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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  Love This SUV!! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Dan - June 14 - 4:35 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Ford Escape XLT for a 2009 model. I got a great deal and 0.0% financing. I opted for the 4-cylinder (to feel a bit "greener" and get better gas mileage). I was very hesitant about this, coming from the V6 2003. But, to my great surprise this is a very peppy SUV and I honestly only notice a difference going up steep hills. I love the SYNC option (an option I actually could have cared less about when buying this--but--it works flawlessly with my iPod) and the updates to this are great. I really like how the back seats fold flat now and the fact that you can open the back gate with your key. I LOVE the 2009 Escape!!

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  Lots of Shopping and Love it! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By MD Driver - June 14 - 9:16 am

  So I did A LOT of shopping - a lot. Looked at the CR-V, RAV-4 and Escape, with my initial thoughts of going with the CR-V, however I hated the middle console and finally ended up with the Escape. I Love it - great gas milage (@ 26 average) huge fan of the console and the sync technology. Drives very well for a 4 cyl. after coming from a V6 its actually great. My decision had a lot to deal with how I felt in the car rather than what everyone else said - go with your gut!

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  Head Turner - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Jay S - June 14 - 1:40 am

  Very fun to drive. Nice acceleration great for overtaking people on the highway. And whats fun is when people try to race you on the highways. No problems so far handles and drives smooth. Summer tires a plus.

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  Finally Ford SVT outdoes the 03-04 Cobra!! - 2013 Ford Shelby GT500
  By 2hottscott - June 14 - 1:11 am

  I have owned 4 SVT Cobras, this 2013 Shelby GT500 makes the 5th. And it surely makes the 8 long years I waited for Ford SVT to work their magic well worth it. Dont get me wrong, Ive owned two 04 Cobras while waiting. And have had a blast while waiting, still owning a 04 Mystichrome. I just cant seem to let the old girl go. Now to the 2013 GT500, where to start? The 2 settings of suspension you get with the Performance Package? The settings of steering input? "Sport" setting for me, I could go on all night. In short, SVT did it right on!!

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  Great little car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Bernie - June 13 - 8:51 pm

  I have owned this car for over 5 years now and its been overall a great experience. The car has over 82,000 miles now and I still get over 29 miles per gallon and the engine still runs strong. never had a problem with it other than a faulty spark plug, but that is maintenance. one and two year old domestic cars are the way to go!! you get a new car at a fraction of the cost.

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  Best F-150 and Truck on the road! - 2009 Ford F-150
  By lekeller - June 13 - 3:58 pm

  Platinum model is a real head turner. Have had several near traffic accident misses as people staring at this truck and not paying attention to driving. Even other brand truck owners like this truck. Leather interior is great and fairly comfortable on long trips. Real world fuel mileage is 10-18 MPG without using 4WD. Really like this truck. Best F-150 I ever owned.

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  Best SUV without the over sized body - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Rosa Yaites - June 13 - 1:46 am

  I wanted an SUV but didnt want an overly large body. It still has plenty of leg room, head room and all the values a larger SUV has but no overkill on the body size. I started out with the base model because I have never driven an SUV, but I can surely say, I love it so much, I will upgrade to the Limited edition ASAP!

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  Great car, great price. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Patrick - June 12 - 9:55 pm

  Im in the military and drive a lot. It surprisingly has a lot of get up and go for a four cylinder. I barely touch the gas and it some times throws me in my seat. It has great gas mileage. From Michigan to North Carolina I spent 60 dollars on gas and filled the tank 3 times. It is a fun car, boy is it fun.

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  Update after a Year - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Steve - June 12 - 6:16 pm

  I have had my Sport Trac for over a year now, so I thought I would provide an updated review. I am still a big fan of this truck. Handling and comfort are great. It feels stable in all conditions I am 67" 250 lbs and I have plenty of room which is great because I am in the truck most of the day. The fold flat rear seats provide me a "mobile office" platform, yet the open bed allows for the occassional bulkier item. I have 16,000 miles and fuel economy hovers at 20 in mixed driving. I have had no issues, nothing falling off or not working. Everyone I know loves my truck, and 3 friends have actually got one after seeing mine. I did extensive research before buying, and I am very happy.

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Explorer
  By David Smtih - June 12 - 11:15 am

  Replaced a Pilot thats transmission clunked out on me at 65,000 miles. Thus Im giving the domestics another chance, impressed so far with seven months of ownership and 7,000 miles.