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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  0000 - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mildred funk - January 3 - 10:13 pm

  So far this suv drives well. Handles well behind the wheel. Im short, so its easy for me to get in an out of. Gets good gas mileage. I dont like the wiper control by the shift bar at all. Love the power it has. Gets up an go. I love opening the doors, with ease. Stops on a dime.

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  I would buy another - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Lisa - January 3 - 10:01 pm

  When we purchased this SUV we needed something that was big enough to tote around our very active children and be reliable, safe and spacious. We have had to fix a few things in the SUV, but we have been very satisfied with it. We love driving our Ford Excursion and would purchase another one again. Maybe a diesel for fuel economy. It is pricey to fill the tank.

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  So long, Bluebird - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By Sandi - January 3 - 9:57 pm

  I special-ordered this car back in Oct 95. Took delivery 2 days after Valentines Day in 1996, and man, has this car been a sweetheart. Smooth, quiet, stylish, and with the Sport Suspension, fun as heck to drive. This car has been my faithful companion, and ten years later, Im still getting regular compliments on the gorgeous Moonlight Blue paint job. The only major problem has been the intake manifold, Ford replaced it once under pressure of the threat of a class-action lawsuit. The manifold has cracked again, and due to the age of the vehicle, my family and friends are all urging me to replace it. My heart wants to pay for the repairs, but its time to put Bluebird out to pasture.

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  01 Ford Ranger - Amazing Pickup - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By jeff bertino - January 3 - 7:33 pm

  Proud owner of 01 Ranger. Always runs great and never had ANY problems with it. Running dual exhaust on it with a great sound. Handles great on road and also great off road. This is a truck that is noticed for its great looks. I do not like the newer body styles from 2004-2006 the 2001-2003s look the best. Cant complain on this truck. Plan to keep it until the day she dies. The way it runs now I might be gone before this truck is.

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  2013 vs 1969 - 2013 Ford Mustang
  By John - January 3 - 11:18 am

  I had a 69 Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet. This 6 cylinder 306 hp will out perform the big assed Mach 1. I had a racing Corvette pull out in front of me on a deserted state highway. I either locked up the brakes or pass him. I chose the latter. I passed him at 120 and was still accelerating. I looked over and his mouth was open. It was worth the risk of a major ticket. I still get around 27 to 29 MPG while having fun. It was used and I got it for $13,500. A sweet ride at any price.

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  The reason I live - 2001 Ford Mustang
  By Gerard - January 2 - 10:38 pm

  I love this car more than anything. I have never driven a car that felt so much like pure muscle. I have driven imports like the s2000 and WRX as well as others. But this car here, let me tell you, is a must have for any man needing a boost. Everything about this car is pure muscle, no turbos, superchargers or anything like that. I have a full Bassani exhaust as well as Steeda Stage 2 suspension kit, lowered it about 1.5 inches. Short shifter and K&N filter. 350 horses baby. There is nothing else like this car so if you find one in good shape buy it!

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  Great Car - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By RedSho - January 2 - 1:13 pm

  What a great fast car! This thing just flies and my gas mileage was always in the low 20s. At idle, you can barely tell the engine is on. Few things in the world sound better than the secondaries opening at 4000 rpms. If this car was a 5 speed instead of an auto, I would never get rid of it. I love it. Of all the reviews that Ive seen, people complain about the cost of parts and or maintaining the car but this car was no more expensive to me than any other. I did the routine maintenance oil and other fluids and the car always took care of me. For them still to be on the road is outstanding, considering theyre performance cars with high revving motors. Great car!

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  Great Little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Chris Easton - January 1 - 9:46 pm

  This SUV is like the "Little Engine That Could." I wanted a small SUV that can tow and the Escape is the perfect choice. It has excellent handling, a nice ride and the V6 has plenty of power. It also gets decent gas mileage and performs well off road. Reliability has been excellent, I just change the oil every 3000 miles and thats it.

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  #1 Compact car in the USA, period. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By E. Cory - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I all around enjoy this vehicle. I dont think that after owning this car I will be able to drive anything else like it (cavalier, neon, civic) because the road handling is THAT GOOD. Engine is peppy when it is needed and the car reinforces that feeling with a good sound. It could use some more pep, but Ford fixed that with the 2003/4 PZEV engine. I am truely extatic with this car (purchased used last July for $10.5k). Go to a Ford dealership, test drive the car and take it on a hilly and curvy road and you too will understand why this car is so much fun to drive!

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  perfect car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By joephatmamma - January 1 - 10:00 am

  this car is so much fun to drive, i am 16 and of course i love to race, i have raced some bad ass cars out there and one. the ford focus is completely underestimated