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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  AWESOME - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Happy Happy - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this Van to haul the family around and couldnt be happier about the purchase. Lots of room for kids and luggage. Never had any issues with engine or doors. Great with the gas mileage, handles well in ALL conditions. Use the Windstar for daily commutes as well as long trips and it does both well, feels like Im sitting in my chair in the family room its so comfortable.

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  Loving my "Great Escape" - 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By TybeeNorthBeachGal - August 19 - 8:33 pm

  Im a brand new (proud) owner and so far am wowed by the car. I love driving and being up where I can see everything around me. I am thrilled with all the great toys from the sound system to Sync with hands free navigation and phone. I thought I would be overwhelmed by the technology but everything is easy to operate and intuitive. I am especially pleased with the gas mileage after "swapping" my inefficient German all-wheel drive for an American hybrid. The car is everything I hoped for and more.

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  This is number 2 - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Fred - August 19 - 2:53 pm

  My wife loves this vehicle. Drives and rides nice. Economy 27 to 30 at all times. We live in the rural area with hills and various conditions. It has no lack of power. This is the second one that we have had. The 4 wheel drive is great, even on ice and snow covered roads. The 1st Escape we put 7500 miles on with no dealer service. It only had an oil service at 7000 miles. The present one has 1500 miles with no squawks. We upgraded to the 2006 because of the heated seats and sunroof. There is no difference between a 2005 and a 2006, only the option list. They both drive and handle the same.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By Carguy44 - August 19 - 5:13 am

  We recently bought this car and have put on our 1st 1000 miles. Averaging 27 MPG, really comfortable. High seating, sturdy Volvo chassis, comfortable ride, tight steering radius, huge interior space and good looks make it a worthy buy. Dont pay sticker price! We bought the SE base model for $19k (sticker is like $22,400) by taking an Internet offer in hand from another dealership to them. Performance is better than expected. 6 cylinder automatic transmission does a decent job of finding the right gear and getting you moving. Not a sports car, and it can lag getting onto highways or off the line, but it has everything you need when passing and regular driving.

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  2002 Focus SE - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Octoborn - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with this vehicle and am pleased with its performance. It has an excellent sound system, and an appealing interior design.

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  Enthusiastic about the Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By upstategodess - August 19 - 2:00 am

  have researched and test driven most suv in this class. started out looking at the explorer decided it was too much for me, took the escape for a test drive and fell in love.

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  1992 Ranger 4x4 STX Ext. cab. SB - 1992 Ford Ranger
  By rubyshaun - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I got this truck, and have loved every moment Ive spent in it, Im 18, and I go four wheeling, and I wheel hard. This truck has held sturdy, with no modifications (No lift, stock tires, etc), and it comes off the dirt, onto concrete wonderfully. My only vauge complaint would be gas mileage, but for a 4.0 V-6, it does wonderfully, especially if you take off the tailgate, an easy removal. My only warning bout this truck is it seems that the paint flakes off alot. Buy this if you want a sturdy small work truck...Not if you want a pretty truck.

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  Fordz Awesome - 1990 Ford F-150
  By HurleyXP - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck in sept of last year. I love this truck she had 120,000 miles on her when i bought her and ive put about 30,000 on her. She can climb mountains and she can offroad. I have had so much fun in her. She is also one of the most reliable trucks that I have ever owned. I have only had to replace the alternator in the time that I have had her. She starts every morning and takes me to work. I love my ford!!!

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  I LOVE IT!! - 2004 Ford F-150
  By blhjr - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had a smile on my face every day since pulling out of the dealership. Ive owned a lot of vehicles in my time and this is amongst the best.

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  A cheap rack for the removable top. - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By Vahan Ishkhanian - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car... beatifull styling. Most dealer personnel are very little help, as they collectively know very little about this car. The rack for the removable hard top is a joke. I have gone through two. One the dealer could not make it work the second would not work for me. I have had the car almost half a year and have not removed the top due to this problem.