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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  Fun to drive - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By PCSC - April 10 - 2:00 am

  After driving a full sized pickup for years, the Edge is a lot more fun to drive! Fuel MPG with the 3.0 litre 6 is OK, but could be better. Im averaging around 18 in the city.....20- 22 on the highway. Nice tight handling, in a sharp looking little truck! At times I find the 6 foot bed limiting. Modest towing capacity is another shortcoming.

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  Great Car/Cosmetic Problems - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mr. Brown - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Eddie Bauer Explorer for 1 year now. Overall, I like it b/c I was driving a little girly car. I Like the look, power, the computer, stereo system, cd changer, space, all bells and whistle options. Dislikes are constant rattling and engine noise. Its a rather rough ride, but what do you expect from an SUV/Truck.

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  great car to own - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Pjames - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for those who are considering a vehicle that offers allot of what camry and accord offer. IT has plenty of room, features and looks classy. you can get an SEL W/leather power seats, Woodgrain, Reverse sensing and a 6-disc CD changer w/ keyless entry for under $26,000.I like it

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  Retro Here We Come - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By cupkakes - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my Mustang GT! The retro look is awsome! Even the interior is retro and make you really feel like you are in the 1960s This is my favorite Mustang since the 1971 Mark series. I was to young to buy one of those but I really liked that body style.

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  Can you say - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Betchacantride - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with nearly every option I wanted (pwr everything, sunroof, roof rack, nerf bars, keyless entry, 4WD, leather, etc). I purchased it 2 years old with about 56k on it - which is a lot for two years, but not much overall. Needless to say, due to mileage the warranty had expired, but I remember Fords as being fairly reliable - not the case with this 2000 Model. I have had the fuel system fail on my among other things. I should have bought a Chevy Tahoe.....

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  1st American Car in 25 years and Im Happy - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By GuitarGuy - March 29 - 12:26 pm

  Ive had the Escape for 2 weeks and its performing as advertised. I got over 30mpg on the first tank of gas, and that will improve. The 15 minute MPG gauge has shown as high as 37mpg. If I were to complain about performance it would be the body roll when cornering, but this is a SUV with a high center of gravity and a little body roll is to be expected. The GPS/radio is disappointing. Small screen, and the CD changer is under the seat. Sound quality is average, and no iPod connection. It does otherwise work properly. If GPS/radio is important to you, might wait to see the 2008 upgrade. It wasnt a deal-breaker for me, but Ford could do better. Improve this and its a 10.

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  A great Car - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By Ron - March 28 - 8:13 am

  Great mileage, plenty of room and really a pleasure to drive. On a long highway trip I got about 25 MPG. The CVT transmission is amazing, almost feels like you are driving an electric car.

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  47 MPG maybe not a lie but sure aint true - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By john1932 - March 26 - 12:22 am

  If you can get anything over 30 MPG in town you can not drive over 25 and need to coast to stops. On the highway 35 MPG is what you get. Back seat leg room not there, trunk small even considering battery pack. Driver side window molding coming off so I am gluing it on. Am I disappointed of course but everything above I can live with except the total deception Ford has put out on the MPG one might expect.

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  great car - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By gpdorward - March 25 - 10:00 am

  so far an excellent machine

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  Quick commuter car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Calitocra - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After test driving several other econo- boxes I was feeling very uninspired. I was looking for resonable economy but fun-to-drive factor, too. After taking the Focus SVT 5-door for a test drive I was sold. Great handling and brakes, interior upgrade is far above typical econo-box fare, spirited engine response (at higher rpm). This car is great fun to drive, is smooth on the highway and is amazingly quiet at highway cruising speed. The SVT team did a great job on the suspension. Its firm, but not harsh, nimble, with little lean in the corners. So far, Im very happy with this car.