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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  great compromise vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
  By blksmk - February 7 - 2:00 am

  i didnt plan on buying an escape...but, im glad i did good mileage, a lot of room, excellent quality, and fantastic traction this vehicle does it all well other vehicles is considered were subaru wrx,vw jetta, and jeep wrangler the subie seemed low on content, the vw seemed to lack quality and reliability, and the wrangler was too impractical

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  2001 Ranger XLT 2WD Short Bed Standard C - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By mugrb - February 7 - 12:03 am

  Bought this truck used. It has been a good runner - so far. Awesome on gas mileage. During this winter Ive been getting easily 24 mpg with 400 lbs of sand over the rear axle. Summer Ive been getting very close to 30 mpg, 28 to 29 is common for me. Tricky in the winter months being rear wheel drive. The rear end always goes to the right sending me heading into oncoming traffic driving up an icy slope. The 3.0 liter Vulcan V-6 is starting to get a bit noisy with being almost 110k miles. It rides quiet for a small pickup. Cruise control button on the left side is loose. The EGR system could be upgraded too a more reliable system.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Happy Owner - February 6 - 6:54 pm

  I would recommend this vehicle to whomever wants to be pleased with their purchase and price. I have had no problems with this car and love driving it. Ive gone on a few long trips and had a nice, comfortable drive. It rides very smooth. I get really good gas mileage 25 in town and 33 on the highway. Go out and get this car if you are questioning it.

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  Awesome SUV!!! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Chayse Griffin - February 6 - 12:45 pm

  The 2004 XLT is a great vehicle... It is a powerful machine, it is a roomy machine, it is a fun machine. The Ford Escape is a great example of an SUV. It can tow, store, fly, and lug people around! The fuel economy for this SUV is extremely amazing for an SUV!!!

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  Ford Again - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Ford Again - February 6 - 9:30 am

  After 185K miles on my Taurus I decided to go Ford again, Even though I had GM card and accululated $2K I bought the Escape after my first test drive. Love the look of it, love the interior. I do not like SUVs with shift on the dashboard - looks silly, love it on the Escape.

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  Great car - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By bob cox - February 6 - 2:46 am

  I purchased this car new after owning a couple of Tauruses, a Sable and a Grand Marquis. I chose the Sport package and it is awesome. The power, handling and seating is so much better than the Grand Marquis. This car has done 90,000 miles, both long trips and local driving and has only had one non- maintenance repair, the rear air suspension compressor at 60,000 miles. Fuel mileage is consistently in the 26 mpg range even with the lower differential gearing of the Sport pkg. Im in process of buying a 7000 mile 2006 LX Sport to replace it. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  19¢ / Mile Life Cycle Cost - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By ERHandyMan - February 5 - 7:03 pm

  Fantastic car, currently running strong with 278,000 miles. I gave it to my kids to use at 274,000 and wish I was still driving it. This thing has been rock solid and if I could find another one to do the same I would buy it in a heart beat. Simply the best car I have owned out of 11 cars I have had. I typically get about 180,000 out of them before I either tire of them or the costs start to mount - not with this one!

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  Good performer - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Escaper - February 5 - 11:51 am

  The only times I had problems was when I first purchased it. The window would rattle and make a odd click noise when starting. The dealer fixed it and no problems since then. The ride is smooth and if you dont watch it, you will be speeding, its a smooth accelerator. I have the V6 model. Plus a sunroof.

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  Love it! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By krennis - February 5 - 3:50 am

  I have had my Fusion for 3 months now and love it! Im averaging 39.9 miles per gallon and thats a combo of back roads and highway. Its comfortable, handles well, and doesnt feel any less powerful than a gas powered car when merging or passing on the highway. I was a bit intimidated by all the technology at first but once I know how to use it - its great and my passengers are always impressed. I dont regret my decision to trade in my Honda for this car at all!

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  1994 Ford Aspire---Greater Gas Saver - 1994 Ford Aspire
  By Randy D. Gray - February 5 - 3:15 am

  Purchased this vehicle with 162,000 miles on it and figured if I got 40,000 miles more I had made a great deal. It now has 320,000 miles on it and the only things that I have had to replace are the front calipers/rotors/ and brake pads. It currently gets 48- 50 mpg when driving at 55 mph and 43- 45 mpg when driving at 70 mph. With fuel prices at what they are now, it saves me lots of money each week versus my other vehicle which is a Ford F-150. I cant say enough about the Aspire because it seems to run stronger each year I drive it, I have never been stranded and for the first 6 years I owned it, I drove 1000 miles per week. Now I drive it only 350 miles per week. A great Ford product.