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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  Greatest Truck Yet - 2004 Ford F-150
  By CoreyTho - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Everything about this vehicle was perfect. From the engine size to the interior is just great.

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  Best Small SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By redhound1 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought this care with 2 miles on it in November 2003. Ive enjoyed every minute with it. My wife who has a Sable always wants to use my Escape. I compared the car with a Jeep Liberty, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, and a Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The Escape won hands down. Car has GREAT pickup and handles almost like a car. Even without the 4wd option, I had no problems getting around in the snow this winter.

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  The Best - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By hnk9452000 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The best part of the Ford Crown Victoria is the engine it has the perfomance of a mustang.

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  Twas a great car - 1995 Ford Thunderbird
  By Dennis - April 20 - 5:00 pm

  I had bought it after a 30,000 mile lease expired, and it was in like new condition. For 100,000 miles of driving, I only had about $500 of repair, a blown fan motor and a small part that I dont remember The V8 engine performance was superior, the handling was very good but not exceptional. Im selling it to a colleague today for $1, but hes getting much, much more than the asking price.

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  Favorite vehicle ever! - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Doug - April 20 - 8:07 am

  I got this truck mainly because of the looks and the deal I got. I couldnt be happier. Never a problem with it! Oh, the looks I get. I love the FX4 package. 4X4 works perfectly. Never been stuck in mud or snow. Takes off great and the brakes are the best. The best vehicle I ever had! I will never get rid of it, unless totaled. Then Ill have to get another one.

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  WHAT A GREAT LITTLE SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JOE BELVEDERE - April 19 - 11:59 am

  Got rid of our Windstar minivan which had terrible (13-14) mpg. With the Escapes strong (and pretty quiet) 4 cylinder, we are getting 19 city and over 25 highway, and thats with the full time awd! Great ride, peppy performance, superior braking, solid handling. A real winner!

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  Hunting Truck - 2017 Ford F-150
  By RoyEL2 - April 19 - 11:44 am

  I spent a bit a time reviewing the trucks of the Big 3 online. But I narrowed it down to the F-150 after talking to many of my friends or family that currently have one. I could not find anyone to had much negative to say about them. Most everyone loved their Ford 150, even if it was several years old.

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  awesome - 2000 Ford Focus
  By erict - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car

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  Ford Escape XLT - 2003 Ford Escape
  By roeaz - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Escape is fun to drive - smooth riding, transmission is smooth, and has power in the 6cylinder.

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  Superb minivan-and-suv - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By familydude - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Better than Sequoia in initial quality (see JD Powers ratings). Only full size SUV with 5 star crash ratings & safety canopy. Cool folding seats. Very quiet & luxirous ride -- better than some overpriced cars. Lousy mileage. Had 1 rattle that got fixed promptly. Ford wants to charge extra for a better alarm -- hate the upselling for a $43,000-MSRP vehicle !!