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 Vehicle - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Jax.FL - May 22 - 9:26 pm

  I have only had this car for a month, and I am COMPLETELY SATISFIED! The dealers were not fun to deal with, and the one in Orange Park was rude and tried to tell me that this car was trash and a rip off. I love my new car, every time the motor shuts off and goes to battery, it makes a huge difference. It also tells me how good my gas economy is going, and also what mpg Im getting. Right now I am averaging 28.7, and thats only because I have been avoiding traffic and hitting a lot of highway miles. I love this car. I highly recommend it.

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  Fantastic Car - 2000 Ford Taurus
  By rmw313 - May 22 - 8:31 pm

  Ive had this car for about 1 1/2 years. It now has 90,000 miles and I never had any problems with it. I love this car. Its so much fun to drive. The only drawback is the fuel economy. I usually get about 22 mpg. But other than that this is an amazing car!

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  Stella - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By mstnglvr - May 22 - 6:45 pm

  Absolute joy to own. The only problem Ive ever had was a dealer mistake where they overtightened the oil drain plug stripping the bolt and causing a leak. Had it fixed, no other problems.

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  Great truck - 2007 Ford Expedition
  By DanK - May 22 - 12:22 pm

  This vehicle is great. I love having all the room. Gas mileage is not great, but If I cared about that I wouldnt have bought the truck. Also the 2007 Expedition is very quiet. Its not that loud v8 sound you would expect.

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  Amazing vehicle - 1991 Ford Thunderbird
  By Pat S - May 22 - 11:56 am

  I have owned my Thunderbird SuperCoupe for 6 years so far. I am the second owner, and purchased the car from the original owner who meticulously maintained and cared for this Arizona car. When he moved the Pacific Northwest he garaged the car in an spotlessly clean heated garage. I have enjoyed driving this car on numerous road trips. The economy is between 17.5 mpg city with 29.3 highway while producing ample torque and power to set you back in your seat during heavy acceleration. The electronic suspension has a good command of the road especially at high speeds. This car easily handles high speeds with great performance. Again an amazing car to own and drive.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By B.Taylor - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Both my wife and I love this car for different reasons.We had always had a Corvette but the new T-Bird caught our eye.I like it because its quite peppy for a stock car.We both like its ability to turn heads.We have the Bond edition that is Corral(orangish/red) with a white hard top and black rag top.It is a very comfortable touring car.A few people have asked us if its a 56 or 57!!The old timers like to tell us about their 50s T-birds.Its just a fun,comfortable,fast,sporty car.I understand Ford having a limited run because it is a retro,but why did they give it so little promotion? Ive never seen an advertisement.We love ours!

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  Big SUV feel in Smaller Size - 2004 Ford Escape
  By SueCar - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Escape XLT has a solid feel on the road. After driving several other SUVs such as the CRV, I noticed it sits higher off the ground than other smaller SUVs. It has the optional setting so you can set it on 4WD all the time or set it on the sensor. Its 6 cyclinder engine gives it better pick up and power. The Escape also feels roomier inside than other smaller SUVs. My Escape is running about 23.5 mpg, which is a couple of mpg less than the CRV, but mine is a 6 cyl vs. the CRVs 4 cly. My final price also was a few thousand less than what the Honda dealers wanted for the CRV.

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  love my escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Charlize - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escape..and there isnt much Id change about it! If I could though, I guess Id get heated seats, if offered, and more towing ability. But I truely love driving it..being a woman, its the perfect size, I dont feel like a burly man driving it!

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  Most for money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By windy124 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Have tried other suvs, but this one better. Its smart looking, handles great. The only complaint would be the console. I would love to be able to lift it into a backrest for the front seat. Feels solid when driving, and takes curves very well. Husband has trouble getting into and out of vehicles due to his hip replacement, but this one is very easy for him. We will continue to buy this product as long as it continues to perform as it is now.

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  My Review - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Sunzhine99 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Ford Escape. She rides like a charm. Comfortable too. My only downfall about this vehicle is the gas mileage on her. 250 miles to a tank.