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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  Excellent choice - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Deanna Barker - January 10 - 3:17 pm

  Purchased the Ford Escape in October 2001. Had been a loyal GM buyer for years. Will be trading my 2001 Escape for a 2008 in the spring. Would not think of buying anything else. Vehicle has over 80,000 miles on it and has only been in the shop once for repairs and a couple times for recalls. The most dependable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Ford finally did it - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Gery Walston - January 10 - 3:43 am

  I have only had this vehicle for about a week and I am loving it already. I had an Expedition and after filling it up for the second time that week at $85 a pop I decided to look at something smaller. I thought I would miss the space of the Expedition but I really do enjoy driving the Edge.

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  I love my Escape Hybrid! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Becky - January 9 - 3:10 pm

  I am so happy I bought this car! I traded in my BMW X5 and year later I know I made the right decision. I am getting about 35mpg vs the 10mpg in the X5. I highly reccomend this car. I also got a $4000 tax credit from the IRS for purchasing a hybrid vehicle. The dealership doesnt want you to know that because they are trying to sell the non-hybrid versions. If you have to have an SUV this is a great truck!

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  Nimble and Thrifty - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rholzman - January 9 - 2:46 pm

  Have put 3000 miles on an SE with the sport package. Yes the transmission takes some getting used to and perhaps some wear in on the part of the car - it feels a little like a novice driving a manual transmission at first. The car handles well with even less body roll in the corners than the Acura Integra I drove and loved years ago. The brakes are superb and I suggest going with the sport package to get discs on the rear wheels if you get an SE. I am 65" and there is plenty of room up front for me. Averaging 32 mpg in mostly suburban driving. Overall this is a fine car.

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  Centennial edition - 2003 Ford Focus
  By kunal - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the car June 16th for my wife. What sold me was driving dynamics simply unreal. Our Focus has advancetrac which most cars in this price range dont even offer! Plus a 2k cash back from Ford sweetened the deal even more.

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  Love my Expy - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By fordguy03 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Great Ford!!! This is my fourth one and toyota or chevy cant match this truck.

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  Love the Mach1 - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By beavis - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a vehicle that is a pleasure to drive. If you like power it will always put a smile on your face. Dont expect to put passangers in the back but thats not really what this car was made for. This car is also a major attention grabber ( Azure Blue) everyone from all walks of life just have to get a look.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bordon - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Looking for bang for the buck? This SUV has got it. Better Performance than an MDX and more versitile than a BMW and you save 10 to 15 grand.

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  Personal thoughts of my first new car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By John - January 9 - 2:08 am

  Fun to drive with its sharp cornering abilities, handles better than some all wheel drive vehicles in the snow and on the ice. Its low to the ground for superb handling. Will hold very well in cold conditions.

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  Very Impressed - 2007 Ford F-150
  By bkaufhol - January 8 - 10:09 am

  This was my first Ford truck after two Dodge Dakotas, and I am very impressed and pleased with my new F-150. First Ford truck in the family since my Dad had a 75 F-250 and while the ruggedness and dependability have not changed, thankfully the styling and comfort have. It is an excellent vehicle.