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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  Bells and whistles made this girl happy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Lindsay - September 4 - 6:43 am

  I am very glad I chose this car. I am a bells an whistles girl, and this car has it all. From the sync to the ambient lights to the moonroof, this is an awesome ride. Handles very nice on the icy Alaskan roads. I bought this car in January, and the gas mileage was a tad dissapointing in the cold temperatures (-40, about 18 mpg) but it has improved sice we warmed up to 40 above.

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  It keeps getting better - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Bob Mac - September 3 - 10:07 pm

  This is my 2nd Eddie Bauer and I am amazed at the improvements. I am a realtor and purchased the ventilated seats as a client convenience. One of the best investments in comfort I have ever made. The gas mileage is great for a vehicle this size and the turning radius and performance are much better than in the older model. I wanted the buy a Tahoe but after a test drive in both I was unable to consider anything but this Ford. I also looked at a few of the imports but found them to be overpriced and under featured. I have been involved in 2 minor accidents (not my fault) since the purchase and my damage was almost undetectable but you should have seen the other guy. I feel safe and secure!

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  Love, love, love it! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By JMS - September 3 - 8:56 pm

  This is my 2nd Escape. I have an 02 that was bought new also. I love the new features. I knew I wanted another Escape when we started thinking about getting a new vehicle. It is the perfect size for us! I am 52" and my husband is 6 & it fits us both. My daughter had outgrown her booster seat and the upgraded safety features such as rear shoulder strap on the center back seatbelt, side airbags, and the sensor that turns the front passenger airbag off if the passenger doesnt weigh enough on this model that were not on the 02 make it safer for her now that she doesnt have a carseat. I love the way it drives, so much smoother than the 02. There are too many improvements to mention them all.

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  Excellent cross-over - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By wklee88 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving a minivan for years and recently switched to a Freestyle. I was amazed to see the interior space. My sister who is 25 years old can sit in the 3rd row very comfortably. Performance is also great. I dont know why 3.0 engine is complained by people. I didnt feel any short of power not to mention acceleration. Its a wonderful car. I love it.

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  Best Car On Earth - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By JDAMND - September 3 - 10:00 am

  1 Word sums up this vehicle: EXCELLENT!

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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Pauld75 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this car as soon as I saw it I fell in love with I get great gas mileage I love the way the car handels on rough road.

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  jglynn - 2004 Ford F-150
  By jglynn - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This the most fun truck I have ever drove . Lots of room and style .As Ford would say It ford tough . This the best F150 built to date . It has a real smoth ride . I pull a camper and some I forget it behind me until I llok back and see it . Buy one today you wiil be glad .

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  Consider The Focus vs, Civic and Corolla - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Alan - September 3 - 6:33 am

  I traded for my Focus 4 weeks ago. I test drove both the Focus and a used Corolla. The SE Focus had a more modern interior and with the Sync System beat the Toyota S-Type hands down. The Focus lacked the accelleration of the Toyota, but the new Focus with sunroof, spoiler, Sirius and Sync was $2K less. I took the Focus on a 1600 mile business trip and am only more pleased. I am a conservative driver, but I still maintian 65 to 70 MPH highway speeds. My average fuel econony for the trip was 36 MPG even burning 10% ethanol for half the trip. Commuting nets >32MPG. Trunk space was ample and you have the option of dropping the rear seats if needed. Looks are fine. In summary, I love my Focus!

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  I love it! - 2001 Ford Taurus
  By knukscrim - September 2 - 12:50 pm

  This is the "boring" refined auto I have been waiting for. I love having a car that just performs well and does not demand that I coddle it! The 24 valve engine is smooth but peppy, and the mileage is not bad either.

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  My rear wheel drive BOX - 1993 Ford Aerostar
  By Audwin Ross - September 1 - 10:51 pm

  Great van to own and drive around the place. Very comfortable to sit in the drivers seat. Only problem is with the ignition switch that has problems with the ears where you have to line it up just right to get the key in to start the vehicle. 3.0 engine has an excellent track record, which makes this a much better and reliable van than the sorry 3.8 liter V6 that Ford put out for the Windstar. That Windstar was a failure and disgrace to the FORD name. Ford should bring Aerostar back with a few improvements. The best thing about it is: you guessed it "REAR WHEEL DRIVE" -- that is music to the ears of mechanics and people like me that are not big fans of front wheel drive! GREAT VEHICLE!