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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  Focus Work Wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Brent - January 19 - 11:43 am

  Bought it because my partner had 2 Foci and thought it a great car for the business. Big change from a BMW 7 series. What a great car, changed the springs right away to H&R Sport, major improvement in handling. Upgraded the sound with Boston Pro speakers. 17" custom rims and 50 series rubber. Full header and sport exhaust, throttle boy, intake make about 20 more ponies. Excellent changes and what a car now, handles and rides well, goes better and is fun to drive on trips. Now what we need is the European 5 cylinder, or 140 or best of all the Diesel Focus. Next improvement: Spax shocks and cross brace. Maybe a Jackson or Powerworks supercharger. :)

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  I love my Ford F-150 Eddie Bower - 1995 Ford F-150
  By survior - January 19 - 8:05 am

  The Ford F-150 Eddie Bower is awesome to drive. I had the lighting package added by the dealer. I love my truck and I will never sell it. I brought it brand new in twelve years and have done all maintenance regular service at every 3,800 miles. Replaced 3 serpentine belts, the front brake pads twice, two sets of tires, 3 batteries, 3 sets of wiper blades, 3 sets of spark plugs and wires and one universal joint (Ford mistake). They uprgraded it. One factory recall - cruise control was bad. Fixed last year for free by Ford.

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  Love at 1st Sight - 2006 Ford Escape
  By In Love! - January 19 - 5:27 am

  I traded in my 01 Civic for an 06 Escape and I could not be happier. This is the first car that I have bought that I was completely in love with. I love the style of the inside and outside and I love the handling. I swear mine handles like a sedan, especially when taking turns. Im single so I dont need a lot of room, but I can fit so much in my car. In my Honda, I couldnt even fit my nieces stroller in my truck. With my Escape, I can fit my nieces stroller, diaper bag, walker and high chair with room to spare, and of course my niece. I can also fit 4 passengers comfortably, which I cant say my Honda did. I thought the gas mileage would be an issue but its not, great on mileage.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Shane - January 18 - 5:16 pm

  I recently donate my car (98 Old Intrigue w/ 250,000 miles) and traded in a F-150 for my new Escape. It is the perfect compliment of the two vehicles. The ride is a lot better then what I expected from this vehicle. And it has seemed to handle the snow and ice well in these wonderfully short MN and ND winters. Im averaging 24.6 (through the first 4,100 miles) MPG with the V6 which has been the most pleasant surprise.

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  A true master piece - 2005 Ford GT
  By tony aalam - January 18 - 12:49 pm

  Words alone can not describe how good this car really is. All i can say is that I have been racing cars since the late 80s and nothing comes close to the FORD GT. Im also a proud owner of Ferrari 575 and just sold my Lambo Gallardo. Without disrespecting its competitors I can say that the FORD GT is a class of its own. A real drivers car.

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  Well built. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By D - January 17 - 8:23 pm

  This was a good buy for me. Not too much hp I thought I needed it but I go to and from work, besides I only need to tow my friends around. I like it so far anyway, Ive only had it for a month.

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  Finally used in Ice and Snow - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Art - January 17 - 4:48 pm

  My wife has medical problems that made entering and exiting her Taurus a problem. Explorer sat too tall. Pilot was too bulky. Pilot was too expensive. Pacifica was ok, but no deals. We liked the Freestyle with the first test drive. The local dealer ran an ad showing 8 Freestyle Limiteds for the same very good price. We also got 0 percent financing. The fold down seats have been great allowing us to carry 25 to 30 entries to flower shows all over Washington. Mileage has been as high as 26. Lowest maybe 16. Adjustable seats with 2 presets work great for wife. Major snow and ice this week and the Freestyle with Pirellis performed flawlessly. We are very happy with the CVT and the car.

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  No Regrets - 2007 Ford F-150
  By arbor-master - January 17 - 4:38 pm

  Love this truck, fun to drive, looks professional bidding jobs for my tree service, yet fun to drive anywhere.

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  About Time! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Alex - January 17 - 11:13 am

  This car offers the best of European, Japanese and American car making and design. I am pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Better than they say it is - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Roger Braddock - January 17 - 7:20 am

  Vehicle is everything the manufacturer claims it to be! Ride, drive, performance are outstanding. Plus, very quiet inside.