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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  My Dream vehicle! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Canadian eh! - August 28 - 7:40 pm

  I love this vehicle! I traded in my 04 Escape 2WD base vehicle that I absolutely came to hate after 2 winters. Dont buy a 2wd Escape if you get snow or ice weather! Spend the money and get the 4WD/AWD, you wont regret it. Since purchasing this vehicle, I have driven in snow storms with confidence (not over-confidence) and it handles amazing. It grips the road and snow and sticks and I even tried to make the tires spin! It handles very smooth, quiet on the highway, is peppy. I find it comfy to sit in and drive. The gas mileage is good for an SUV and handles much like a car. The control panel takes a little getting used to since there are a lot of buttons, but you get used to it.

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  A kick in the pants... - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By usa1 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is a load of fun. I can still get my two children in the back and actually enjoy the drive. The V8 power with a manual is fun and never gets dull. With big discounts and rebates, this car is a deal right now for bang for the buck. I got my V8 GT for less than $20K and I have all the features I could want.

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  Sweet shiny pony - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By jagger - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Im 43 and this is my second Mustang. First one, I bought new in 1981, and it was a tragedy from day one. This 03 car, although just the base model, has plenty of punch for my purposes. Yes, Id have liked the V8, but I have a perfect driving record in spite and the big engine would inevitably put points on my record. Im 6-2 and 220, but the car has plenty of leg room. I do have to pop the steering wheel up to get my legs under it, but once in, its really comfortable. The car hit 110mph over the weekend-- on a track, of course!--with no problem. Best part is, I got it NEW for less than 13 grand with a 4.7 interest rate. All in all, quite happy.

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  2001 Ford Mustang - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By radams149 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  The only problem that Ive had so far with my 2001 Ford Mustang is the heat. There is no control to heat your feet and upper body at the same time. Either your feet are cold or your hands and face are??????????????????

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  Best decision Ive ever made! - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Jenn D. - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I researched the ST for quite some time along with other vehicles, I did realize that for what I wanted to pay, the ST was the only way to go! I never thought Id drive such a loaded vehicle, let alone one that looks this sharp. I am also EXTREMELY happy that I got the cargo cage in the back, I couldnt imagine life without it! Other options I got were: 4.10 Axle with limited sleep, sunroof, premium (2-tone) leather seats and tinted front windows. There is also a great Sport Trac community online at mysporttrac.com Lots of friendly and helpful fellow sport trac owners!

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  The Crown Victoria Does it Again!:P - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Matthew Jude - August 28 - 2:00 am

  THis car is amazing!!!!!!If your looking for a good fast and comfy to drive car youve got it!If you havent test drived it yet your missing out BIG time!I love the engine of my baby!With a great patrole rate it is the car of my life!

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  Love it - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ryan.hollien@eds.com - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Looking to buy a 2nd 2003 Expedition for myself... the first one was my wifes.

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  Very happy with my F150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By dave - August 26 - 8:10 pm

  This is my third F150 and the best of them all. Its never been back to the dealership once since Ive owned it and not so much as a fray in the seats has shown up yet. My only complaint, if it really is a legit one, is the gas mileage. Its a full size truck and gets about 15 mpg at best most days and I assume thats about right for this. My first F150 was a 90 with a straight six and a stick and was getting around 20 mpg, but hey a v8 with automatic in a truck this size is gonna use more gas right?

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  Ford Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Tyler Smith - August 26 - 5:16 am

  This is an excellent car, SUV, or a crossover as they say. Lots of power due to the CVT transmission, ALWAYS tons of power when you need it. Tires are awful. It needs better traction in snow ( took it to Vermont ), but the traction control works like a dream! It is so smooth and quiet on the highway though.

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  Ex Ford racer retires but still likes performance. - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Bill Tarpy - August 24 - 11:00 pm

  As a twice previous winner in the World Ford Motorsports Drag Race Challenge and now retired, I needed a car that would do as I asked. This 2016 Fushion Titanium Turbo does just that. Anytime I ask. I have had 10.00 second e.g. cars and this at times is as much fun without the cost. I would recommend this car to anyone with heart. I will never sell this one.