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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  Pure Satisfaction - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Paul Mullins - July 27 - 1:00 am

  A return to its roots. I own a black GT. I had double silver stripes added, then found the Bullit style mag wheels. The fit and finish are excellent. Ford went back to the drawing board with this one, and turned out a winner. The car handles like a dream, and theres nothing that can touch it for pure lateral acceleration. 0-60 in 4.9 seconds.I dont use all that power, but its nice to know its available. The car is a head turner on the road. Many times, Ive had to avoid someone because theyre looking at the car and not looking at where theyre going.

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  mustang sally - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By joey d - July 26 - 8:13 pm

  the best mustang of the 21st century, the most power and its just sub zero when it comes to coolness.

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  Super Mustang - 1998 Ford Mustang
  By HappyJuls - July 26 - 3:10 pm

  My Mustang has been a great car. It has been on many road trips and traveled 180,000 miles and I have had no problem with the car at all. I havent taken the best care of it (mechanical wise), but it still runs great. I really dont have any major complaints about it! Definitely got my moneys worth out of it.

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  still new - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By akalogan - July 26 - 10:55 am

  I have had my Ranger for about a month now. And so far it is one tough little truck. The highway mileage is about 22-23 mpg. In town only about 15. The a/c will make my ears go numb. The 4.0 has more than enough power for my needs. This truck is a keeper. It is still too new to judge it completely though.

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  Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By nice compact suv - July 25 - 7:37 pm

  The all-wheel drive on the Escape can handle 8-10 inches of snow with ease. Also it tends to get about 25-26 mpg at 55 mph. The road handling is great and has a peppy V6.

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  Next Truck will be one of these too! - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Happy Owner - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased mine used and it has been great. It has the rust trap running boards but for a couple hundred bucks, thats fixed. The rear window likes to think theres an obstruction if the window is wet and it wont roll up. But, I will buy a new one when this one finally dies. I never once got stuck in the harsh Midwest ice storms and snows of last year. People complain about ride quality, but this is one of the nicest riding trucks I have ever had. It has a nice look, nice features, nice abilities. Gas mileage could be better, but again, truck. My wife even likes it and she is used to a Grand Cherokee with a luxury car ride and feel.

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  Bravo SVT! - 2010 Ford Shelby GT500
  By DJTALLMO - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This model is much better than the 2006-2009 models and so much better than the Mustangs of the 1980s era. Ford SVT finally put out an exemplary product that you can feel confident about. The GT500 is a performance level vehicle for under 50k with daily driver characteristics. Transmission, engine, suspension and interior build quality are equal the euro models. Many compliments by others-body lines, wheels, brakes, exhaust etc. My only suggestion would be to swap out the Goodyear rubber for a better product. Otherwise, an exemplary product and improvement over the past Shelby models.

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  Lots of fun to drive - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Kevin - July 25 - 6:31 am

  Having owned a BMW X5, I find this SUV more fun to drive. No it doesnt have all the bells but I really dont need all the bells. I can turn on the wipers when it rains. I also own a new Explorer and find the Escape a better ride. I got 21.5 mpg on my first tank which was local driving and 24 mpg on my first long trip.

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  Great Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Nadine - July 25 - 6:19 am

  My husband and I were initially concerned about buying the Escape in its first year. Ours is now 6 years old and we still love it. We have had no problems with it, and hope to have it at least another 6 years. Drives like a dream. I get between 23 and 26 miles to the gallon, so no complaints there. Its the perfect size for us. We needed something that could carry cargo, be comfortable for our dogs and was easy to maneuver. The Escape fit the bill perfectly. When my husbands full size truck needs to be replaced, we will get another Escape. I cant even think about replacing my current Escape.

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  Great Car! (GET THE MANUAL VERSION) - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Jerraldough - July 25 - 1:26 am

  Ive seen so many complaints about transmission reliability when I was looking to buy; but seemed to only be the automatic versions having that issue. So I bough the manual version and its FANTASTIC. The clutch is light and the shifting feels great. Learn to row your own gears and avoid the auto headache!