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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  Explorer Sport Trac does what I want. - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Peter St. Amour - March 6 - 5:50 pm

  I am not really sure what the reviewers think they are driving, but my Sport Trac handles well both on the highway and off road. Road repair in my area is mostly bad and the Sport Trac handles all of it very well. Off road in the 4x4 Low setting and the V8 engine, it simply powers its way up what ever rut trail Ive traveled on. As for the cabin space, I am over 6 foot and I find quite roomy as does the rest of my family of four. It has excellent pickup for a truck its size from standing starts and it gives the power to pass with a full trailer load as well. I am very satisfied with my Sport Trac.

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  2006 Mustang GT performance white - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By jblair8903 - March 6 - 3:33 pm

  I am a 21 year old sailor. I had money to spend and I looked at 10 different cars from Acura to Mazda. And the car that came out on top for me was the 2006 Mustang GT. It is not only stylish, It is fast out of the box. With the 5 speed manual there are not too many stock cars that can take you on. My GT was a deluxe with everything a premium has, it was a canceled order, but canceled too late. Their loss was my gain. I love this car, I have began upping the performance and I cant wait to see what shes got after I max out her potential. I would recommend this car to anyone with the need for speed and eye for beautiful cars. I am proud to say I own a FORD.

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  2011 Escape Hybrid - 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By slynch56 - March 6 - 10:32 am

  I purchased a new 2011 Escape Hybrid AWD Limited in early 2011. It currently has 50,000 miles on it and I have had 0 issues. I live in Colorado and the hybrid handles the snow, curvy and sometimes steep grades, dirt roads and carrying four people with gear to fly fishing destinations throughout the state with ease. I have followed the dealer recommended maintenance schedule of change the oil every 10K miles, the brakes are at 50% and I average 33 miles to the gallon with a 60 mile round trip highway drive to work each day. The four cylinder is a bit loud at speed but this easily masked by turning up the exceptional sound system.

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  2005 Ford 500 Limited - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Gk in Texas - March 6 - 4:23 am

  Very nice car. Lots of legroom front & rear & trunk room . The car rides really good & is quiet. I would recommend this car to anyone. Its a good value. The car really needs more power & I am not getting close to the gas mileage that was on the window sticker. The radio scan feature on the steering wheel needs to scan the pre-set stations, not the entire band width so you dont have to take your hands from the wheel. And the radio controls should be on the left side of the steering wheel & cruise on the right side. The sales rep told me the car had a Sirius radio option. According to the parts department this turned out to be untrue.

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  Wont be disapointed - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Ford Truck - March 6 - 12:13 am

  This truck is wonderful off road. I have taken it up steep grades and through lots of mud. You can really have a lot of fun and it handles wonderfully off road. It has great power and tows good. Beats Chevrolet and Dodge hands down. No interior of any competitor can even come CLOSE! Bumpers are heavy duty and can withstand just about anything.

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  They keep making them Better! - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Pulleydog - March 5 - 8:47 pm

  07 E.B. Explorer 4x4 V8 is our 5th Explorer/Mountaineer since 1997. Our new Explorer is the best riding and quietest by far. We do get some wind noise on the highway but the interior cabin is very quiet. We opted for the preferred Suede seating. Its soft to the touch and my wife I are happy because neither one of us like leather (it all feels like Vinyl to us.) The ride is very comfortable. Access to controls are good. We dont know if the climate control has a problem or if theres a design issue, but we have to keep the temp at 76 or higher to stay warm. Not thrilled about the huge headrests in the 2nd row - blocks view so we folded them down. V-8 doesnt seem as powerful?

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  The X is the Best - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By FordXster - March 5 - 5:42 pm

  With 105,000 on the X I can safely say it is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. MPG is around 14.5 with the V-10! Its an all around great vehicle, especially if you need to tow. Had no problem towing a 9500 lb trailer, 70 mph, 5000 miles and averaged 13.8 mpg! With the A/C on all the way. Is has probably the quietest interior of any vehicle I have owned. Can you tell I like it?

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  Best non soccer mom van ever! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Jack - March 5 - 4:48 pm

  Powerful, nice looking, easy seat removal, holds resale value, 18-24 mpg was right on, tires wear great versus a lot of vans that wear out front tires. Lot of pick up and very comfortable. Radio iffy so replace with aftermarket. Otherwise a 10!

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  Love my Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Roxy - March 4 - 2:58 pm

  This Excursion drive and rides like a dream. It is great on long trips, what a cruiser. I like the looks of it. The interior is so comfortable and roomy. You can haul just about anything. Ours is a diesel and not 4x4 so our mileage is not too bad. The bet we did was 19.75 and usually about 18 mpg. So for a rig this big thats not too bad. It is not the easiest thing to park.

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  Original owner, bought new in 2006 - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Peter Buchwald Buchwald - March 4 - 1:05 pm

  Has been a excellent inexpensive reliable basic auto.