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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  hauling Goods & Dogs - 1998 Ford Escort
  By SEwagon - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Great in town -peppy drive if you stay in torque range (3750 & up)--easy lane changes, great visibility, intr. noise low. seat best in near upright. Yoko Avid Touring tires are a perfect compliment to this wagon! Frim, stable, grip, and corner. Wagon will oversteer if you dont go spritely into the corner--waking up stablizn rear assembly. Ford means 80lbs in the boot! Heavy loads off the axle are nerve racking. Drop the seat --pull it out! Smart pack can put 625lbs of goods in; predictable ride follows. Very Utilitarian w/smart looks--Ford really did a nice exit w/the escort wagon!

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  2001 SVT Cobra - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By dougv - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun car. Interior in the 2001 Cobra is better than any other factory Mustang. I love the leather/suede seating surfaces. The 6- disc in-dash CD player is great...much better than having the changer in the trunk or taking up armrest space. The only problem Ive had is that the shift from 1st to 2nd would stick. The dealer replaced the whole transmission under warranty within 5 days.

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  yep yep - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By pawn_81 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  its a great truck but option for the step bars and 4.0 liter v-6

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  Success - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By Skinnydogred - December 8 - 7:43 am

  Ive had my 07 GT for well over a year now and love the car and driving experience. For the last 20 years Ive driven more fuel efficient trucks and SUVs and it sure does feel nice to have a motor under the hood. The car pretty much follows your foots command. The cars been out a few years now, but it still attract attention and conversation most places I go. I dont drive the car hard nor do I drive it passive. Speeding tickets could be a problem in this car. When I get out on the road I find myself engaged in the drive. Other cars/traffic seem to always be going to slow watch yourself if you buy one of these cars to drive!

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  Amazing car - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Jack - December 7 - 11:41 pm

  This is a surprisingly capable vehicle. Im 64" so wish it had a little more leg room but very comfortable. It will really corner well yet has a smooth ride. Performance from 3.9L V-8 is exhilarating to say the least. All in all a real sports car with none of the bad habits.

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  Is this REALLY a Ford? - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Andrew K. - December 7 - 8:30 pm

  The 2008 RAV4 gave its life for us in a rear end accident. Had to go looking for cars. Rented a 09 Fusion and couldnt believe the quality, and bought a 2010 Fusion. Every time I get in I really cant believe its a Ford! I am a car nut and really picky on drive ability, quality, fit and finish. This Fusion has it all. The 4 cylinder (SEL) has all the latest technology and it shows. The starting circuit is cool, just touch the key into the start position and release, the car automatically cranks until it starts (I bet you didnt know that!). Sony XM/Sirus radio, great seats, and good driving position.

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  Nice little car for the money! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Laura from SF - December 7 - 11:50 am

  Nearly bought a used Corolla for my daughter after her Accord was totaled (not her fault). I am so glad I checked the newspaper and saw the great rebates Ford was offering, this car cost less that than the Corolla and had so much more to offer in terms of gadgets and safety features. The performance is quite peppy and have not has any issues since purchased. The car is cute and turns a lot of heads, they always ask what it is and are pleasantly surprised to find out its a Ford. I feel comforatable with my daughter driving back and forth from college with this car. Its got six airbags. I enjoy driving it too, when I get the chance.

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  Looking to Buy my 2nd Ranger - 2000 Ford Ranger
  By Bill - December 7 - 11:48 am

  I bought my first Ford Ranger brand new with less than 100 miles on it in 2000. The day after Thanskgiving I was in a wreck and the truck was totaled. At the time I had over 178000 miles on it. I have to say the Ranger is the best vehicle I have ever owned price wise, mileage, maintenance, etc. With proper maintenance I only replaced the serpentine belt, timing belt, and the alternator during the 8+ yrs. I owned the truck. Loved the style, handling, and comfort it provided not to mention the deal I got from the dealership. My borther who deals in used cars was so impressed with my Ranger that he bought himself one and we both stand behind the Ranger 100%.

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  Ford keeps improving - 2009 Ford Taurus
  By DocJim - December 7 - 9:22 am

  Only one week with this, but we have driven a Ford Freestyle 2005 for 3 1/2 years. The 1993 Explorer needed to be replaced and the prices were getting really good in late Nov 2008. My wife and I have been thrilled with the AWD Freestyle (restyled the Ford Taurus X now) and expected this Taurus sedan to do well. It has exceeded in comfort, maneuverability and radio the excellent older Freestyle. My wife now feels "disloyal" to her Freestyle by liking this new sedan even more. Unable to comment on mileage yet or reliability. Ford got it right with the 500/Freestyle and they keep on improving the design. We can see well and we are supremely comfortable.

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  Glad I waited - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dennis - December 7 - 6:13 am

  My first SUV. Went for the 4 cylinder. Great on gas, over 22 mpg average. Extremely comfortable ride, easy to manage in traffic. Interior well designed, a real joy to drive. All the creature comforts of a sedan with the storage and security of a 4 wheel drive. Lots of leg room in the back. Really hugs the wet and snowy roads. Best vehicle I ever owned in 41 years of driving.