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:

• 

  2003 ST - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By TChapman - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This my second Sport Trac and I love this vehicle. It fits all of my needs with its bed and interior room. I have had no issues with it since purchased.

• 

  This Escape Rocks! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By FordReview - August 24 - 4:40 am

  My wife and I were looking at many SUVs in this size range - Rav4, Highlander, Mitsubishi Outlander, Escape, Jeep Liberty, etc. When we sat in this Escape XLT with leather interior and sunroof, it felt head and shoulders above all the rest. The ride is smooth. The V6 packs plenty of power while maintaining a fairly solid fuel economy (~25 mpg for our use) The exterior design just looks beautiful and makes you want to drive out to Yosemite National Park for a campout. The seats are comfortable. The interior is very roomy and the design is very nice/elegant for the lady while retaining enough of that rugged look for me. We have had the car now for one month and it rocks!

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2008 Ford Ranger
  By NV travlr - August 23 - 6:37 pm

  Fit, finish, and paint are great. Engine powerful, auto transmission flawless. Quiet ride (I had mine undercoated). Pulls pop-up trailer (2500 lbs)without effort. No rattles, wind noises, or other problems. Had Nissans in the past, but I love this Ranger.

• 

  Inside Needs Help, Rest Beautiful - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Willie - August 22 - 5:30 pm

  This is really a great automobile! If Ford would do a little domestic change on the inside it could stand up to anybodys car/SUV! Drive, turning radius, comfort, etc. is wonderful. It is fun to drive. I would highly recommend the car, but would tell Ford to fix the plastic inside. This is A WINNER with a few changes.

• 

  Awesome car - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By pmd - August 22 - 12:09 pm

  I have had this car for 8 years and its gone about 243,000. I have only had two minor repairs, an alternatior and a thermostat, less than $500. Anything else was normal, like tires, brake pads and oil changes. I thought I should sell it 2 years ago but kept it and am so glad I did. It just keeps on going. My locks dont respond properly and the drinkholder broke but the car moves with no problem and has not let me down.

• 

  So fun to drive! - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Whoa! - August 22 - 7:04 am

  My Mustang GT is so fun to drive! The interior is very comfortable and classy and the ambient lighting is just plain cool. I am most impressed by the driving experience. Such quick response and smooth ride. Absolutely a blast to drive!

• 

  My Escape Rocks! - 2007 Ford Escape
  By LOVEMYESCAPE - August 22 - 12:03 am

  Did plenty of research here and elsewhere before I ended up getting my Escape. Great vehicle! Do yourself a favor, get a K&N air filter, learn to feather the gas from stops and enjoy 23+ MPG in the city (with the V6 no less!) I get 26-28 Hwy. Use the cruise control, its your fuel efficient friend! The Escape can be as much of a gas hog as you want it to be. The Audiophile System is awesome and a great perk. One of the best things I love about the Escape though is its size. Its really nice to maneuver in tight spaces. I went from an F-150 to this so the maneuverability and double the MPG are greatly appreciated. My only real issue is theres no temp in the info center. Enjoy!

• 

  Fun, well made and economical - 2008 Ford Mustang
  By Dennis - August 21 - 6:08 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. It is well made and has much trunk space too. Most of all it is very economical for a 300hp V8. I am averaging 27 to 29 mpg at average speed of 62-65. If you want to burn the gas tromp on it and it will run and still get 22 to 23mpg. The manual works well, some mechanical noise from 1st to 2nd gear though. One rattle in the dash on right in right hand turns. Bought it $500 over cost and then deducted the Loyalty rebate of $2000 and the additional incentive of $2000 and it is practically a steal! MSRP was $31,430 and out the door for $25,330.

• 

  Ford Tough - 1993 Ford F-150
  By fordy - August 21 - 2:55 pm

  I bought the truck with 2000 miles on it, it has been very reliable. 351-v8, usual maintance stuff, brakes, water pump, starter, hoses belts, battery, changed tranny oil (auto) every 30000 and never had any problems, though have never really towed anything heavy for a long distance. Great simple reliable. I wish the new trucks were not so complicated to work on. Oil change every 3000 and still runs strong. Would I buy a new one, not till this one dies and hopefully not for a long time.

• 

  Tires Tires - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Teresa - August 21 - 9:27 am

  Good car overall, interior is roomy but cup holders far away and cups tip over. Have always felt the car pulled to the right, Im a women so the excuse I get its just the road. Steering is stiff to me. Pirelli tires not good, only 21,000 miles and already need replaced. Ford states tires have even wear but baldness not their problem.