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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  Great Buy - 2005 Ford F-150
  By jjcmlc - June 18 - 6:56 pm

  Smooth driving and can barely hear exterior noises at freeway speed. Interior design very unique and functional. Durable leather interior and the audiophile stereo upgrade is a must !

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  Most Bang for the Buck - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By Ryno - June 18 - 4:50 pm

  Say all you want about style and comfort but when all is said and done no other full size SUV offers what the Expedition does for the money. Our XLT has $8000 in options (power fold 3rd row, sunroof, upgraded radio with Sirius, trailer tow package to name a few) This is a lot of truck for the price. I honestly look forward to driving it on weekends. It is not the yacht feel like some full size SUVs. Behaves like a smaller SUV in terms of handling and there are no blind spots as the seat is up high. Also, my wife has fallen in love with the reverse sensors.

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  U.S. Power - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Rob K. - June 18 - 1:13 pm

  Ive had my 05 XLT AWD V6 Escape for almost a year now, and I love it. It has excellent pickup, and I have driven the CR-V,Santa Fe, and the RAV4, and despite what some publications say, it is every bit as quiet as the others. As for performance and road feel, it simply blows the others off the road. The CR-V and the Santa Fe had sloppy handling, and the RAV4 was a little slow. As for interior quality, the CR-V and Santa Fe were way below. The Escape is a perfect combination of power, quality and practicality. The rest of the world just follows the leader!

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  The Best Family Car - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By Kyle - June 18 - 1:04 pm

  Ive owned an Accord and kind of felt I might want to try a domestic, so I shopped around and saw a new Taurus. So far, Im pleased with the fit and finish, quietness, and ample power from the new 3.5 liter engine. The AWD works great. Especically I like the spaciousness of the car in the back seat. My three kids has no problem with sitting together.

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  Excellent!! A+ for Ford - 2001 Ford F-150
  By David - June 17 - 9:14 pm

  This truck has been great ever since we bought it new. We didnt buy it for gas mileage. We needed the interior room plus hauling. We looked at Chevy crewcabs and the Ford was less expensive. It drives great and is comfortable on long trips. Thats why it has so many miles on it, 102,873. It has been to 9 states for vacations or just weekend trips. I used it last year to pull 6 bushes out of the ground. We have two kids now and they love the truck too. Even with gas like it is we drive the truck more because our car isnt big enough for all our stuff. No major problems. We had one spark plug coil go out. Regular maintenance and still runs great. Overall good experience.

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  Good job Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By taur76 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall a huge improvement over my 98 Explorer Sport. Stable and comfortable ride, handles well, respectable powertrain performance, safe and reliable. Overall, Ford did an impressive job.

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  Ford Escape is the best S.U.V. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bosgeo - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2005 Ford Focus
  By scavio - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I definitely didnt imagine two weeks ago that Id walk away with a car for less than $15k (after rebates and discounts) as great as the Focus has been thus far. Its comfortable, has many of the options that I wouldnt have expected in a "economy" car, and most importantly doesnt feel cheap. I bought this as a commute/winter car because my Camaro wasnt cutting it, and thus far the Camaro has sat parked while I have enjoyed driving this car.

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  Love my Ford - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Amy Lynn - June 17 - 8:12 am

  Ive had this truck for ten months and 9,500 miles. We upgraded from an 02 Escape XLT. Gas mileage is poorer, but we knew that going in. I love the way it drives, handles, and accelerates. I like the way the interior looks. Plenty of room for the family camping trips. Hubby doesnt like the interior door handles, but theyre just fine with me. I bought the dark stone color. Its not actually one color though, sometimes its brown, sometimes its gray. In my driveway it can even look a bit green. I do a lot of stop and go driving and get about 15 mpg.

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  Gets you where youre going - 2002 Ford Ranger
  By tvrug - June 17 - 6:06 am

  This is the second Ranger Ive owned. The first was a 98 4.0 5-speed. After 175,000 miles of being reliable I bought another. The only complaint so far is that the brakes would fade when stopping quickly, especially with a load. Replaced stock brakes with EBC slotted rotors and EBC Green Stuff 7000 series pads. Stops like a sports car now. Will go through a lot when off road thanks to the limited slip rear differential. Great that the front axle is turning all the time. This eliminates the worry of tearing up a hub when on the trail.