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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  Great Truck! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Cheeseflyer - April 19 - 2:00 am

  What I Love: Fun to drive, powerful, great in the snow, great payload for hauling cheese, rear seats fold down flat. What I Hate: I leave the lights on all the time - The truck "dings" for 30 seconds before turning off the lights - very annoying!, poor gas milage (17-18 in the city, 20-22 on the hwy, disapointing) Overall - I LOVE MY TRUCK!!

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  Not Bad - 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Big Willie - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought my sporttrac in June 2000 and like it more as the time goes by. Looks very sporty and still get accolades from acquaintances concering its style and functionality. I commute 100 miles daily and this vehicle can hang with the best of them. Im certiantly well represented driving my Sporttrac. I did have to put on a set of brake pads and turn the rotors at 55K miles. Visibility is poor when backing. Turning radius is rather large.

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  Excellent Value - 1993 Ford Probe
  By NJRoadster - April 19 - 12:38 am

  Great Car! Very reliable, never had any major issues with the car. The thing handles like it is on rails. It is very fun to drive and turns a lot of heads with its good looks and the Flowmasters purring. Exceptional handling in the rain with z rated Aquatread tires. Ample storage for going out and about. The car is capable of getting great gas mileage when needed. I would say this is the best car I have ever owned the car is very reliable, looks good, is very fun to drive, has a lot of pep and is easy to maintain.

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  Room for Everyone! - 2008 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By Sam - April 18 - 9:40 pm

  Our family bought this van after previously owning only mini-vans. It is nice to be able to fit friends and family in one vehicle when traveling to various school functions. It has been completely reliable and easy to drive--thanks to the rear sensors when backing up! Sound system is great and the comfort of rear heating and A/C keeps everyone happy. Fuel mileage runs about 12 mpg around town. It drives the same loaded to the gills as it does with one person.

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  Wonderful truck! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By queenfan - April 18 - 7:10 pm

  I have had my FEH for nearly 3 months now. I absolutely love it! I had a 2005 gas Escape but traded in when a job change made a big dent in my fuel economy. I love that I can still drive at highwa speeds and yet the engine just sips gas. Although it has been an adjustment to go from a V6 to a little 4 cylinder, but the electric motor kicks in when needed. Id highly recommend the FEH to anyone looking for a good sized, high ground clearance vehicle that gets great gas mileage. At 4000 miles Im averaging 34.5 MPG!

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  Great For Young Families - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By Elizabeth - April 17 - 9:06 am

  We looked everywhere for a car that got decent gas mileage and held lots of car seats. This is the only crossover or SUV on the market with the lower anchors in the third row. For that matter there are only 2 mini vans that have lower anchors in the third row. I love the safety features and the car is easy in and out. As far as the gas mileage, on highway trips its great, on many short little runs to the pool etc. not so great. We got this more for long trips with our little babies and our dog. Also the price, we got the SEL it came nicely equipped in a very affordable range. It allowed our young one income home to have a new car that would fit everone.

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  My favorite Ford - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By BT - April 17 - 6:19 am

  Previously owned a 1999 Ranger 4x4 Supercab,the 2005 is quieter, has more power for passing and merging on the interstate, and the 4 wheel ABS brakes have excellent stopping power without grabbing or being noisy.The color I got was Sonic blue very nice color.

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  Thunderbirds are great to drive - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By pat noon - April 17 - 12:39 am

  I bought my wife this car for our 35th wedding anniversary. We both really enjoy the ride and the style. It brings back a lot of memories about the 1950s T-birds. I really have had no problems with the car.

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  I Love my Ranger! - 2005 Ford Ranger
  By madmax - April 16 - 3:56 pm

  After owning a Volvo, BMW, Porsche, and Nissan, I was pleasantly surprised with the fit and finish, comfort and reliability of this Ford Truck. I cannot comment on their sedans which I have read extensively they are horrible. If your looking for a inexpensive and reliable pick up truck. Ford has it!

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  Thunderbird 2004 - Head turner - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Robert Snow - April 16 - 12:09 pm

  My Thunderbird will be a year old next month and I have really enjoyed this automobile. The top is easy to remove and comes with a storage rack that is also easy to move around and keep out of the way. I had been with MBs for the past 12 years, including an SLK, which was a complete nightmare. I find Fords quality and workmanship with this auto excellent. I wish they had offered a hybrid model, with gasoline reaching these high levels. However, as an owner, I love driving my TB around and about.