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 car for the money - 2006 Ford Taurus
  By jtspenfield - June 11 - 9:34 pm

  Excellent full-sized sedan for the money! We bought a 2006 SEL with all the available options leather, sun roof, alloy wheels, ABS, etc. The car is very roomy and has very comfortable leather seats. My friends commented on how smooth the ride is! Acceleration and power are good, not top of the line, but more than adequate for most drivers. Ive been averaging 25mpg with a mix of highway and city driving. One recent long highway trip averaged 31 mpg, very nice! Folks, you own it to yourself to check this vehicle out. Great news that Ford is keeping the Taurus name!

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  Absolutely love it! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Vince - June 11 - 3:56 am

  Seemed hard to get a Escape Hybrid, but it was well worth the wait after ordering it. Absolutely love driving it and watch the MPG display show 33+ MPG. Love the body style and the interior is very well designed. I couldnt be happier with this purchase.

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  love this car! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By colleen - June 10 - 6:10 pm

  This car is fun to drive. I use the navigation system constantly with my line of work. Open and airy. I constantly get comments about how nice the car looks. Handles great in the snow. Very fast and sport. Absolutely love this car. I almost bought another Ford Escape but changed my mind at the last minute, now I am glad I did. Great job Ford once again.

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  Big PT - 2016 Ford Transit Connect
  By Backporch Music - June 9 - 10:07 pm

  After 5 PT Cruisers wasnt sure what would replace our long time preference when it was discontinued. Easy access with wide doors and right-height sitdown seats coupled with room for second limited ability passenger PLUS two Rollator walkers make the Transit Connect BETTER than the 20 different makes and models we checked. The seating arrangement for 3 or four is better for us than the limited (2) seating in out NV200. The easy fold or remove seats enable use of ALL space behind front seats with plenty of tie down locations. Gas mileage isnt impressive, but since we travel short distances, it is less consequential. Proximity alarms take getting used to and when the radio cuts out, it isnt obvious that its caused by the sensors because youre getting close (in the garage) even when its intentional. Like every new vehicle, there are so many bells and whistles that youll be discovering surprise capabilities until the day you trade for you next vehicle.

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  I waited for this - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By C. Evans - June 9 - 7:56 am

  I actually waited for a two seat sports type car that had room in the front seat. The bird has as much room as I need. Also it is a head turner. Everwhere I go someone says something or points to it.

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  The best value in trucks! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Justin Rempe - June 8 - 10:05 am

  This truck is far and away the best overall value when it comes to full size pickup trucks. You get more towing capacity and interior volume than any other truck out there when comparing total statistics and capability vs. the price paid. Toyota and Nissan also build great trucks, but option them so heavily that its impossible to get the same level of value. The only close comparison to this truck is the Chevrolet/GMC twin, and it lacks a bit in the towing and interior space department, as well as falling behind in the incentives category. Fords F150 is reliable, handles well, gets decent mileage and is very comfortable. You cannot go wrong with this vehicle!

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  WOW! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By deeedeee - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Had my mind set on the Saturn Vue. Also drove the CR-V, Outlander and Rendevous. Nothing compares for power, options and comfort in this price range as far as I am concerned. I got a 201 HP engine, moonroof, 4WD, 6-disc changer and power seats, and ABS all for the same price as I would have paid for the FWD V6 with no extras in the VUE. I love my new truck.

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  2003 ZX3 with PZEV - 2003 Ford Focus
  By micweb - June 8 - 10:00 am

  PZEV = 2.3L, 14ohp engine. Excellent handling, spacious cabin, easy to operate controls, comfortable seats, and a supple ride. Best seller in Europe, just another compact car over here makes for some great bargain shopping. Only three negatives: rear passenger windows are small and make lane changes tricky; and both window cranks and door locks operate in the "wrong" direction (not an issue on power models). But, the sound system is great, with standard CD on all models and MP3 on above Base models.

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  Very happy owner - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By freealfas - June 8 - 8:42 am

  24 months in we are very happy with our purchase and find it to be the best value in the market to date. Safe, economical, performs great in any and all situations. Glad we bought FWD instead of AWD to minimize the potential for issues in the future with the extra mechanicals and it helps mileage.

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  2005 Crown Vic LX Sport - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Ronn - June 7 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased a 2005 Crown Victoria LX Sport in March of 06. The vehicle had 82 miles on the odometer. In the past I have owned many full sized Fords, Mercurys and Chevrolets. This one is the best of the bunch! The LX Sport has the beefed up engine and suspension and holds the road like a sports car. We recently completed a road trip of over 1700 miles and averaged over 25 mpg. Driving around town Im averaging 21. Not bad for a big car.