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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  Smart Shoppers New Toy - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Ray Reep - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle! What more can I say. It goes great in the snow and has done everything I have asked it to flawlessly. I can only find two flaws. Excessive road noise and the doors do not have an "outer" weather seal.The door jams and sills are allways a mess and need hand cleaned.

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  Back to Ford - 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Jim Warren - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Drove 6500 miles in two and a half weeks flawlessly. 29 mpg. interstate driving, was a pleasent surprise. Very precise handling. Much improved over my previous rwd. car

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  Best truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Johnny2 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  My truck handles beautifully. All silver and a nice sounding engine. I beat a DODGE HEMI with ease. This truck is amazing when it comes down to speed and power. Hopefully they come out with another in 05.

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  THE BEST - 2004 Ford Focus
  By FRANK - September 27 - 2:00 am

  ALL GREAT THE BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED

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  I Love my Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Smurfette - September 27 - 12:22 am

  I absolutely love my Escape! I am really happy that I bought it, especially as a college student traveling back and forth between campus and home. In fact, I was almost able to pack my brothers entire dorm room in my car. The car is very nice looking, it handles well, has plenty of power under the hood, and is easy to control. I would recommend this car to anybody.

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  The Best Expedition Ever - 2008 Ford Expedition
  By Iqbaldhillon2 - September 26 - 8:31 pm

  I just recently bought a brand new 08 Expedition Eddie Bauer. It is my best SUV so far. The back-up camera and GPS systems are excellent. The new 6-speed tranny is also smooth and powerful. I used to own a 05 Expedition and was about to buy a Tahoe until I noticed that the Tahoe had absolutely no legroom, and used a 90s 4-speed tranny. Then I saw the new Expedition and fell in love with it. Not only does the new Expedition feel good, but its fun to drive. The fuel economy has also improved from the previous generation. It is my new favorite in my driveway.

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  Great Vehicle - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Dan Giesen - September 26 - 8:31 pm

  I drive this to work all week. Pull our boat all summer and haul my hockey player all over Wisconsin in the winter. The Ford Explorer is by far the best SUV out there.

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  Rented One, Bought One! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Gina B - September 26 - 2:10 pm

  We rented a 2008 Escape Hybrid 7 weeks ago and put 4000 miles on it. It turned out to be a great little SUV. We averaged about 28.5 miles to the gallon (Mostly mountains and freeway driving). It was comfortable, reliable and fun to drive. We liked it so much, we bought one yesterday! It was a nice surprise, we didnt expect it to be such a nice vehicle.

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  Totally Awesome - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Gary - September 26 - 8:10 am

  I grew up in the 60s and 70s, road in and drove the fastest cars of the day-Shelby GT 500s, Charger 440 6- packs, SS 396 Chevelles etc. None of them hold a candle to the 08 Shelby. It is just plain scary fast. But, if you want a nice Sunday drive and keep it at 60 mph it will run all day at 25 mpg. The live rear axle is not the handling problem you may have heard about, even on bumpy entrance ramps and curves. Yes, you feel the bumps but the car stays on track. The shifter takes time to break in so be patient, the brakes stop the car as fast as the engine can accellerate it. My car is Vista Blue and it turns heads. I cant thank Ford enough for building this car at an affordable price.

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  Very Satisfied - 2007 Ford F-150
  By LongTimeOwner - September 26 - 3:43 am

  I have owned Ford pickups for over 20 years trading about every 3 years. This is the best truck yet. Comfortable, quiet, excellent sounding radio. Tows 10,000 lb trailer great. Fuel economy could improve but only have 1000 miles on it and it is improving.