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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  I love my car - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By oliver feria - April 29 - 10:23 am

  I have been enjoying the car as much as possible. I feel good in the car because is a smooth drive and also give me style. Very comfortable and even though it doesnt give you the feel of performance car it is very responsive. I can say that the power is there with the acceleration in a smooth way that other dont give you.

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  Ford Quality - 2004 Ford Focus
  By brian - April 28 - 8:48 pm

  The 2.3 engine is not as economical as the 2.0 but it is quick and smooth. Optional features such as moonroof and/or sports package give car a lot of character. Stock radio with cd has great sound. Heat and air work great. Trunk is larger than it looks and with fold down seats can haul many things. The more passengers, the better the ride. On the down side it has blind spots during rain and snow storms and does slide causing higher insurance premiums. Vehicle braking is slow but has been improved in 2005 models. Color choices are fair. Wipers dont overlap well causing restricted view at times (fair weather car). Overall affordable fun to drive small car with a lot of room inside.

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  First 1000 miles vehicle is great - 2009 Ford Escape
  By stephen minar - April 28 - 1:03 pm

  The first 1000 miles I have really enjoyed driving this truck. I have been leasing Escapes since 2001. So far this is best for ride and comfort.

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  Tims Toy - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Tim S - April 27 - 9:43 am

  After reading everything I could find online and elsewhere, I figured Id wait a couple years before getting one. I was raised on Chevy 350 V-8s. I switched to FWD MAZDA 323s and Proteges. In February of this year, I went to get an estimate on my 60,000 mile service and replace my timing belt and hoses to keep my extended warranty intact. Talk about sticker shock, over $1,100 estimate with labor. I used my X-plan discount thru work and returned to RWD with no regrets. I am quite impressed with this V6, roughly 18 mpg city, tight as a drum and makes me feel like a kid again. I dont have the anti-lock brakes/traction control but have had no problems at all in rain or snow.

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  I love this car! - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Wesmet - April 27 - 8:33 am

  If you are thinking about buying a Thunderbird and the tranny doesnt slip I would buy it! I have owned this car for over a year and only had to replace the ball joints. Plenty of power and ok gas mileage. Everyone that rides in my car tells me how much they like it.

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  Great New Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Harry Risher - April 26 - 11:26 am

  The all-wheel drive Eddie Bauer 2004 Explorer with the 4.6 V-8 is about the BEST all-around SUV on the road. The power is responsive yet smooth. The handling is quick yet precise,and the build quality is second to none. Thats why the Explorer is the Worlds BEST selling SUV-its simply the BEST value for the money!

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  Amazing automobile - 2004 Ford Mustang
  By rudejohn - April 26 - 2:00 am

  After driving sedans and old beaters for years, this was my first foray into sports cars, and my first manual transmission, and may I say... Im in love with this car. Its INCREDIBLY fun to drive, quick as heck, and its a real eye-turner... eons above and beyond the stock Mustang. If you havent seen a Mach 1... dont judge it by its tamer cousins.

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  I Love It - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Jackie - April 25 - 5:45 pm

  I purchased my Escape mainly because my daughter & grandson live 300 miles away and its all PA turnpike. I wanted something comfortable and economic to make the 5 hour trip (frequently) but big enough to haul everything that I must take. My Escape has carried tools, furniture (they recently purchased a house) and a lot of toys. I love my Escape, the ride is extremely comfortable, not truck-like, sporty and a real pleasure to drive

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  Kickin - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport
  By Don Durfey - April 25 - 1:56 pm

  I love my new SUV. I purchased a 2001 Explorer Sport used with 20,000 miles on it off of a lease. It is a major improvement from my Jetta. Its got tons of power, plenty of room, and still small enough I can park it anywhere I could park my Jetta. Its got plenty of cargo space, very easy to work on, and excellent new body lines. Ive had it offroad a few times and never had a problem. I never thought Id own a FORD, but now I realized that Ive been missing out.

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  Fun SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By NPFlorida - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I leased a 2001 Sport Explorer. I really enjoy this truck. It has just enough power for those who are not race frenzy. Gas mileage is phenominal for an SUV.(17 gal tank - 300 miles) Comfortable seating (love the leather quality) Radio is pretty good. In 2 years (June 2002) I have never had a problem yet! Love it.