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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  WOW a GREAT Vehicle Transit Connect - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Donna - December 1 - 4:43 pm

  I recently purchased a 2010 Transit Connect XLT and I absolutely Love it. It am using it as a vehicle for my handicapped husband. He enters it easily, because it is low to the ground, then I put the wheelchair in the back and off we go. Tons of head room and tons and tons of space in the back. Having the second row of seats is nice just fold them front and there is more space. It is an attention getter. People love it. The gas mileage is 25 mpg. around town. The head room, the big open windshield, side glass and rear glass in the back doors(which swing out of the way)are excellent features. I hope people realize what a great family vehicle this can be. Love it. Love it. Love it.

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  Going Green in Texas - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Teri & Jim - December 1 - 3:56 pm

  After driving 1000 miles to see our son in college in our Jeep Wrangler we found we had averaged 16.94 gallons per mile. When we got home, Israel had just bombed Lebanon - that was it, the oil situation could not be getting better so it was time to go green! We purchased our 2007 Ford Escape in July of 2006 and have loved every minute of it. Yes the tax credit has now allowed us to discontinue our income tax from being withheld from our paychecks for the rest of the year (based on IRS estimates of what weve already paid in) but we love the competition to see who can drive the farthest without the gas kicking in, and we really enjoy saving the environment!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Thunderbird
  By scott hogeland - December 1 - 2:03 pm

  This black beauty had been sitting on the lot since Spring 2003. I purchased it with 600 miles on the odometer. Im the first titled owner.

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  Awesome - 2005 Ford Excursion
  By Sharon Adams - December 1 - 11:27 am

  I have gotten up to 22 miles per gallon hwy and its not even broken in yet. The Excursion is everything I need or could ever what in an SUV. Im saddened Ford is not going to make them anymore!

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  Love My Stang - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Love My Stang - December 1 - 11:10 am

  I love this car especially the old styling. I have 7,000 miles on my car and the only problems I had was a loud rattle in the right side of the dashboard when driving on a bumpy road and paint chipping on the inside of the drivers door. Also if you are not used to the transmission shifting this car can be difficult. The tranny sometimes makes a clunking noise when shifting.

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  Cure for Mid Life Blues! - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Jay Bodenstein - December 1 - 11:00 am

  My sonic blue, 2005 Mustang convertible is the most fun machine Ive ever owned. Driving with top down, warm wind in my face (hairs mostly gone!) and feeling great as the feelings of youth return, I love my Mustang! This is the ultimate time machine. Put on the Beach Boys, or any other hits from the 60s, crank up the stereo and wow!

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  Great car for Ford - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By biffalobull - December 1 - 1:26 am

  Have owned Fords for ever. Im a big guy and bought the car because of the attractive styling in and out, and the huge amount of room for a large person. It is wonderful to drive in and out of the city. Great mileage, attractive, and comfortable. Best car for the money on the road.

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  2003 Is a major improvement - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By mhhurst - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 1999 XLT for a 2003 EB and I am extremely impressed with the overhaul. The fold down seat option is outstanding. The 4 wheel independent suspension in the 2003 has done more then give the 2003 a more car like ride. The leg room for the 3rd row is on par to most back seats in midsized sedans. The 300 watt, sub- woofer stereo that comes with the EB is one of the best factory installs Ive ever heard. Ford has also done a nice job in cutting down the road noise, at highway speeds, it is considerably quieter in the 2003 over previous years. For you gadget freaks, check out the heated/air conditioned seats.

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  FIRST FORD SINCE 1965 F100 - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Catherine - November 29 - 11:39 pm

  This is our first new Ford vehicle since 1965! Prior vehicle to this, 1994 Toyota T100 4x4. Prior to Toyota 1989 Chevy 2500 4x4. Chevy sent us to Toyota, problems galore on the Chevy truck, purchased Chevy, Toyota, and Ford new. Son suggested a Ford for replacement of our Toyota, noting past positive experience with Explorers at his job. Purchased under Ford "Friends and Family" program, Explorer was price of 06 Escape (was going to buy Escape, but no 05s left, and no deal on 06s). What a pleasant upgrade from other vehicles owned in the past. V6 4.0 has lots more power than V6 3.0 the T100 had, plus turning circle is much much tighter.

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  Best SUV that I have owned - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By PJN - November 29 - 9:10 pm

  Traded in my 03 Expy with 4.6L for the 5.4L and man, what a difference in power. I am pulling a 2006 23 Weekend Warrior FS23 which weighs about 7600 lbs loaded and it does great. I pull the grades at 55-65 with no problem. It sure is nice to be able to pull my toy box with an SUV rather than a truck.