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:

• 

  buy it! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ricohmon - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with the performance, ride, and quality of this vehicle. The cargo space is a huge plus against other SUVs in its class. The turning radius and handling are superb for an SUV. Adequate power and acceleration. Make sure you add the Sport Package for added comfort and design.

• 

  Excellent economical car! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By carbunny - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car if you want an inexpensive car and dont car much about extras. This was my first car. I have had it for 6 years, have 50,000 miles on it and nothing on it has EVER broken. It is a "bare minimum" car...no casette player, no cd player, no power windows, etc. But...if what you are looking for is low price and good performance this is the car.

• 

  Id Buy It Again - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Dan - September 11 - 10:43 pm

  I had a Subaru wagon and loved it. I would have bought another but the price was twice that of the Focus. This was the 1st American car I had bought in over 20 years and quality and dependability were concerns of mine. I will have the car 3 years in August and almost 40,000 miles now. There was one very minor flaw at the time of delivery, and only regular maintenance since. I am very happy with my Focus.

• 

  EXCELLENT VEHICLE - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By MAURICE - September 11 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT VEHICLE..COMFORTABLE, ROOMY AND AFFORDABLE

• 

  Second one we bought - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Barbieangel - September 11 - 2:00 am

  We love both our cars. People stopped us when we had our first one and when they first started coming out on the market and they loved the look and asked lots of questions. We save on gas, it handles well, plenty of room, can transport large objects in the back trunk area and you cant beat the price.

• 

  Macdaddy truck - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By dpichardo - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Diesel is a great engine. Very comfortable for family and pets for long & short trips. Handles very well for a truck of its size.

• 

  Great family ride - 2004 Ford Excursion
  By thecrazy8s - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Love my Excursion! were a tall family of 5, husband 63, wife 510 and three kids ages 10,10, & 13 who are all tall for their age. We frequently tow a jeep or sand rail and an occasional boat. Towing ability is great, plenty of leg room for long hauls (500 miles to get to the beach). Great for the winter driving, snow is no worry. Great hwy mpg (16-18) getting kids into town for school with the diesel. 4X4 does great driving in sand or to rocky trail heads. Like the firm ride- doesnt feel like a boat bobbing around like other lrg SUVs. Its big--but worth it if your a big family who travels & tows.

• 

  NICE LITTLE ESCAPEY - 2004 Ford Escape
  By EscapeADDICT - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This is justan awsome car to drive. In its class it is the best driving experience.

• 

  Practical 4X4 - 2003 Ford Ranger
  By Adirondack Color - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems at all with this vehicle since purchased, a comfortable 4X4 to drive on road (Expressway) or off. Great in snow without ballast in bed. Do get 22 mpg on expressway with cruise set at 69, 15 to 16 mpg around town and using 4 wheel drive. No problem recommending this vehicle to someone else. On main roads rides as well as my old Mercury Sable did but with a lot better visibility.

• 

  THIS IS AN AMERICAN CAR? - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Todster - September 10 - 7:36 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for a little over a week. I cant believe this is an American car! The craftsmanship, build quality and ride quality rival European sedans costing much, much more. The fuel economy for this class vehicle has no match. So far my Fusion is averaging 42.5 MPG based on mostly city stop-n-go driving. Much more car for the money than Toyota, Nissan or Honda. It is very exciting to see a product like this come from a US automaker. Ford has a winner in my opinion!