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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  Escape is tops. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Don Ogle - May 22 - 7:03 pm

  The 2004 Escape has plenty of power, plenty of room and good gas mileage. I have had, knock on wood, absolutely no problems with the SUV.

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  06 AWD Freestyle - Great Car - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Gary - May 22 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased and drove the vehicle about 1400 miles in two days. Very comfortable car. Rear air is handy for kids in very back - without it, they get warm. Fuels economy 26 @ 70 mph; 23 @ 75 mph and 21 @ 80. I was a bit disappointed with the fuel economy at 80. CVT transmission works wonderfully, and the vehicle rides as quiet as a Lexus.

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  Best Big vehicle ever owned - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By 2000 Ford Excursion - May 22 - 2:42 pm

  I bought my 2000 Excursion off the CarMax website out of Dallas Texas without even seeing it in person. I trusted the salesman & he was honest enough to tell me the truth. He said the vehicle was in great shape so I had it shipped to Houston & when I saw it I fell in love with it before I ever drove it. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! It has the towing power to pull my travel trailer without bottoming out the gas gauge and it pulls like it has nothing behind it. Does not sway and handled so much safer than the 2 previously owned Surburans I had. It has a V10 and is great on gas. On the open road I get between 15 and 20 mpg and never less than 12 while towing anything. I now have 125,000 miles.

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  terrific - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By G Hanson - May 22 - 10:00 am

  VERY reliable and good fuel to milage ratio. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Great car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By pleased owner - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Great reliability and very low maintainance. I have had virtually no problems with my car and it still runs smooth.

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  Really good - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By casperballer - May 22 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Ford mustang is a great car choice. I love the great suspension it has and the looks I get when I am driving my car. It is a great car to show off with.

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  fine truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By jeff - May 21 - 4:03 pm

  I havent had my 2004 LariatSupercrew but since July. Ive had but one problem with the truck (clutch pack),and Ford fixed that pronto! So far, I love everything about this truck.

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  Wow.. - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By marcru - May 21 - 11:50 am

  Smooth,quiet,comfortable,and fun to drive. Has many features that are not available in similar priced Accords or Camrys. Sync is great.

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  Fantastic Ford - 2009 Ford F-150
  By dfoster - May 20 - 9:22 pm

  First Ford since 1988. Wow! Never thought Id come back. Ford has outdone itself with the new F150 Platinum. The 5.4 V8 power is good-not great. Averaging 17 mpg overall with 90% highway time. The interior fit & finish is fantastic. Seats are super comfortable. Power running boards are a nice touch. At 67", the F150 has plenty of headroom compared to Tundra, Chevy, & Cadillac. Towed 23 Airstream from Ohio to TN. Other than higher RPMs & lower gas mileage, the F150 barely knew it was back there. Averaged 13 MPG over 500 miles towing. Again, great job Ford.

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  Outstanding small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Brian - May 20 - 3:53 pm

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle with the safety canopy and our first child on the way. This car feels solid and is a blast to drive. The 3.0 liter engine is outstanding for car of this size and weight and the transmission, although a 4 speed has been smooth and feels well matched.