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:

• 

  One of the best SUVs for the money! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By dbj - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Despite some of the shorcomings such as: the gearshift on the console that interferes with radio/cd operation, and the quality of the front dash, I think its a great SUV!

• 

  An overall winner! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mba1956 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  After 6+ months with the Escape, I still have an high opinion of this SUV. Its spacious interior and great V6 engine are definitely best in class. Reliability has been excellent with no problems.

• 

  get one - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By getone - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Best new car I have ever purchased. We went all out and got a totally loaded Eddie Bauer 4x4. Get one today!

• 

  FX4 Ranger more capable then Hummer H3 - 2006 Ford Ranger
  By mazzy - July 12 - 11:14 pm

  Awesome Truck! Easily competes with Jeep Rubicon, Hummer H3, Toyota Pre-runner 4x4. Very compact but full size room inside, Jump seats are too small, though leg room is plenty. Very low weight per horsepower/torque. Fast acceleration. Decent tow capacity with Class 3 tow package. Stereo is good for factory (Pioneer 6 CD mp3).

• 

  Dream Car Becomes Reality - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Randy Smith - July 12 - 7:10 pm

  I have dreamed about buying a Mustang since I was 6 or 7 years old. Somehow the timing was never right. EIther it was too expensive, not practical for family purposes or was a lesser quality product. I just purchased a Ingot Silver Mustang with the Pony Package. It exceeds my expectations. A pleasure to drive. Props to our friends at Ford for really getting it right. This is the best Mustang since the 68-72 era.

• 

  King of King Ranches - 2016 Ford F-150
  By erich haller - July 12 - 6:42 pm

  option packs interlock some options

• 

  Ford Escape Hybrid - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bruce - July 12 - 12:56 pm

  Really a great vehicle, good performance, nice size, gets the mileage we expected (30.0 mpg in both city and highway w/AWD), fun to drive, excellent quality.

• 

  Passed 1000 miles on my Ford Fusion SEL - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By DJC - July 12 - 12:23 am

  I have to say that I am pleased with this purchase. I have checked out the 2007 Toyota Camry and the 2007 Honda Accord - too expensive and not impressed. The Ford Fusion saved me over $7k and it was a practical purchase. My vehicle is fully loaded without the Navigation System and the spoiler. This is my fourth brand new vehicle from Ford that I have purchased over the last 15 years and so far I had a very good experience. I had a 1992 Ford Thunderbird with over 180k miles and recently a 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 with over 60k miles. I highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Have you driven a Ford lately? - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve in Canada - July 11 - 12:26 pm

  I have never owned or driven a Ford product. I was always a GM person. Due to the fact that Ford was the only company (of the big 3), not to take Government bailouts, led me to test drive a Ford. Would I ever buy another one? Definitely!!! I purchased my new Fusion SE and love every minute of driving it. The vehicle is very well built and rides like a dream. It meets or exceeds my expectations, as compared to all other vehicles, in its class. The 6 speed manual transmission shifts as smooth as a hot knife going through butter. Its stylist and responsive. Ford has done their homework and impressed me, to no end. Take one for a drive and see for yourself. Its a great value.

• 

  Best bang for $$$$ - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By AJ - July 11 - 12:23 pm

  Screaming hot car of comfort, design, innovation and most of all speed! This is my 7th Mustang and I would buy 2 more just like it in red and blue if I had the money.