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:

• 

  Never though I would buy a Ford - 2005 Ford Focus
  By chevyfangoneford - January 16 - 9:10 am

  I love this car. I never thought i would buy a Ford after getting out of my 2003 Chevy Cavalier, the Focus made my Chevy Cavalier seem so cheap and out of date. I love this car and Im so happy with it.

• 

  Very well thought out - 2009 Ford F-150
  By newportgirl - January 16 - 5:03 am

  I am a woman who likes trucks, so I just bought a 09 F150. I was shocked at the redesigned interior, they actually put an in dash ashtray and lighter back into an American made vehicle. I am a heavy smoker, and use my vehicle for my business everyday. It beats having to use a small cup for putting out my cigarettes. Thanks Ford.

• 

  Good Car For The Money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By S. Francis - January 16 - 4:46 am

  Great seating for visibility. Comfortable and handles well, with great fuel economy. Little noisy when engine is pressured. We love the car.

• 

  Cant wear brakes out - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mark - January 15 - 11:38 pm

  Bought this loaded XLT with leather for my wife. I call it the red rocket. Goes like stink. Just changed the original tires at 100000 kms. Still has the original brake shoes and pads, half worn only. Very agile and fun to drive. great gas mileage. Tons of leg and cargo room. Easy controls to reach on dash. Only complaint is the CD player is a pain to load while driving. Selecting a slot to put a CD in should not be an option. It should be automatic. Just bought an 06 LTD I like them so much. My Expedition is a tank and can travel over any terrain. This SUV is not meant for that. Its fun and looks cool and is practical for everyday use

• 

  Quality crossover - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By markkal - January 15 - 7:40 pm

  Good crossover vehicle. Has plenty of room and great handleing for it"s size. Smooth power

• 

  A lot of flaws but incredible ride - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Eddie - January 15 - 6:33 am

  I actually own a E-250 van which they dont include here when choosing your model. The ride and comfort are second to none although the front passenger side has very little leg room. The front end on this van is awful and my mech has told me this is because of the frame that Ford refuses to change and has been the same since the stone age. I bought this as a new van with only 5 miles on it at purchase and have spent easily 5k on the front end, Ball joints, shimmers, tie rods and have gone through numerous tires because of the front ends problem. Most of my problems have been with the conversion company which is named Explorer. I have had a leak in the seal of the roof. Numerous sm, prob w/con

• 

  Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By xtremspike - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Well built vehicle. I purchased for my wife, had to get it loaded with options. Its the XLT has the 6 disc stereo, leather , moonroof, tow package and power everything. What more could you ask for, this SUV is not comparable to anything on the road. It has one of a kind looks and runs like a sportscar....200+ hp. Tires are gonna be expensive as they are 16s but after 1 yr of driving they are holding up well.

• 

  2004 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 - 2004 Ford Escape
  By AuntMyrt - January 15 - 2:00 am

  In the 3 months that i have driven my new Ford Escape i have beenn totally pleased with its preformance. It has handled like a dream in the snow and rain and i feel extremely comfortable driving it.

• 

  love it - 2004 Ford Escape
  By dalien - January 15 - 2:00 am

  i would buy another in a heart beat

• 

  Love this car. - 2004 Ford Focus
  By chunt777 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I was really sceptical about this car when qwe went to buy it. I thought it would be under powered and un comfortable. I am a big person over 6 tall and weight to go with it. To my suprise you could adjust the seat to fit even my size. My wife fell in love with it but i was still leary. After a couple of weeks and driving it myself,though I dont get to drive it veroften its "Her" car, my mind was tottaly changed. It is very peppy for a four banger and a blast to drive. Another huge plus is the stereo rocks. Over ll this car is awsome.