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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  Love My Lightning - 2003 Ford F-150
  By 03LightningRocks - April 11 - 5:49 pm

  There is something special about driving a pickup truck that can run off from most of the fast cars on the road. I love the reactions I get when people driving cars that have been sold to them as fast, witness my farm vehicle leaving them in the dust.

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  Most fun car Ive ever had - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Barry V - April 11 - 5:36 pm

  The version has power and PZEV to boot! I was glad to finally turn in the mini van for this. Its always fun to drive. Only things Ive improved was to change the radio from 6 dish CD to Mach 500, 6 disk and new speakes. Added cabin filter (it really works well). High performance rotors and pads.

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  Fusion is Quiet and Stylish - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By John Cifaldi - April 11 - 10:50 am

  Adequate performance & excellent handling. Stops on a dime. Quality of interior and exterior greatly improved compared to previous Ford products. Quick off the line if you smash the pedal to utilize the high gear. Midrange passing power is satisfactory but needs improving. Virtually no body lean when taking corners and the big tires on the SEL eat the pavement to satisfy its driver. Climate control on the SEL model is very quiet and the redundant climate and audio controls located on the steering is a ergonomic blessing. Suspension is superb giving you a rigid and quiet ride. Plenty of front and rear seat room and front seats are comfortable. Finally, headrests that are comfortable.

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  My Wife Loves Her Taurus X - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Wilson - April 11 - 1:20 am

  We purchased our Taurus X last month and immediately loved it. We took a 500 mile round trip and received many compliments along the way. Kids love the interior, especially the third row. Comfortable ride, roomy, and peppy. Would have liked the DVD option, but couldnt find one in a low optioned SEL model available on a dealers lot. Gas mileage is in the low 20s for combined driving currently, but I anticipate that it will get better in the summer after the engine is broken in.

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  Very Pleased - 2007 Ford Escape
  By robocop - April 10 - 10:57 pm

  Purchased for 19,500 with 6 CD, Sunroof and Tow. With 700 miles Im getting 20 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy. 4WD on snow packed country roads (a lot of hills) is great. Handling on the hwy in snow, rain or dry pavement is excellent. Fold flat rear seats and rear cargo size allow me to take my 2 Dobermans on long trips with everyone being comfortable. I shopped and test drove many other SUVs in this size and I made the right choice with the Escape. No rattles, shakes or shimys.

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  Zero To Hero - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Paul - April 10 - 1:03 pm

  I traded in my manuel Protege for this so my wife could drive also and hated it from the start because it was boring and I didnt have trust in Ford cars. Now its my work car and after driving it more I have learned to love it and trust it. Its had zero problems so its my hero. Just wish it was a manual with a cd player and power windows, but its the base. Overall this is the best vehicle to have for a work car. I hope it stays this good for the next 50k since its got 50k on it now.

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  2006 Ford Freestar - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By Jim - April 10 - 8:01 am

  This van has plenty of power and is very comfortable and versatile. Fuel economy is fair, but build quality so far has been good. Our family finds the second row bucket seats to be convenient. We strongly recommend the Freestar.

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  Fun and Practical - 2004 Ford Escape
  By abswheeler - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Perfect for a mom on the go! The V6 is powerful, the size is perfect, and tows a trailor wonderfully. I highly reccomend this vehicle. The interior has gotten more comfortable since the last model.

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  f-150 - 2004 Ford F-150
  By my04cobra - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Best truck ever. awesome for going off road!!! lots of power. very cofortible. this is y itz been the #1 selling vehicle for 26 years stragiht!

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  Swaggs 1996 Ford Mustang GTR® - 1996 Ford Mustang
  By Jonh SWaggerty - April 9 - 11:26 pm

  The 1996 Ford Mustang GTR® has started up every time I have ever turned the key. I have had very little trouble finding parts for repairs (when necessary) as well as performance parts. I also think the ride quality is superior to previous years and the power is much improved with the 4.6L. Although the car lacks rwhp in its factory trim it makes up for it with torque. Also it is a solid car and hooks very well. The GT is ready for modifications in hp, which is truly the hallmark of a mustang, affording the opportunity for personalization.