Limied. This is my first suv and I cant get over how easy it is to drive. The pick up is great, the ride is smooth, the sounds system is fantastic. Ford obviously spent a lot of time designing the interior as well as the exterior beucase everything is in an intutive and comfortable place!

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  not so impressive - 2001 Ford Focus
  By susan p - September 12 - 10:00 am

  So far, the power steering went out, the turn signal broke two times, the remote trunk release inside the car is hit or miss and something electrical causes a back light/turn signal bulb to burn out every month or so lately.

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  Good Deal over 2 years into it - 2002 Ford Focus
  By pastorgadget - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car as a second car then our larger oldsmobile died. It is now our primary car for our family of four. We put alot of miles on it and do alot of city driving. It has run well, only problem was with the battery cable. It handles well, as fun as it did when we first bought it. We have driven many long trips with the car and have no problems. We purchased a car top carrier from Sears and a rack to hold it from thule. That has worked great. For the money this is a great car. Would I buy another one, yep without a doubt. I love the economy of it.

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  happy buyer - 2004 Ford Focus
  By constantinosam - September 12 - 10:00 am

  great car, great gas consuption, cost under $11000.00, no d.p. good looking, very comfortable. 5 speed with air.

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  New Ford Fan! - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Selina - September 11 - 9:00 pm

  After wanting a Mustang for 7 years, I finally broke down and bought one. The financing I got was so great, instead of buying the V6 as I had planned, I got the GT w/the MACH 1000 system. I LOVE IT!!!