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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  favorable - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Brian D. Brown - September 17 - 6:16 am

  My Ford Five-Hundred Limited has a spacious interior and a very smooth ride. The command seating gives me the feeling of having an advantage over drivers who are seated closer to the ground in other cars. Im finding that my mileage is hovering around the low estimate of 19mpg in the city, but on the open road it gets well into the estimated 29mpg range. Curves are handled deftly and the interior "noise" is less than Ive experienced with other Fords. I feel there is great value in my car considering its relatively low price and so far Im quite pleased with it. Reverse sensors & front and side airbags increase my confidence regarding the safety of the vehicle.

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  It is easy being green! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mark - September 17 - 3:56 am

  This is a great little SUV! The hybrid system is awesome - having fun trying to see how many MPGs I can acheive!

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  oldie but goodie - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By rsaunt - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought in 97 with 37000miles. The dealer did a very poor job of prepping vehicle and a few days later the wipers were actually shredding during a heavy rain. Then about 3 months later the differential had to be replaced. According to my mechanic, the original leaser must have done a lot of beach driving because differential was rusted and full of sand. I blame that on the dealer (and me for not having mechanic check before purchase!). Since then it has been literally trouble-free... change oil every 3000miles, brakes when needed, and it just keeps going. Just reached 100000miles and am about to trade it in and get 2003 Explorer.

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  Justins No Boundaries Package - 2005 Ford Escape
  By No Boundaries - September 16 - 6:26 pm

  I personally am a very outdoors type guy. I like biking, kayaking, camping, hiking, climbing; you name it Ive done it. I purchased the No Boundaries Package for my Escape. I was debating between this and the Xterra. With everything that my wife and I do, and everything we bring with us, the Escape was a better choice. Not only that but it was more reasonably priced. Weve found that it has ample room for both her and I, and my newborn son. Weve been able to carry almost everything we take with us camping on the exterior rack. Including our bikes, and kayaks. We had a real rough night a while ago, and we folded the seats down and slept in the back of the Escape. It was comfortable.

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  Great Ride - 2002 Ford Excursion
  By Tkj99 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The X can handle anything. Its big and strong and fun to drive.

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  Focus on This - 2004 Ford Focus
  By LucyFocus - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Sporty, affordable, reliable car...nice economic car to drive and it is really inexpensive on gas. It is a cute car that is roomy inside, and hsa great curves outside.

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  Love It. - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Big-mo. - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a Limited,every option,and our families first mini van,(3rd child on the way),We absolutely love this vehicle,great on long trips,new styling is very attractive,4.2 liter v-6,very good power,best torque in class,#1 safety ratings,no regrets!

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  Even after 10 years, Still a GREAT car!! - 1995 Ford Mustang
  By JohneLayn - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Gt Conv brand new in 1994 and it has been my daily driver since. I have NEVER had any real problems with the car. Its fun to drive and it being the last year of the fabulous 5.0 engine, Ill never get rid of it. This is the best car Ive ever owned. I will never buy another import. Ive bought 4 other Fords since I got my stang and Ive never had a bad one yet.

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  Ford Ranger - 2001 Ford Ranger
  By aew - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I saw the first time after looking at ford f-150s and higher, but when I saw this little guy it jumped right out to me. I drove it...fell in love with it!

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  Good price for good car, SE - 2016 Ford Escape
  By DacDog - September 15 - 7:31 pm

  Pros: 2.0 Ecoboost engine has plenty of pickup. Drives great in rain. Good quiet ride for mid-size vehicle. Good styling and comfort. Plenty of options on SE model available, unlike competitors lower end models. Wife doesnt like FOBs and button start and wanted a key. This was the best option. Has door combination lock, also a requirement not available on lower models of competitors we visited. Nice Panoramic Sunroof Sync 3 works well with Android and iPhone Rear seat room adequate for average height person Cons: Not keeping up with times. No phone storage spot for driver except cup holders, thus losing a cup holder. Limited storage space throughout Glove box almost hits passenger seat. Not functional with seated passenger. Smaller interior than most like competitors