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:

• 

  Excellent - 2005 Ford GT
  By Zimp - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car to drive. I love the fact that ib beat a Ferrari.

• 

  FORD TOUGH - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By ChaplainMartinez - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is beyond words to express what an outstanding SUV it is, This is iur fourth one, Ford Motor Company keep on making them, they are number one in all areas. EXCELLENT@@@

• 

  " The Best Minivan! - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Peter Leech - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 3rd Lexus LS400 for this Freestar & enjoy driving it every bit as much!! A few years ago I owned my own Mercedes Dealership for a number of years & I do know & "Love Cars & Driving"! I consider this Freestar a FIRST CLASS VEHICLE. Contact me for any other details!

• 

  Worth every penny! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By burs757 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  i test drove almost every "hot hatch" avaliable at the time, and none could compete with the overall package Ford has put together, i have had this vehicle for almost a year and have no major complaints with anything. there have been a few trips to the dealership to work out PCM (computer) issues, but these were offset by the driving pleasure this vehicle serves up with every trip!! if you are in the market, i would definatly recomend snatching one of these up before they are no more. and spend the extra $$ and go with the Euro appearance package, the Recaro seats alone are worth the price!!

• 

  Simple but pure truck... - 2003 Ford F-150
  By JMA - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, head turning, responsive, extremely reliable, muscular build and all at an inexpensive price. I added a low profile LeBra tonneau bed cover which made it look even sharper and improved gas mileage. This is my 5th new F150. I actually like it better than the 99 extended cab XLT short box that I traded in on this one. JUST PURE FUN!!

• 

  2000 4WD xlt - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By MAlexander - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this red Explorer

• 

  good machine - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By machz - October 25 - 10:00 am

  good machine good performance better then the corvette race one

• 

  Great Truck - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Chilly Willy - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Ranger in the last 14 years. They are a great truck for the price. I have had the 2.3, 2.9, and now the 4.0L engines. The 4.0L is by far the most powerful. I love the looks of the truck, both inside and out. I only have 885 miles on it, but if the reliability is anything like the last two, I will be happy. Be sure you you get the 4.0L. Keep an eye on the speedometer, because this truck will fly down the road.

• 

  I love my ESCAPE!!! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Fernando, Canada - October 25 - 7:23 am

  I purchased my ESCAPE in 08/2008 and I simply love this vehicle. For a V6, fuel economy is great. I have the FWD version and it is great in the snow. So far the only issue Ive noticed is that sometimes the temperature indicator switches C to F, but you can correct it manually, no big deal.

• 

  Great Purchase - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jkirish50 - October 25 - 2:06 am

  I loved the new body style of the Escapes. They look like a mini-explorer, with a greater fuel economy. Ride is nice and interior is well built. The look is much tougher than the previous body. I drive a lot of highway miles and I am averaging 23 mpg with the 4 cylinder 4x4. I believe it is rated just higher than that (25-26). Debated about the 6 cylinder 4x2, but happy with my choice.