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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  Decent SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By renogirl - July 29 - 12:41 pm

  Bought brand new....had in shop in first month, A/C had no coolant in it (factory error). At one year, serpentine belt broke, lost all power. One month later, CDs jammed in CD player and had to ship off stereo to be fixed. Took an entire month to get my CDs back from dealer. LOVE the Escape minus this problems. More irritated with dealer. Could improve gas mileage. Love the safety of side airbags.

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  probably buy Focus again - 2001 Ford Focus
  By matd - July 28 - 8:49 am

  After 105K miles, I still love this car. I bought it for the price, because my elderly mom could get in & out of it, & for the cargo space (big enough to fit two Sheltie-size dog crates side-by-side). Ive had no major problems with it. I have the 5-speed. Im female, 53", very little use for rear seat. 29-30 mpg highway, 26 city (the rare times I do city).

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  You get a lot of truck for your money - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Joe Garcia - July 28 - 3:46 am

  You get a lot for your money ,it has a powerful 2.7 V6 and I get 23 mpg Highway and 18 mpg in city, considering that this is a Supercab model its more comfortable than Chevrolet supercab, it has apayload of 1,720 lbs. and a towing capacity of 8,200 lbs.

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  Sport Trac - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Cutter - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive and a great ride. Love the style of the truck.

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  Nice updates for 2003 - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Rodger1203 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Crown vic in the past 11 years. Being tall (63"), I need a larger car. The leg room is great! The new bucket seats in my LX Sport are very comfortable and suportive. I have traveled for as many as 8 hours at a time, no back pain no muscle cramping. Traction control is wonderful. Compared to the 92 and 93 Crown Vics I have ownered, excellent skid and "fishtail" control in snow. Great for a full size long wheel based rear drive car. Quality has been excellent during my first year and 31000 miles, no problems what so ever. Id recommend this car to anyone who wants a full size sedan!

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  Not so bad - 2004 Ford Escape
  By SandiS9781 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I was really surprised with the car- like handling.

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  pleasantly surprised - 2004 Ford Taurus
  By packerfan - July 27 - 10:00 am

  With a son in college, I let the lease expire on my Lincoln LS and bought a loaded Taurus SEL. I expected much less car than I got. Clearly, its no LS, but the ride has been a pleasant surprise. Ive found it very comfortable on long trips. With the cruise control set at 65, I have gotten 31 miles per gallon on three different trips. With the upgraded features of the SEL: the leather seats, digital climate control, adjustable pedals, and premium stereo, it is a very nice ride for the money. It wont turn heads, but it has been a reliable, safe, and comfortable car. Poor resale aside, it was a bargain.

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  Great value for a convertible - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By Flicka - July 27 - 10:00 am

  If you dont require the power of the GT, this car should work for you. Total blast to drive - no regrets on giving up the practical sedan for this one.

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  F150 4X Cross Country - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Snohomish - July 27 - 1:17 am

  Lower door seals had to be replaced they were collapsed and allowed dirt and water to get inside the door well. Acceleration is delayed for about a second after one "punches" the gas pedal. Rotors had to be "turned." Steering wheel would shudder upon putting on the brakes at speeds of 55 mph. Interior design is outstanding - very comfortable on a long trip. Suspension is outstanding.

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  great truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By skip600 - July 26 - 8:02 pm

  Very well-built truck. Solid, quiet ride, great fit and finish. Quiet and smooth running engine.