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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  Put it on your short list. - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike from N.E - April 10 - 5:50 am

  Needed something that could haul stuff and get me to work in New England winters, fit small family for road trips, and get reasonable fuel economy. The Ford Escape fit the bill. It is the first new domestic car my wife has owned! She drives it more then I do. We got the FWD modal. I am impressed with the traction on very icy and heavy snow covered roads. It is very quit on the highway. We have some good friends that almost bought a Honda CRV, (but decided on a GTI). They thought the Escape is a better buy. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Middle age - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Jim - April 10 - 4:53 am

  Very comfortable. Very roomy but does not stand out in a crowd. Like the AWD and CV transmission.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2007 Ford Edge
  By Moms Edge - April 10 - 2:23 am

  I was skeptical at first. My husband actually picked out this vehicle. I thought it looked a little strange, but was willing to give it a try. I tried out 3 different types of vehicles and I was sold on the Edge. My teenagers love it and my 19 year old daughter bought one for her self. We now have 2 in the driveway. Every day someone says "What is that?" Sticker prices were a bit higher than expected, but we got an OK deal during year-end close-out specials. I was disappointed to find out that those "bling-bling" wheels were nothing more than plastic wheel covers.

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  very satisfied - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Bill from VA - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I think this is an excellent vehicle. The way it handles feels very much like a car, it has plenty of power and the fuel mileage is good I get about 17 miles to a gallon. There is plenty of room inside for passengers or with the back seat folded down plenty of room to move/haul something. The looks inside and out are very appealing.

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  Focus review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By domain11 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Steering is very hard to contol at low speed with full acceleration. Mechanincal windows hard to crank. Car is fun to drive, has plenty of power, get reasonable milage(28.5)

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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Jim Gator - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This has been an extremely reliable and fun car. Ive got 35K on the odometer and loved every mile.

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  my 5th Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By frewly - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Ford, and my second Explorer, this one replaced my 2001 XLT Explorer, no comparison, this one by far is more comfortable, roomier, and handles much better, not to mention the great ride

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  Bad seat cover material - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By CheshireCat - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The material used on the cloth seats is a huge problem. Water marks eg. rain spots etc, tend to turn black, and stay that way. The material gets dirty and is impossible to clean. I am most disapointed with my seat covers.

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  Highly recommend Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By bonkerslynne - April 10 - 2:00 am

  We recently bought a 2004 Ford Expedition. We LOVE IT! It is fun to drive, comfortable and has excellent room inside for kids and all their belongings! We made a small weekend trip the first weekend we had it and it was wonderful! Easy to get in and out of parking places, easy to drive in heavy traffic and fun while doing it! The stero system was awesome! All in all I highly recommend an Expedition for those considering a SUV!

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  Wow - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By xcaptain - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Its a really cool car!!! I cant believe you all came up with something so powerful.