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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  Small ute with a big attitude - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Rick - January 3 - 7:50 am

  So far we put over 6K miles on our 08 Escape. We absolutely love it! It has been the perfect replacement to our aged gas loving Astro van. Geting the EPA rated MPG. For a I4 FWD we have taken it to some bad roads and some mud and it handles it with no problem. It makes you fell like your in a Explorer. Its on the slow side with the I4. We clocked it a around 10-11.5 seconds to 60. We only had one problem. A weld in the gas tank. (baffle) broke and was causing an quite squeak. The dealer replaced it under warranty and gave us a free oil change in less then 5 hours! This car turned a GM family in to Ford buyers for life if we continue to be pleased.

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  Hybrid for the highway driver - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CJS - January 3 - 12:46 am

  I thought I was going to buy a Toyota Highlander, but after comparing the two wound up with the Escape. This is my first American vehicle and Ive been surprisingly happy with it considering how much Ive hated some US-made rental cars. The interior controls are comfortingly similar to the Mazda I gave up (probably due to the fact that Escape was originally a joint Ford-Mazda project). The shift between gas and electric is imperceptible unless youre looking at the tach. The CVT and regenerative brakes give the car a slightly different feel than other cars, but not in a bad way. I do a lot of highway driving (24,000 miles a year) and have 6,000 miles in 3 months.

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  Amazing car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Fordfan - January 2 - 10:46 pm

  I usually only buy coupes as I find them to be the sportier choice, but my Fusion sport is way better than anything I had before. The quality is excellent and the ride is quite and smooth. This car turns heads!

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  So far, so good - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Chris d - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle with 11,000 miles on it through the Blue Oval Certified program with Ford. Have had it two weeks and we love it. Came from a 1998 GMC Jimmy that we owned for six months and were very dissapointed with. Quality is much better and certified actually gives a better warranty. Balance of bumper to bumper 36,000 and 6 yr or 75,000 mile powertrain warranty. I upgraded to a bumper to bumper for 1,000 bucks. Purchase price was 22,000 for basically a new vehicle. Rides awesome for a sport ute. Great vehicle for those of us in the snow belt. XLS model is very nicely equipped. All you really need!

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  BEST DANG CAR I EVER HAD - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By nova - January 2 - 10:00 am

  GET ONE ITS GREAT

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  Love the V-8 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Baserevoke - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This v-8 is strong. I think it is the best feature of this SUV. This is why I love to drive it.

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  Love My Escape....... - 2001 Ford Escape
  By rugger11 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought my esape as a birthday present to myself. Love how the vehicle handles. Great pick-up. Most SUVs are made for big people but this vehicle is comfortable for my small frame.

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  Detail Quality are poor - 2002 Ford Escape
  By slug90 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  All of the big things one buys a car for, engine, handling, comfort, reliablity are there! This car is fun. It has a peppy engine that takes me over a twisty mountain road 10 times a week. However.. There was no eye to detail. The rubber stoppers on the rear window fell out in weeks. The big rubber stopper on the driver door fell out a month later. The gromett that holds the seat belt buckle reachable by the driver broke within 3 months, the compartment holding the garage door opener broke at the same time. Whew thats a load. I thought you all might want to know. Ford didnt seem to care!

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  Still going strong - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Doug - January 2 - 2:43 am

  I purchased my XLT 4x4 with 70,000 miles two years ago and I have had no problems. I have done the routine maintenance and all is good. Be sure to rotate tires every 5,000 miles, otherwise vibration ensues. Engine stronger than my old Cherokee, decent mileage even with my lead foot. Great in the snow and dirt. Very good looking, and pretty quick.

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  Great truck!!! - 2010 Ford F-150
  By Hodgo - January 1 - 8:10 pm

  Traded in my 2006 AWD HD F150 Extacab for the 2010 4X2 HD F150 S Crew Cab. I needed a lager backseat. The 2010 has lots of room and safety features.