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:

• 

  LOVE IT - 2003 Ford Escape
  By denise wong - March 1 - 6:10 pm

  I not only have 4 kids, but a dog too, My sons love to borrow it to go skiing, daughter just recently learned to drive in it. I have a screen repair business and with the seats down there so much room I can even haul the big screen doors. The comfort is great I take my dog to work each morning and he loves all the room. I get a lot of compliments on how it looks. I plan on keeping it for a long time. I totally think its an awesome vehicle. I have recommended it to several family members and friends. I love my Ford Escape.

• 

  This ones got what it takes. - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Dave - March 1 - 9:36 am

  You have to see this one for yourself. Dont believe the negatives without checking it out. Do believe the positives, this baby is one fine car. Ok, so they get a lot of HP out of a small displacement engine by winding it up and downshifting a bit much, but the performance you need is there when you need it. A lot of thought went into this car; its a well balanced design. It handles like a dream and rides like a heavier car than its curb weight might lead you to believe. And last but not least, that higher seat postion is wonderful!

• 

  The best car Ive bought so far! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Michelle Jones - March 1 - 9:12 am

  This is the best car Ive bought so far. Besides the fact that its very fun to drive, it handles the road very well and has tons of storage space. I have made many trips to Ikea and have fit very large boxes in my car, while other people next to me in pick-up trucks had a hard time fitting smaller boxes in their trucks. Its great on gas (about 30 miles average, more on the freeway) and has plenty of horsepower. I would recommend this car to anybody who likes the convenience of a wagon and the sportiness of the Focus.

• 

  Nice Pony! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Alex - March 1 - 8:06 am

  My first Mustang (Im 42 yrs, male) finally could afford it but more than that, I loved the new look. I love everything except the plastic look on the doors and the Shaker 500 Radio, which sometimes works crazy (doesnt respond to keys, doesnt read a brand new CD(?), or skips and goes back a couple of seconds without reason, or simply wont turn off and other crazy things. Everything else, is a great car!

• 

  ford explorer eb 2004 - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By ann hatton - February 28 - 1:06 am

  very good truck, rides like a car. priced a little high just because of eb package but the dealer was willing to deal.

• 

  Ford has what is takes - 1991 Ford F-150
  By Jeremy Pearce - February 27 - 7:26 pm

  I bought this 91 F-150 about a year and a half ago with 166,000 miles on it. I have been so happy with it ever since. I live in Alaska and Im out in the Bush (Wasilla/Willow) and I have done my fair share of off-roading with this truck, and it still runs and runs. I have not been too good to my truck but it has been very good to me. I now have over 177,800 miles on its powerful 300 inline 6. I dont even have a V8 and Im loving the power that I get from this thing. It doesnt have the most HP in the world (145hp) but its torque is nice for a six cylinder (265 ft-lbs). I have never had the engine of transmisson rebuilt, or had any major work done. The owner before me also said he never had work done.

• 

  grand escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Harold Anderson - February 27 - 11:24 am

  Fords reliability and technology is far superior. Sometimes parts fail but shouldnt give a bad name. Ford is truly American. Did not go for a bailout but survived on its own. My 2011 Escape is Great! So was my 1951 Custom, my 1967 Fairlane 4DR Hardtop and others.

• 

  Fun Car - nice sounds - good features! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By RockinStang - February 26 - 2:12 pm

  This cars wonderful and a ton of fun to drive! I owned a 2002 Mustang, but get to reap some wonderful improvements in the 05, including bigger (and more responsive) engine, the interior styling, and the premium audio system. Mine came with a Magnaflow double cat-back exhaust system giving the V6 the V8 look with a nice loud roar. I average about 20 miles to the gallon probably isnt too bad, but not stellar either ... though not the reason you buy one. For someone like me (no kids) looking for an affordable, fast car, nice sound, leather seats and a head turner, this car is perfect and a nice compliment to my girlfriends Acura TL. :)

• 

  1st Time F-150 Owner - 2004 Ford F-150
  By tdwest1 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck! I looked at all the competing models (yes, including the Titan), but I couldnt stomach going with anything else. The ride quality and feel is head and shoulders above the rest. The interior design is simple and clean. Theres tons of storage and cupholders. The exterior is classy, but tough. The back seat has plenty of room for 3 adults. This truck is perfect for people who want the comfort of a sedan, but also the utility and power of a truck. 5.4L has plenty of power, despite what Edmunds says. Unless you love imports, spend the extra $2000 and buy the F-150, not the Titan.

• 

  Awesome - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By stang - February 25 - 10:12 pm

  I have read everyones reviews about this Mustang, and I must say, I have had no problems with my car ever! Not only that but the people that I bought it from also had no problems with this car. So Im sorry for those of you who have had bad experiences, mostly it was the fact you had a bad dealer, but the car itself is amazing fast, quick, and very comfortable (for two people, the back seat is kinda small).