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:

• 

  The 70s - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Whoa...... - January 31 - 9:20 pm

  I will be 70 in March and my wife of 46 years will be 69/39 in September 2007. My wifes friends at "Curves Gym" drive convertibles and we had a GT PT Cruiser that was boring us to death. So we went looking for something to make us feel younger and have something we can have for years to come (5 speed 300hp). The car is a 10! Mileage beats our Cruiser in city and highway. "GO FOR IT"

• 

  Best pre-owned value for your money - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Mobin Akhtar - January 31 - 5:32 pm

  We bought the vehicle pre-owned with 80K miles on it. Primarily we wanted something bigger than the Honda CR-V that we traded for this van. My family was used to the Expedition we had before that so from the CR-Vs perspective, this was a pleasant upgrade. Also this model had leather, wood, etc. and automatic rear doors that help us a lot with a 5 year old and a 7 year old. Car has been nothing but comfort for us. The only work ever done on it other than routine oil/tires and consumables has been a dead battery (expected at this age) for $50, a top engine seal vacuum leak @ $140.00 and thats it! Exceptional for a FORD vehicle.

• 

  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Had! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Hockeymom - January 31 - 3:26 pm

  I have only had an Escape for three months and for every day I drive, I love it more. My kids find it gives them more room than our old minivans did. Its a little truck-like for slow town driving but for average speeds its comfortable.

• 

  Happy & Satisfied with vehicle - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Jim - January 31 - 3:15 pm

  Bought this vehicle to tow a twenty-five foot travel trailer. I pulled it for five years over the Blueridge mountain range, six thousand foot elevation. I now have a twenty-eight foot fifth wheel travel trailer. I use a Super Glider fifth wheel to tow with. I was concerned that its extra weight might be to much but has done a fine job so far. I am within the GVCR for towing but this has not been a problem. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING OF THE DOOR LOCKS. They most always close except the right front passenger side. I have not asked for assistance for the problem and my vehicle will be six years old in May. I have completed every scheduled maintenance check on this vehicle.

• 

  Great Roomy Small SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Jill - January 31 - 3:05 pm

  Excellent gas mileage, enough room for hockey equipment, and perfect for traveling.

• 

  Family of 6 Riding High - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Family of 6 S. Kee - January 31 - 8:50 am

  I am 110% happy with my suv it has exceeded all of my expectations. I love the power my truck brings with it. I got stuck in the snow 15 times last winter when I drove my minivan & now I have the power of my V10 engine and 4wd. My gas mileage is comparable to my old minivan. I had to use 93 octane for the van so I can use 87 octane for my suv. I dont see much difference. I can fit my 4 children, 2 Labradors and husband in my suv very comfortably. It is by far better than the Suburban and Yukon XL. I looked and drove both before my purchase. I like Fords and was happy to fine the mammoth in Fords line up. its too bad they wont make them anymore. Its easy to drive and park, smooth and comfy.

• 

  Ford Expedition - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Mark Bliss - January 30 - 8:11 pm

  This vehicle fits my life perfectly. One of my favorite features is the power third row seat. Some days I have all the back seats folded down hauling gear. Other days, I need the third row seat for clients or friends. I drive about 40,000 miles per year, mostly highway. Its a comfortable ride. It is my second Expedition and probably not my last.

• 

  2012 ford focus purchased 5-06-2011 - 2012 Ford Focus
  By clarences - January 30 - 4:06 pm

  We purchased this car over a year ago. We have 16000 on it no troubles. Transmission shifts very smooth. just let it shift its self. everyone is talking about tranmission, just let it shift on its own. I have driven it in cross winds of 30 to 40 mph. wind on some long trips, steering is amazing. Handles better than my town car in a cross wind. Gas mileage has been 35 mpg on trips with a/c on at 70 to 74 mph. If I slow down to 60 I get 40 mpg. City driving is 30 to 32 My only complaint is it is hard to get in and out of and the ride is frimer than i like. The direct fuel is a winner. I tried to get 60 size tires on it, not available on SEL. FORD makes you buy what you do not want .

• 

  Cool little small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Darren - January 29 - 9:44 pm

  Very nice small SUV. Good power with V6. Handle like a car, taut but compliant suspension. Very maneuverable with tight turning radius. Bright fog lights. Comfortable and roomy for its small size. Its a lot of car for your money. The 2005 redesign looks much improved over previous model years. Cool wheels. Like my shifter on the console. XLT package comes nicely equipped. Mileage is within range, 22-23 on highway. Now I wish Ive gotten a sunroof.

• 

  2003 Ranger: A GREAT LITTLE TRUCK - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Don Carson - January 29 - 8:13 pm

  I have rented these trucks for years and finally bought one in 2003. It is a great vehicle. I use it as a daily driver and to pull a 15 boat. It gets a good workout hauling lumber, trees and furniture. I am six feet & six inches tall and the extended cab gives me great leg room for long trips. The truck cruises comfortably at 75-80 miles an hour and gets about 20 MPG. I have had no problems with this truck. I do my own maintenance & it is easy to change the oil and filter. I just changed the serpentine fan belt and it was a 5 minute job. Ford has been building this truck for years and it is very reliable and comfortable. I highly recommend it. My wife also enjoys driving it.