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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  one year and let the worring begin - 2001 Ford Escape
  By m montes - February 6 - 10:00 am

  likes:The Escape xlt 4wd 3.0 v6 is comfortable and extremely fast. a very powerful engine for off road riding. very spacious with the back seats down.. have use it for carring construction supplies. dislikes:after six months my first bad experience was the srs light turning on. the dealership fix it but a month later it was on again. now the srs lights turn on and off and if i take it to the dealer they take a day or two. lately i have been hearing a thumping noise in the front of the car on both sides of the tires. my fear is that the joints are damaged

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Jose Angel - February 5 - 1:55 pm

  Lots of room, beautiful interior 2-tone design with faux-wood panel and brushed aluminum accents, chrome stick shift for the automatic tranny. Its just a fun machine. I have a DVD system and a huge back seat for all the kids to watch movies or just zone out, and with the wireless earphones I dont have to listen to their movies. I can plug my Ipod to the DVD accessory panel, and listen thru the radio. The sound system includes a subwoofer. And when I drive, I be truckin through traffic near the top of the food chain! The 4WD is great for snowy weather.

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  Freestyle Rocks! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Bar10Jen - February 3 - 6:06 am

  I LOVE my Freestyle and I was a Chevy girl. Its built on a car platform with SUV roominess without the SUV gas guzzling. I think everyone should at least test drive a Freestyle no matter what you are shopping for. I certainly wasnt looking for a vehicle in the wagon category! I put loads of miles on my car and wanted room and comfort with gas mileage to boot and I got it all.

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  Less good after 3 months - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rollin59 - February 3 - 4:06 am

  Ive had my Explorer Eddie Bauer for 4 months. Great driving and great looking SUV but now I know why some call it the "Exploder". Lot of problems, taken care of at no cost to me under warranty (thank heavens for the extended warranty), but it doesnt give me a good impression of long term durability: Power seat track repair, cruise control switch, rear axle clutch pack replaced, complete rear differential and ring/pinion gear replaced (twice), leaking taillight (Ford refused to fix but dealer handled it.)

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  Great Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Brian - February 2 - 9:52 pm

  I bought mine used with 71,000 miles on it. It being a small SUV I didnt really think it would do very well off road even though it had the 4wd. I was extremely suprised on just how well this thing can off-road! I have put it in some pretty hairy places and it just pulled on through without even second guessing it. It handles quite well on the road. I drive 75 miles a day for work in this thing, and I love every minute of it.

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  Love it! - 2008 Ford Edge
  By suemom - February 2 - 9:15 pm

  Bought this car after looking at Honda CRV and Jeep Compass. Too many CRVs on the road! I love this car! I get compliments all the time. Its fun to drive. Mileage could be better but most of mine is city driving. My only complaint would be with getting in the car.I am of short stature- 52 and getting in would be easier if there were a handle to grab on the top.

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  Flex is great - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Joe - February 2 - 2:23 pm

  Traded in 05 Navigator and now save $225/month in gas. While we will miss the Nav this car is pure fun. Weve had it for a few weeks now and no less than 20 people have asked us about. Too cool!

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  Great Truck for ear plugs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By craneman - February 2 - 2:00 am

  My 02 XLT 4x4 now has 23k on it after the third trip to the dealership the drivers seat belt still does not retract properly and ends up closed in the door most of the time, This SUV has the 3:71 ratio..from 50-59 mph it screams.Been looked at and "fixed" twice and I was told by dealership that Ford is now trying to address the problem..hmm I guess Ford didnt manufacture cars with rear differentials until 02. I have been a faithful Ford customer for over 30 years..now I have come to see why others are buying imports..one word QUALITY..Ford just dosent have it.

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  Great SUV for the money - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ddelpo - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is ideal for handleing and function. I am getting older and find this a great vehicle to get around in. This is my 6th Ford Vehicle, just love them. Ford Stands by their products.

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  Best truck Ive ever owned - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By blasterrat - February 2 - 1:48 am

  A great auto. Good gas mi.16/21, lots of cargo room, good design. Parts are expensive. Never been stuck and I do a lot of off roading. I would definetly buy another if I could afford, new price is ridiculous. Overall i am really impressed by this truck.