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:

• 

  A Nice Driving Machine - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike - June 29 - 12:53 am

  I didnt like the old Escape, so as soon as I saw the new Escape, I went to a dealer and test-drove one. It was much much quieter than the old one my brother is driving. Also, I like the front new grille. The price is also very reasonable compared to ridiculously asking price of a RAV4. I cross-shopped with a RAV4 and CRV and found the starting prices are similar, but once I add the same options a Escape has, the Japanese models cost $3K more. The feul economy is what I expected. It just gives me an everyday enjoyment on the road to work and home. I like the curtain bag, too.

• 

  awesome suv - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Forrest Gump - June 28 - 10:54 pm

  Just got my new 2007 Escape XLT, and its only been a few hundred miles, and I love every minute of driving it. It has great pickup, drives like a car, and handles some limited off-roading Ive done so far. The seamless 4wd is great - I couldnt get the car to spin in the rain, and it pulled right out of the sand. I cant wait to see how it will be in the snow. Great 6-disc CD changer, nice sounding stereo with good bass. This is the perfect SUV: good size, power and fuel economy. What more do you need?

• 

  Ford Crown Victoria - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By crown victoria - June 28 - 6:06 pm

  I personally like the Ford Crown Victoria. I have always said that a car that is used as taxis and police cars has to be built well. You know something? I was right! It handles very well, has a smooth ride, and is very quiet. For me the Ford Crown Vic Is an excellent car. A very dependable car.

• 

  MINI-VAN - 2006 Ford Freestar
  By GENO - June 28 - 12:40 pm

  Smooth shifting and nice handling. Plenty of storage room as we travel back and forth from NY to Fl. Nice ride with good vision of the road.

• 

  thought Id never buy another Ford - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By reidster - June 27 - 8:00 pm

  After bad experiences with Aerostar, Ranger and Taurus I vowed never to buy another Ford. F-150 Heritage 4.6L is the best truck/vehicle Ive owned. Looked at new versions and Tundra, but like the size and looks of 97-2004 F-150s. Tight turning and great ride/handling. More front room than Tundra. Thought 4.6L was too small when test drove new F-150s but works well in Heritage. Hope I can haul small toy hauler with 3:31 rear end. Mileage better than my 3.0L Ranger.

• 

  We Really Like Our Freestyle - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Arman Balk - June 27 - 5:56 pm

  My wife and I are seniors and have had three Ford wagons. We find the Freestyle to be a pleasure to operate. It is easy to get in and out of, gives excellent visibility, handles very well, and rides smoothly. The CVT is very smooth. The engine gives us plenty of power and good gas mileage - driving 65 MPH we get 26 to 31, depending on conditions. We like the 6 passenger seating and all the cargo room provided by fold down seats. We think the styling is excellent and have had many complements on this.

• 

  Great Truck - 2001 Ford Escape
  By TEEKAY - June 27 - 11:37 am

  This is a peppy and fun ride. It gets pretty good gas mileage for a V6 as compared with other SUVs. Great for hauling kids, pets and plenty of cargo. User friendly when flopping down seats to make room for cargo. The best truck I have ever owned. Much better cargo area than my Nissan Quest minivan. Minivan cargo areas are deceiving. I havent had the trouble people tell you about with domestic "American" made cars and trucks. This was my first domestic car and a real winner.

• 

  Great Van - 1994 Ford Aerostar
  By jack - June 26 - 9:42 pm

  The most comfortable driving vehicle Ive ever owned. 8 hours behind the wheel is very easy to do. Living in Wisconsin, the AWD has been very useful at times. The 4.0 liter is plenty of engine for this size van. I do think having to lubricate the front brakes every year is poor design. In the last 12 years I have enjoyed my Aerostar very much.

• 

  I like to live on the EDGE - 2007 Ford Edge
  By duozul - June 26 - 9:06 pm

  I love my EDGE. It is fun sporty and elegant all at the same time. Although the gas mileage is not what they say. After 2 months I only get 14 miles to the gallon city but thats still better than most cars today. I would not trade my EDGE for any other crossover in the world. I test drove all other crossovers made, and this one has just that extra EDGE.

• 

  Marks T-Bird - 1997 Ford Thunderbird
  By mark lewis - June 26 - 1:21 pm

  I an the only owner of this car and it has been a total gem for me. I have only had to do the expected maintenance on it in addition to replacing the radiator and exhaust manifold at about 75,000 miles. I recently replaced the serpentine belt and alternator. I use only premium fuel and have gotten from 21 to 26 mpg. I feel that my car is a classic and worth a lot more than what the book might say.