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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  I love this truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Rel8ed2abb - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I am new to driving SUVs, I think this one has been a real pleasure to drive. Car like drive with a truck feel. I highly recommend it.

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  Nothing like a clean black car - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By multimaticford - October 16 - 3:11 pm

  I am 19 years old and own my dream car. Evertime I look at it in the parking lot I think what a cool car, then realize its mine. Magazines complain about the handling, but the stock tires are rock hard since Ford expects people to actually drive the car unlike other manufacturers (this means they last longer). For the price you simply cant beat the performance you get back in return. As far as the interior, I think the design is brilliant and very clean looking, but most peoples complaints are the materials being on the harder side. Even though Ford sells 130K of these a year, people still smile and wave when you drive by.

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  Driving an SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Violet Brooks - October 16 - 5:16 am

  I like the size of the SUV, the gas mileage and it is SO MUCH fun to drive

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  Great performance - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Grizzly - October 15 - 7:39 pm

  I run a fleet of Ford SUVs. I just bought numbers 14-15-16 of the Ford Escape in the last 6 yrs. I put about 100,000 miles a yr on my cars & run them 3 yrs before I trade them in. And the Escape performance and quality is 2nd to none. I also have 2 Ford Expeditions, also very reliable vehicles, however for the price differance & fuel mileage differance I rather the Escape. Have very minimal amount of "shop time" on them considering the amount of miles I put on my vehicles. So most definitely 2 thumbs up.

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  2004 E-350 has been built F-Tuf - 2004 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By russ evans - October 15 - 2:33 am

  The 04 E-350 is the perfect family lodge-on-rubber. For long trips, it is spacious and RVish. Plenty of power, great driver visibility, decent interstate mpg (18) and stout as a...well a Ford truck! No pot hole can hurt it, and its only refinement could be softer seats. Godspeed to the Ford Motor Co. for sticking with (forever, it seems) such a timeless, supertuff and trustworthy giant. I love my friendly Ford.

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  2005 Ford Five Hundred Limited, FWD - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By KPG - October 14 - 11:40 am

  I have had the Five Hundred for about a month and have 4500 miles on it so far. I have found it to be a very comfortable road car with many creature comforts. I travel 25-30k per year for work and the Five Hundred is a good looking sedan with TONS of room in the rear seat and trunk.

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  No problems! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By califbucfan32 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Has been a great car for my family!

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  surprise, surprise - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By joskat - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Ford could have called this a different SUV and passed. I traded in my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee which had served me well but i thought it was too small and wanted a little bit bigger. I looked at 4runner and pathfinder and i couldnt decide which one to choose...until i test drove the explorer. Believe me i was never a ford admirer. In fact i never even thought of buying one. But this new explorer changed all that. Ford came up with an SUV thats safe, efficient and fun to drive. Please do some research and find out why this EXplorer shouldnt be overlooked.

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  So far so good - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DBOWEN - October 14 - 10:00 am

  We were looking at another minivan when I suggested to my wife an SUV. She liked the idea of a 3rd fold-down seat for storage and 4WD. We looked at the expedition but it was too big and settled on the Explorer. This car is fun to drive. ALthough less room than a minivan, it handles great and the kids love to ride in it. I looked at other SUVs and they just werent safe enough. Explorer is alot of car for the money. Wife loves to drive it now too.

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  Flexlovable - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Harold Landis - October 14 - 3:30 am

  This car is great.Unique style,plenty of comfort, great on gas for a vehicle this size. We just returned on a trip to Florida. Gas mileage ranged from 25 to 26 mpg at turnpike speeds. Better than advertised. We also own a Jaguar XJ8 and this vehicle is more comfortable on a trip than the Jag. We are planning a cross country trip in the fall and will be driving the Flex. I was a previous Jeep Grabd Cherokee owner and the Flex wins hands down in every catergory.