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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  Better Than Any Truck On The Road - 2001 Ford F-150
  By Kyle - July 1 - 4:28 am

  I just turned 19, and my mom and dad bought me this truck 4 months ago after I flipped and totaled my 02 4-door Ranger Edge Plus. My mom has a 4.6, and I wasnt expecting my 5.4 to have that much more power. I was wrong. It is listed as having 260 HP, but I believe it has more. I have had some truck experts I know that say it pushes almost 300. The gas mileage is low, but considering the size of the engine, it is rather good. It gets much better mileage than my girlfriends Avalanche. The body style is great, interior is also very stylish (do not get the leather, as it tears easier), no need for 4WD (I didnt need it, and I get through mud holes fine), it is a great, comfortable ride.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Wendy - July 1 - 3:46 am

  We did a lot of research before spending the money, and cant say anything negative about the Escape. Feels good to drive a clean car. Comfortable ride, handles well. Plenty of room for one Great Dane in the back seat, plenty of leg room for people too. Feels substantial and solid. Looks gorgeous in black. High crash test ratings or wouldnt have purchased. Plenty of power when you need it. Didnt get the navigation system, so not positive what mileage has been. Nothing like the Explorer it replaced though, this sips gas. Seems to be almost silent at slow speeds, so be careful of pedestrians. A good match for our needs and I have been wholeheartedly recommending it.

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  The best one Ive driven! - 2006 Ford Mustang
  By Dexter Brown - June 30 - 6:36 pm

  Before I bought my 06 Mustang I was considering the 06 Chevy Cobalt SS, 06 Acura RSX, and the 06 Mazda RX-8 but I fell in love with the Mustang. The 210 hp v6 engine and the exhaust was the first thing I fell in love with. When I drive it I feel as if Im Batman in the Batmobile.

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  Enjoy it. - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By nina - June 29 - 6:37 pm

  This is a dream to drive. Just hate the fuel cost. I thought it would be too big for me, but it has been easy to maneuver.

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  Love my silver - 1996 Ford Thunderbird
  By LS - June 29 - 6:19 pm

  I LOVE THIS CAR. This is my second Tbird ... the first one was dark green and loaded. This one isnt loaded but comfort and power (v8) blows away most of my friends cars. Bought it as a used car 5 years ago (its a 96) and while reliability has been fantastic, its time to start thinking of trading my baby in. My check engine light has been on for 4 years. Funny - must be a design/electrical flaw. Also rolled my green one during an ice storm in MI (wont miss the real wheel drive in winter). Ah, fond memories. I think I cried when the last one rolled off the assembly line a few years ago. Now what am I supposed to do? :)

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  Escort great! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By fweenut - June 29 - 5:26 pm

  This has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. The mileage has always been great and I have not had any major repairs that werent covered by the warranty. Economical - Yes! Efficient - Yes! Would I buy it again? Yes!

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  Great car for the money! - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By E H King - June 29 - 5:13 pm

  My friend purchased this model a few months before me. I loved it so much, I went out and bought one. This has been the best car I have owned. For the money, its hard to beat. Quality, durability, and its fun! Total in almost 6 years of owning for all/any repairs: $350.00. Minor work done. Just now had to change brakes. Other than oil changes no up keep!

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  TBird - Best Performance Value - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By RobTBird - June 29 - 3:44 pm

  Have had great fun with the TBird. Everywhere I go people comment how nice it looks - from parking garage attendants to people walking on the street. Distinctive, rare look. Fast convertible top raising or lowering. High performance V-8, 390 HP, for low $30s. Cant beat the performance & price

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  Nearly Perfect Sport Truck - 2003 Ford F-150
  By Jim - June 29 - 6:50 am

  This truck can best be described as Fords rendition of a Corvette with a pickup bed. Eyeball-flattening acceleration, sports car handling, and the ability to carry a half ton of stuff in the back. My only two complaints are the lack of a manual transmission (although it does have the best automatic Ive experienced) and the gas mileage: 14 MPG on the mandatory premium fuel. Ouch! But thats the price you pay for this much fun and utility in one good-looking package.

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  Great year - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By chucklesva - June 29 - 1:00 am

  Excellent gas mileage. I have averaged 35 mpg since purchase. Very comfortable and quiet. Love the amount of stuff you can carry in it. It has been great.