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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  Fast and Fun - 1999 Ford Mustang
  By Ixion - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Bang for the buck, you cant beat a Mustang when it comes to performance. Beautiful car, powerful, fun in the straights and the corners, and almost 100,000 miles without a major problem. Who says American cars are low quality?

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  the best - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By carracer568 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  thae best car i every wonted and got.

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  Fun on wheels - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Somebodyhere - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great little SUV...peppy and manuverable...a real kick to drive.

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  Side Crash - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Kansas City Mom - September 26 - 3:13 pm

  This month my fiance was driving my 2008 Escape and I was passenger when we were in a side impact collision. All of the airbags including the side curtain airbags (which are standard on 2008-2009 models) were deployed. We walked away bruised but we walked away. This vehicle drives like a car. I will recommend it to anyone. It is safe, reliable, and the only problem mine had was that the back glass liked to rattle a bit. But I love everything about it and Im out looking for a 2009 model now.

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  Fords Are The Best Ppl - 2004 Ford F-150
  By number1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome truck. This truck can pull my 4 horse trailer with 4 large horses in it with ease. The look is great and the inside is roomy and includes everything. I also love the 6 CD changer. And the seat warmers, theyre great! This is the truck for everyone and everything. Its great if youre just trying to look great and ride in style and its great for pulling anything you need. It always gets the job done. This is the perfect truck!

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  DEPENDABILITY AND COMFORT - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By RON/DEB - September 26 - 10:00 am

  WE JUST TRAILERED OUR MOTORCYCLE TO CONN FOR A 2 WEEK VAC AND WITHOUT A DOUBT,DRIVING IN OUR EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION WAS A BLAST.

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  Ford Escape good buy. - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Johndoe30 - September 26 - 2:00 am

  For the price and gas mileage, it is the best buy. I spent a year searching and researching SUVs.

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  Love My Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By bjolester - September 26 - 2:00 am

  The Escape is fun to drive, very responsive, powerful and comfortable. Would recommend the vehicle to anyone.

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  great vehicle - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By isis - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable on long trips. Tows very well. 20mpg on the road 12mpg in city. Drives very well, almost as much fun as our mustang. Power to pass even when climbing on a mountain road. Easy to get in and out of third seat.

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  A Great First Car - 2001 Ford Escort
  By ZX2 Fanatic - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Great for a first car, I love to drive my ZX2. It handles fairly well for a smaller car has plenty of pep for its size and four cylinder engine. It may not be the fastest but for a first car its great. Mine is fully loaded and that makes it all the better. However it is not without flaws as the interior is noisy and the extior build slightly shows the low cost of the vehicle. Over all I love My ZX2 It being my first car I would not have bough any other Sport Compact in its place. As one of my favorite things is dusting some one in thier "suped up" honda with a stock Ford.