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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  10 OUT OF 10 - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Steve - May 21 - 11:07 am

  I have never been so happy with a vehicle. Im a 44 year old former hot rodder who has owned several muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s. The 2005 Mustang represents the best of all those cars but on a modern platform that you can drive everyday under full warranty. I have nothing but praise for how it looks, drives and makes me feel when Im behind the wheel. This car rocks with a capital R. How Ford managed to combine the retro styling, with practical driveability, awesome performance and comfort, plus head turning good looks while remaining the lowest priced 300HP car out there is pure genius!

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  Great Truck for a lady - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Tinker - May 20 - 8:47 am

  I have had my beast for over a year now and I am still in love with her! The drive on the freeway every morning is a breeze and any off roading is just as smooth. It has enough pick up to jump into Houston traffic and it handles quite smooth for its size. It is easy to get in and out of with a skirt and heels the bed isnt too high so I can still reach in and get items I put in the back with ease. The half cab is GREAT for shopping and the extra storage is always a plus. They just need to start making the other cars taller so they can be seen in the rear view!

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  Treats the Family Right - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Rob - May 19 - 7:45 pm

  Solid and dependable. This is great on long trips, which is primarily what it gets used for. Gas mileage...well, its what youd expect for a V8 and what was advertised when we bought it. Plenty of power. I wish the clearance was a couple inches higher because I do take this off-road for camping. No towing issues with 17 boot and trailer. Engine is quiet. Seats 7 with reasonable comfort, though its primarily just ma, pa, & the boy with the 3rd row of seats folded down for luggage. 2nd row of seats folds flat and can fit a few 4x8 sheets of plywood. We hope they improve mileage with future models, because wed consider another.

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  One Great SUV! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By hhickm1 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  One of the best purchases I have ever made, next to the house. There is plenty of room and it truly does seat 8 people comfortably. The amount of space in the back with the seats folded down is great! I can put my Expy in the garage, albeit with the sideview mirrors folded into the truck. I have a 2.5 year old daughter and she loves it too! She can see out as we are driving, she always wants to ride in the truck!

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  Expedition review. - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Matthew D - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable for short and long trips. New vehicle style improved over previous style. Doesnt drive as big as it looks. Mileage could be improved some.

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  Edge - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Edge Ranger - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck I have ever owned, it looks, rides, and sounds great. The 4.0 has allot of power and has been very helpful. I bought this truck in may 2001 and have not had any problems with it. I recomend this truck to who ever is thinking of buying a small size pick up.

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  I Love My New Stang! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Kim - May 18 - 11:16 pm

  I love this car! It is the best and most fun car I have ever owned. Its eye catching, fun to drive, and makes me feel good whenever I get in it - especially when I can get out there with the top down and the music blaring. Its not possible to be mad, sad, or in a bad mood when you are in this car. I got it in Torch Red with a Parchment top - absolutely perfect!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Brian Yee - May 17 - 11:10 am

  I bought my Escape last December and it hasnt let me down yet. Its quick and comfortable like a car, like a quick car, and it still rides right over the bumps like an SUV. I can fit a lot in the rear area, including a few surf boards or my dogs crates. All of the seats in the back fold down and they are all comfortable. The front seat is fully adjustable and it feels really nicely put together, like a really stiff nice ride. The 6 CD changer is nice, but the speakers could be a little better. There are enough room for cups and CDs or whatever else. It looks great and it feels wonderful to drive, I really recommend going and driving an Escape for yourself.

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  Ford Quality & Gas Mileage Too - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BPjunkies - May 17 - 10:36 am

  We bought this car new as it was unloaded from the truck. My wife loves everything about it and wants to trade it in on a new one since they changed the body style. At first we used to just go for drives to see how high we could get the MPG value on the screen. We have seen high 50s for short drives but average in the upper 20s. It provides everything my wife wanted; She sits up high, it is extremely reliable, it gets great gas mileage, and she likes driving it.

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  Loyal Ford Owner - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Rich - May 17 - 2:21 am

  This is the 2016 SE model with 2.5 liter engine. It is a solid SUV. Almost no road noise. Gas mileage is better than the rated figure. Instrumentation is clear and easy to use. It has a smooth ride in city or on highway. The rear seat cushion is a little stiff, but we never use it for passengers. We are very satisfied.