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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  Awesome, best of my last three - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By mustang3 - March 18 - 8:13 pm

  The best yet for Mustangs. Beautiful and powerful. Much improved seating and noise. Unbelievable Shaker 1000!

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  Perfect - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By X-Ray Mike - March 18 - 7:40 pm

  I have had my 05 GT for 12 days now and it is flat-out the best new Ford in nearly forever. Over the weekend I took it down to Arizona (from Nevada) and, with cruise set at 80 mph, I averaged nearly 27 mpg. Overall I am getting about 16 in town and 25 on the highway -- just about what the window sticker says (thats a first!). Unlike previous Mustangs, this one actually handles well. Its been raining virtually non-stop here since I picked up the car and I have yet to really break loose with the traction control on. The interior is a perfect throwback to the 60s heritage and the sound system is amazing. BTW, I paid slightly below MSRP for mine.

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  Absolutely fantastic car. - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Norman R. - March 18 - 5:46 pm

  This car is one of the best Ive had. I absolutely love SYNC! Ive gotten up to 50 mpg in city driving! Great job Ford - an almost flawless car.

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  I LOVE IT - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Nancy Smith - March 18 - 1:46 am

  This is the most awesome vehicle I have ever owned. It is a practical size not some oversize behemoth. It handles really great, and you cannot knock the great fuel economy. It has plenty of power and the air conditioning is the best especially in Las Vegas during the summer. I love driving it everywhere

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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By timbo2 - March 17 - 10:48 am

  Recently upgraded from 1998 XLT 4x4 Expedition that was still excellent after 129,000 miles including 4,000 yearly miles towing a 7,000# travel trailer. The new 2004 Eddie Bauer feels stronger with the extra 30 HP with 5.4L engine. This one has everything except air suspension and navigation system. So far around town averaging 16.7 mpg. Other than rear axle whine which will be fixed next week am extremely happy with this vehicle. Ford hit the spot with this one!

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  Cant go wrong with this one! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Pablo Suarez - March 17 - 10:36 am

  I have been in the automobile industry for over 30 years and after living in three continents and after owning Hillmans, Opels, Fiats, Citroëns, Toyotas, Hondas, Hyundais, Mopars (Chryslers), GMs, and Fords, I can say that this SUV is the most satisfying vehicle I have owned so far. It meets all my current needs almost perfectly. It is the right size for me, fit and finish are great, it is quiet, performance, for a 4 cyl SUV, is brilliant, it has all the right features and it averages 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG in the highway. If you are on the market for a small SUV, go ahead and test drive them all, you cannot go wrong with this one!

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  Ford Got it Right - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gerry - March 17 - 5:06 am

  This is a really great family car. Ford has a winner here. Roomy and comfortable interior, nice around town and on highway and really good mileage. This is not a magazine car, it is for a real family.

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  Love my Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By flexdublin - March 16 - 6:33 am

  I just love my Flex. Got my Flex a short two weeks ago and people cannot stop talking about it at the gas station, the store, and work. People just love it and so do I. So much room and the ride is so smooth. If youre looking for a new car, drive the Ford Flex. You will love it .

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Ture fan! - March 15 - 12:18 pm

  I loved Ford and Harley Davidson for years and this truck is the epitome of performance and style in a truck. Anyone that has the opportunity and means to own one should take it. I love it and even my children will love it when I can give it to them.

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  Excellent Escape 2001 AWD - 2001 Ford Escape
  By matthew516 - March 15 - 9:27 am

  I have no complaints. My 01 Escape has almost 100k miles and everything is still in like new working order. Hardly any squeaks or rattles. The 4 wheel independent suspension and AWD make this SUV outstanding in all conditions. GOOD QUALITY!