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 this car - 1997 Ford Taurus
  By David - October 9 - 10:11 pm

  This car has been a super purchase. It fits a family of 5 (me, wife, 3 kids) and luggage in the back or on top. I can even separate the kids and put some in the back rumble seat to keep them quiet and at peace. The added tow package has made towing a pop-up camper or small trailer easy and made this vehicle even more flexible. SUPER gas mileage and great reliability. The only challenge has been meeting the VERY strict NY state emissions standards with the California engine, but we finally solved the emission sensor issues and life is good. I only wish it had a CD player!

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  Refined Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By New Owner - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The Escape has very good handling on the road in various conditions. Performed well in the heavy rain. Excellent acceleration, but taxes fuel mileage. Transparent shifts from 2 to 4 wheel drive. Interior is well done. Unfortunately I wanted the slate gray interior but was only offered black (too hot) or pebble (uninspiring). Surprising flexibility when adjusting vehicle features (daytime running lights, speed volume control, brake starting override, headlight delay, rear wiper speeds)

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  ford escape rox - 2004 Ford Escape
  By phartman - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This suv is what everyone should want (and expect) in a vehicle. Ford delivers with this car.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By CJ Lane - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my Ford Expedition. I reallylike the styling, it has a more modern styling than chevrolet or gmc. It handles great and gets very good gas mileage for a full size SUV.

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  Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Freddie Mack - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Doesnt have all the fancy buttons but very practical with a great engine.

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  Best Ford ever - 2004 Ford F-150
  By David Stegmeir - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck. I will likely upgrade to a Lariet. This is truely the best ford ever built.

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  Designer almost 100% satisfied - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jim Ginter - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My wife was looking for a new car and evolved to VW, BMW and Audi. Im hard core Ford and just couldnt seem to really get into her choices. Then one day I saw this Focus ZX3 SVT at the Ford dealer. We took it for a test run and fell totally in love. Great driving experience. But she doesnt like the looks. Fronts great. Wheel well treatment and profile lack sporty appeal. Overall all call it a hi- profile go-cart that got cut short.

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  Home run - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By ralph - October 9 - 5:00 am

  I am 73 years old and this is my 13th. new vehicle. Ford got it right and Motor Trend did the same naming it Car of the Year. Best car I have ever owned by far. Just completed our first road trip from Nashville to Chattanooga TN over the treacherous I- 24 MT. Eagle. Except for the drive over the mountain I set the cruise control on 70 mph. The engine turns just at tat over 2000 rpm at 70. Overall trip mileage was 38 mpg. That is with an automatic running the AC as well.I have to laugh at the snobs who bought Toyotas.

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  Very dependable vehicle - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By configsys - October 8 - 7:57 pm

  We bought our 96 Explorer XLT used with approx. 65K miles. Shipped it overseas where we drove it ALL OVER Europe and put over 70K trouble-free miles during the 3 years we were there. Just regular maintenance. My 18 year old daughter now drives it and it has almost 140K miles. Still young with lots of long miles left. This has been the most dependable vehicle we have owned.

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  Blast from the Past - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Steve Beisner - October 8 - 1:06 am

  I own a 1969 Mach 1 and just got the new 06 GT. What a blast to drive! Reminds me a lot of my 69 as far as looks but more reliable. Interior is very comfee! Handling is great cantt wait to take it on a long trip. Only problem is I cant keep my wife out of it.