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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  Minivan is a minivan - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By tjnb - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I really like the way this van rides. It has a very smooth feel. The tranny shifts smoothly and the seats are very comfortable. Love the tailgate seat.

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  Minivan is a minivan - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By tjnb - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I really like the way this van rides. It has a very smooth feel. The tranny shifts smoothly and the seats are very comfortable. Love the tailgate seat.

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  I own one - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By boss mustang 71 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Take a test drive and you ll know what I mean

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  Fun to drive but too much plastic. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Usual suspects - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Escape handles like a dream. Spacious and comfortable to drive and it is also very capable in the snow and unpaved roads. Cons: the interior parts such as, the armrest consol cover and the dash should be constructed of better materials.

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  Ford Escape 2004 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Christine Hanyzewski - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Perfect size. Great handeling. Lots of power. Lots of cargo space.

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  Nothing Compares - 2005 Ford Escape
  By xleex1 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my new XLT Escape. Ive owned Toyotas and Hondas all my life. My friend had one with 50,000 miles on it and has had zero problems with it. So I made the jump and couldnt be happier. It handles better than the CRV, Highlander, and RAV-4. It has more power than any of those. It has more than enough cargo space for anything. The only thing I would change would be a bigger fuel tank. Im so glad I didnt pay more just for the name HONDA OR TOYOTA!!!!!!!

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  Outstanding Value! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion Excels - January 10 - 8:50 am

  Delightful and well thought out describes the Fusion. Road handling and braking give this car a Euro feel and provides enough power for secure driving. The value of the SEL w/4 cylinder pulled me away from the perrenial favorite of this class - the Accord. Dollar for dollar and overall build quality has my family all smiles about this car. Driver visibility is outstanding and the car maneuvers through turns with ease. The sporty and aggressive design is supported by the cars performance. Smart features from seat fold down to custom stereo features for driver or passenger and SYNC make this car a worthy investment!

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  Great Power - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Fla3573 - January 10 - 6:59 am

  My 2009 Fusion SE V-6 with Sport Package has great power and I really like the sport suspension. That option is well worth 800 dollars for what Ford gives. Great car for the money.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Paul - January 9 - 2:53 pm

  Ive owned several pickups before this one and the 2005 F-150 is the best pickup Ive owned. Interior comfort and noise level is outstanding. The build quality is excellent.

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  Escape to Wherever you want - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rltotten - January 9 - 2:22 pm

  I purchased my Escape brand new. I take it up in the Colorado/New Mexico Mountains skiing and snowboarding. I love the space and gas mileage. 26 MPG avg have hit 28 mpg once. I wish this vehicle had daytime driving lights and better cup holders in the center console. The gas filing thing that others wrote about is true, Ford needs to change this design. Ive flattened the rear seats and have hauled over a 1000 lbs of patio pavers at a time. This is a fun vehicle to drive and knock on wood I have had no major repairs to date. The seats do stain easy but also clean up just as easy. I would purchase another Escape no problem.