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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  Fast Stang - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By CAG - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, lots of fun. Handles well in extreme weather conditions, i.e. wind and rain. Reliable product.

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  ST #2 - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Pjnmary - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Our 2004 Sport Trac is the second we have owned and we love it as much as the first (2001). Big enough for 5 people yet small enough to get into tight places, this truck/suv combo has it all. Available with the luxury of (heated) leather seats, Pioneer sound system, in dash 6 cd changer and sun roof (all of which ours has) and so much more! I originally traded my first ST in for an Expedition. That only lasted about 9 months. Had to have another Sport Trac! Cute, sassy, economical and just plain fun!

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  We are very Satisfied!! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By mtroop - September 20 - 2:00 am

  When purchasing this vehicles we where looking for to important features: space and towing ablility. We want to be able to have a vehicle with people space and cargo space. We tow a 27 foot travel trailer and need power. Both of these goal have been reach and we love our Excursion!

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  love the truck - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By linda camus - September 20 - 2:00 am

  best truck i have owned

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  Better than expected! - 2007 Ford Edge
  By RJB - September 18 - 1:43 pm

  I, as many others, was very skeptical about Fords first real crossover. (Freestyle doesnt really count). I test drove it as well as the GMC Acadia. What it came down to for me was the lease deal. Ford is pushing the Edge pretty hard and the lease interest rate I got was .75%. That pretty much sealed the deal for me. But once I started driving it I was totally blown away. First off, the drive is super smooth and quiet. Its quick and relatively agile. Bottom line... FUN! The interior has some minor lower quality plastics, but the overall quality is very good. The leather seats are very high quality and look and feel terrific. Overall this CUV seems to be a home run!

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  BLONDIE - 2002 Ford Escape
  By shoessel - September 18 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle rides smooth, like the interior and exterior design, great fuel economy, like the sound system

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  The great Escape - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By tmk - September 18 - 6:56 am

  As owner of a previous v6 Escape i must say there is a big improvement over the old. Love the CVT tranny; it is so smooth and quiet. Ford has done a lot to improve overall quality of the Escape even through I love my v6 and have no problems with it. One thing that most reviewers dont mention is the lack of brake dust on the wheels. This was a constant problem with the v6. And as for gas mileage, this the reason you would buy this vehicle especially if you are in stop in go traffic -- its great for an suv.

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  My second Vegas trip - 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Tim Monaghan - September 18 - 3:33 am

  Just completed our second Las Vegas trip in our Sport Trac from Victoria Canada. Great room, great comfort, even at Laughlins 120 degrees! We have towed a smaller 16-foot travel trailer throughout the western U.S. and Canada over 14,000 foot mountain passes without a hiccup. We love it.

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  My Baby Monster - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Kathy Dunn - September 18 - 12:30 am

  Having been in a bad car accident in 1995, I wanted another SUV that was BIG and SAFE. My husband was in the mood for a pick-up truck and, to my sadness, traded in my Explorer for a Chevy S-10 pick-up. After a year of me badgering my husband about trading in my Explorer that we got interest-free, he FINALLY broke down and took me to another dealer and I saw the "car of my dreams" -- an Explorer Sport-Trac. Since we need a truck bed where we live and have to bring our trash to a dumpster, the Sport-Trac solved all my problems. It gave me back my Explorer as well as giving me a truck bed in the back. I love my Explorer. It handles real good in snow. Most importantly, I feel SAFE!

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  Luxury/Performance in a Small Package - 2012 Ford Focus
  By cpogordon - September 17 - 9:25 pm

  Finally a small car with excellent gas mileage that has both style and a quality interior. The 6-speed automatic manual transmission has been smooth and flawless and I especially like the Sport mode. The My Ford Touch (MFT) has also performed without error for me. The soft touch material, upscale materials in the Titanium, excellent supportive leather seating, along with driving performance have made the Ford Focus Titanium an successful alternative to pricier semi-luxury vehicles along with improved gas mileage. The hatch, while 7 inches shorter than the Sedan, provides the same interior room and much more versatility when it comes to storage space. I found everything I wanted option wise without having to give up gas mileage to get it and at a substantially lower price. I was initially worried that this car wouldnÂ’t have enough power, but IÂ’ve found the performance of the 160 horsepower engine to me more than adequate when it comes to power. IÂ’m very pleased with my purchase.