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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  Escape Hybrid Seen in LA - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mark - May 3 - 10:46 pm

  Within hours of the announcement, I was aware that Ford was going to produce a Escape Hybrid. Well, their Kansas City Assembly Plant did produce a well built vehicle, beautiful vehicle that delivers great gas mileage. The Hybrid has indeed delivered on its promise of improved gas mileage, but as usual not to the EPA specs. The vehicle is so quiet that pedestrians are unaware it is running. My dealership recognized that the premiums other dealers were demanding was killing sales; I got mine without the premium. Unlike others I did not have to wait, picked mine on the lot on day of visit. All that and it looks better than a Prius.

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  What a diamond in the rough - 1995 Ford Aerostar
  By KM - May 3 - 10:22 am

  How am I ever going to part with this van? At 212000 it has taken children and all their stuff to college in Wisconsin, North Carolina and Pottsdam in upstate NY. It has made countless trip to Indiana again loaded to the top with product, my husband owns his own business. I has taken me to Minnesota to visit my first grandchild. A last the transmission has started to slip and we are holding on. This van has been a reliable workhorse, it sits outside all year, in western NY, and starts every morning without fail. I have had very few problems with it and the comfort for all my family including my 67" son has been great. Everyone can drive it from my son to myself at 51". I can haul anything

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  Happy Owner - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jaime - May 3 - 10:00 am

  First ever Explorer and Love it. Lots of room, great get up and go, fun and easy to drive. Make sure to check the manufacturing dates - model changed after 1/28/02

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  New design, Better Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Two Ford Owner - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Great to drive, Great comfort, Always turn heads.

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  King Ranch Rules - 2002 Ford F-150
  By BCheney - May 3 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Lightning the last two years I wanted a vehicle that could hold 4 large adults with ease. The Super Crew version of the F150 does that, and the King Ranch with its 4 leather bucket seats does that in style. Power (5.4L) and handling is not what the Lightning is but what truck is?

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  Have had my GT for 7 months now......... - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By NV02GT - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Mustang since 1983, and Ford, IMO, continues to improve on quality and performance with each new offering. Hey, this great bang for your buck vehicle aint a Corvette or Camaro, but if you really need a Chevy killer, order yourself a new 03 Cobra. Some of the above reviewers express a dissatifaction with their new ride; youve got to thoroughly test drive and check for interior/exterior flaws before you sign the dotted line! I went through 4 new GTs on 3 different lots before I found one with a flawless paint job and mechanical operation. Hood and side scoops are fake - so what! They add to the overall looks of a great car!

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  Very happy with the 2008 Edge - 2008 Ford Edge
  By LisaK - May 3 - 9:57 am

  The Ford Edge fun to drive. Really hugs the road and turns on a dime. I have more confidence than with the extra long SUV we had before this. It does not shift too hard, its very good going up hills and getting on highways. I cant wait to drive it in the snow!

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  My Ranger is the best - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Jnmrb - May 3 - 12:01 am

  I got a great deal on my used Ranger 4 years ago and have replaced 4 tires and brakes and wiper blades and thats all. There is no broken trim etc. like you would expect on a 5 year old vehicle. It is very confortable ride for a truck. It gets about 18 mpg city and 22 highway. Not the best but ok for a truck. My teenage boys arent embarassed to be seen riding in it and even want to drive it. This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. My mechanic told me to let him know when Im ready to sell it.

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  Update after 3 years. Even better. - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By JDP - May 2 - 7:03 pm

  I wanted to give an update after owing the Ranger for 3 years. I am even more impressed with this little truck than earlier. Mileage is still great for a truck (4cyl,5spd) I still have the original tires. No squeaks or rattles, and it is a truck. Moved from Austin to DFW with a full load and a trailer load behind. Probably 2000lbs total. I thought it would be a slow 4th gear go. Not a bit of it. Got out on I35, shifted up to 5th gear and away we went. I love this truck. I have met several owners that have owned more than one and now I know why.

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  Happy! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Lou - May 2 - 6:26 pm

  Having just come from driving an 8- cylinder Ford Explorer for the past 5 years, I was a little apprehensive about moving to a 4-cylinder vehicle. With gas prices being what they are, it seemed like the thing to do. I purchased a red Fusion (pretty color), SE package, leather seats, 6- changer CD with a Moon & Tune package. Im much happier with the car than I thought I would be. Its roomy, its comfortable and its got plenty of power. Its never going feel like a V8, but its more than I need to get back and forth to work. The Fusion made downsizing bearable without paying the Honda or Accord prices. I got much more for my money than I anticipated.