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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  Fun to drive, interior needs improvement - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By namaral - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This machine will blow the doors off of just about anything on the road, short of a Ferrarri. With very minor modifications, the robust cast iron V8 block will take a significant amount of more boost. A smaller pulley, free flowing cat back exhaust system, and new air filter will have this pony up around 500 HP. My only complaints are the shoddy trim quality and dated design of the interior, and the "blender-like" whine of the supercharger. Overall, a very fun vehicle to drive and its certainly a head turner. Ford has grossly under stated its horsepower at 390 HP, which is actually near 430 HP.

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  A Great One! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JusTrusty4 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Ive had a couple of problems with it, but over all its the best car that Ive ever owned. Its the perfect height to see the road without feeling like youre going to flip over any second and with the windows down (all 4 go down all the way!) and the sunroof open it might as well be a convertable. Also the engine is very powerful and I never feel like Im driving a truck becuase of the awesome pick-up. This is also one of the most spacious cars Ive been in and even adults dont find it particularly uncomfortable sitting in the 3rd row.

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  Bad Toy - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By Korndaddy - September 13 - 3:35 pm

  Ive always wanted a Bronco since I was a little boy. I finally had a chance when my wifes car broke down and we had to get another car. I bought me the Bronco and let her have my 2005 Subaru haha. Great running car. Plenty of room, fun to drive. Mean looking. I had to take it in because the anti lock brakes light was on, just dirty, needed to be cleaned.

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  A Good Vechicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By rebel204 - September 12 - 6:10 pm

  Excellent performance, good handling, decent ride.

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  Fits our needs - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Richard - September 12 - 4:47 pm

  This has been a good truck. It hauls all 6 of my family members and gear plus a 24ft travel trailer. The door actuators have failed a couple of times but thats all. Wish they still made them.

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  2007 Escape after 6 months - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Al - September 11 - 10:33 pm

  I received my new 2007 Escape in June as it was one of the first 2007s manufactured. It replaced my 2000 Explorer XLT with 170K miles. My first impressions of the Escape were very good and Im still happy after 6 months and 14K miles. Gas mileage is steady at 22 mpg, about 7 mpg better than my 00 Explorer. Weak areas are the rear brakes, which are drum rather than disc as my Escape is equipped with a 4 cylinder engine. There is also driveline vibration at times, plus noticeable rattles and general mechanical noise. I would recommend the Escape but ONLY if it has front and rear disc brakes. The rear brake fade is noticeable and dangerous at times.

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  $12000? Cant go wrong - 2006 Ford Focus
  By livforvaca - September 9 - 11:25 pm

  After 6 months any new car is just "a car". This one does everything you need, especially at $3 a gallon. Im 62" and fit in it great. The air is cold, stereo is fine and $250/month with $500 down is great. I wanted a Charger RT but my payment would have been $600/month. You figure it out!

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  Me - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JW - September 9 - 12:02 pm

  So far nothing but carefree driving. Getting about 18 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway...not bad for an suv.

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  Still Ok - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bh_okedoke - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The truck is still doing good. Noticed some funny shifting patterns, so the dealer reprogrammed the transmission, what ever that means. Gas milage is still the pits (we have the v8 - how can detroit produce 405hp cars that average 22 mpg, and not produce a 235 hp v8 that can do better than 15 average mpg?). The truck is still pretty tight. Also noticing a low vibration humm at highway speeds, 65 - 70 - I think its the drive shaft. Just replaced original tires at 36K - went with Toyo series this time around in hopes of getting more miles).

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  So far so good - 2003 Ford F-150
  By rredneckn - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Been a GM Man for many years.I bought the 150 because of price being Gm was 3000 more .The V-6 Has more horsepower than the 350 I was drove for 10 years.The sport package added some nice features cheap.The transmission is by far the smoothest Ive seen.Fuel mileage is also good.It will take a few problem- free years before Ill say I love my Ford But So far so good.