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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  GT Premium - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By Danielle - February 11 - 8:50 pm

  I love this car! Always reliable and looks beautiful. The car has never let me down. Just enough power to get you in trouble, while still getting good gas mileage! The car is comfortable and a pleasure to drive. Takes about 3 seconds to pass a motorhome while cruising at 55mph on the highway. The car provides excellent performance. Suspension is stiff, so you dont get the luxurious ride of a Lincoln, but that was not the manufacturers idea. Would highly recommend!

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  no regrets - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Jay - February 11 - 1:13 pm

  I bought my Escort brand new over 10 years ago. It had a whopping 76 miles on it. After the initial nit picking during the warranty period, it has done well. It still gets over 30 mpg. I have replaced the struts, heater core, radiator, and the timing belt (twice). All these repairs happened after the warranty and I did the work myself. Parts are cheap for this car. I have never balked at its reliability during its now 172,000 miles. This car has seen a lot of my life, its almost sentimental. My main regret is that I got the sunset red (pink) color. It was cool at the time, but not so now.

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  ok suv - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Dave Paupp - February 11 - 1:06 pm

  Nice looking/riding. Transmission one time had a problem........

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  Cheap Ranger - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By Danny - February 11 - 10:35 am

  OK, I purchased a Ford Ranger in the worst year for Ford. I previously owned a 2003 Ranger XL. I liked the little truck, but it just would not move. I moved to big truck, but found the gas mileage to be too bad. I went back and found a used 2006 Ranger XL with 2500 miles. This truck is much better than my 2003. It has the same motor, but the gearing must have changed. It still gets moderate gas mileage (I hope it gets better after 10,000 miles and the motor breaks in.) Ford did a much better job with the seats. I still have vinyl, but they sit much better. The transmission shifts smoother. Overall the 2006 is much better than the 2003.

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  I love it! - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Jennifer - February 10 - 8:38 pm

  I was looking for a small truck that would seat at least four. I found the Freestyle by accident, saw how many it seated, how the seats fold down so I can still transport bikes for our daily rides and that was it for me. Of course, my kids love the DVD player for long rides.

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  new owner - 2005 Ford Focus
  By igor - February 10 - 2:40 am

  bought 2 wks ago. have 700 miles on it. so far all good, without complaints. Best things: HATCHBACK without the blingbling: I would be in Mazda3 5door, but I don;t need the engine and ppearance package. Ford got it right with offering the 3door as a cheaper alternative. Sedans are impractical, and I dont need a wagon.. OPTIONS: I put almost everythign on the car, and it feels like a much more expensive car. ENGINE: while sometimes I miss the v8 I got rid off, the engine is decent enough for every situation FUN: the car loves to be pused a little. loves curves and sharper driving (refreshing after expedition). Quality... way beond anything GM, without the extra premium of japanese beand.

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  Not too shabby... - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By schilke - February 10 - 1:13 am

  Was considering a Magnum, but when I test drove this, I knew it was the right choice. I am a bit wide in the leg department, and this is a bit cramped up front, but not too uncomfortable. Like the techie aspect of the CVT and the AWD. Well see how it performs!

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  Best bang for the buck - 2007 Ford Ranger
  By Blackheart - February 9 - 9:30 pm

  I need both a commuter vehicle and something I could haul things with and found the perfect vehicle to do both. This truck gives me great gas mileage while allowing me to do the numerous weekend chores that require a pickup bed. The 2.3L engine is responsive and well suited for a vehicle of this weight. The 5 speed manual tranny adds a bit of fun as well. The price was very reasonable, under $13,000 with A/C. Great value.

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  Smart Buy - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Bill T. - February 9 - 8:09 pm

  The used 05 Taurus SE that I had purchased from dealer had approximately 25,000 miles on odometer upon delivery. Vehicle looked and felt brand new. Im very satisfied with the firm but smooth ride, comfort of the power drivers seat, great base stereo/cd system, and especially the very quick acceleration that the Vulcan V-6 has on the open highway. Its not your 24 valve Duratec engine that reeks for traction from a standing start to finish, but a very respectable engine within its own design. I had a slight shimmy in front wheels upon delivery, but proper wheel balancing corrected that problem. Build quality appears second to none, and so far, Im very pleased with the vehicle and my purchase.

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  The 07 Expedition has upd the ante - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Fordaholic - February 9 - 12:39 am

  Ive leased a new Expedition every 3 years for the last 12 years. The 04 model was Fords first real effort to improve the overall performance and quality. However, the 07 is outstanding. The ride is the most significant change. Also, the availability of options is very impressive. I now have heated & AC seats, and a remote up/down rear lift gate. The power rear folding seats are worth their weight in gold and the center console shifter is far more convenient. The car has a firmer, tighter, and more stable ride. Allegedly the car has thicker windows and noise suppression metal. I definitely believe its true. The interior is much quieter while driving than the 04 model.