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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  Escape Just Gets Better - 2008 Ford Escape
  By VV - November 7 - 4:03 am

  I traded in my Escape 2005 for the new styled 08. Escape just gets better, in comfort, ride, quiteness, handling, and style. I have the moon roof w/satellite Autophile Stereo and this is worth the upgrade. Concerned with the factory installed Continental Tires. Had them on 05 with alot of road noise. So far, this is no issue. This Escape is just fun to drive and own! No complaints with either the 05 and now the new 08. Thanks Ford!

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  Love the black Taurus - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By Jaivanti - November 6 - 11:53 pm

  I have only owned this 2003 SES for a little more than a week. It is really fun to drive and has plenty of power to move when I need it to. I have only owned one other car, a 1993 Cougar, (graduation present), however I am really happy with the purchase of the Taurus. Its a great family car with a little sport too!

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  Like my Truck - 2006 Ford F-150
  By Dennis - November 6 - 11:41 pm

  This is my 8th new Ford truck in the past 12 years. I have put approximately 650,000 miles on these trucks in the 12 years since my first. I am convinced that no other truck could or would have given me the service I got from these vehicles. Other than some initial adjustments under warranty I have not spent $1 in vehicle repairs (break downs, part failures). Shocks, tires and normal maintenance is all I have ever needed to do!

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  Pleased overall - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By shane - November 6 - 12:00 pm

  This vehicle has cut my weekly fuel cost from $80 to $35. ThatÂ’s a $2600 yearly savings and I did not have to do anything other than change vehicles. The vehicle is comfy with plenty of amenities. My family is very pleased so far. I do not mind that these vehicles are not perfect and I am grateful that manufacturers are finally making a product that uses less fuel, cannot wait for improved models in the future.

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  fx4 II - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By russ123 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Beat it up it can take it

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  Mach 1 is good - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By george b. - November 5 - 7:35 pm

  I love this car. It has great performance and it rides well. I have had no problems with it so far. It is my first sports car.

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  Better than GM or Chrysler! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By PL - November 5 - 1:28 pm

  Bought this after owning/driving Chevy Venture and Dodge Caravan. This was hands down a better van. Bigger, more power, better ride than the competition. Gas mileage less on the larger 3.8L engine, but significant power and better towing ability makes that negligible at 25mpg hi-way vs 28+ on the others with a small trailer. Loved it from day one and it still drives like new, turning 109,000 this week. Maintenance is easier on Windstar-easier oil/filter changes. Cabin air filter for allergy sufferers is good idea. Overall I would say 100% better than Venture and 50% better than Chrysler products. Looked at Honda, Hyundai before buying this. We have never regretted it a second!

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  I love my 05 Mustang! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Steve - November 4 - 11:46 am

  Just turned 1,000 miles on my 05 V6 Mustang. Acceleration and braking are great, as is the 5-speed auto trans. The car is very responsive and controllable, but the rear end can scoot sideways on you a bit when cornering fast on rough pavement. The solid rear axle handles differently then independent suspension, but the car is a blast to drive. The sound of the engine/exhaust is deep and so nice you will keep the radio off. The interior is comfortable and very cool looking. I highly recommend the interior upgrade package. The extra chrome, computer, gauges, My Color, and skid plates are worth twice the upgrade cost. The engineering and build quality of this vehicle is outstanding.

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  This is one AWESOME Truck! - 2006 Ford F-150
  By AWESOME Truck! - November 3 - 11:05 pm

  I just bought this truck about a week ago, and LOVE driving it! So far, my only complaint is the fuel economy (14 city, 17 highway...not too bad for a full size truck I guess!). This should get better as the engine breaks in - Im still under 1,000 miles on the odometer. I opted for the King Ranch F150, 2WD, SuperCrew, equipped with a sunroof & the 20" wheels. It feels like a very solid truck on the road, yet fits into the garage. It drives like a dream on the highway. It is very nicely appointed on the inside & out, and the King Ranch Castano leather is second to none! I HIGHLY recommend this truck to anyone who appreciates really nice trucks (my wife loves it too!).

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  Modded 92 GT hatch - 1992 Ford Mustang
  By Mike M - November 3 - 9:16 pm

  This is the best and nicest car Ive owned to date. Sure, it has a few upgrades, but thats also what makes this car amazing. It has an incredibly large aftermarket that supplies Mustang enthusiasts with high quality yet affordable parts. My GT came with: Cobra intake manifold/Cobra 65mm throttle body, headers, catted h pipe, catback, lowered, welded subframe connectors, upper/lower HD rear control arms, Tokiko shocks, short throw shifter, HD clutch, 3.55 gears, MSD 6A ignition, more. These mods made it handle like its on rails, and beat EVOs and SRT-4s whenever I feel like it.